The Maze Runner

Better than the Book?

Premise

Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

Director:

Wes Ball

Writer:

James Dashner

Stars:

Dylan 'O Brian, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, Patricia Clarkson

Summarised Review

This movie is an incredibly well-executed, captivating version of the novel. It brings the wildest figments of one's imagination to life, creating a surreal, cinematic experience. The quality of the plot does not waver, as is evident through the build up to a not-at-all-anti-climactic conclusion. One might even say that Wes Bell did an even better job than Dashner himself.

Themes explored: mind control, artificial intelligence, survival, loss, the race against time.

How it was watched: Flat Screen Tv, Sky
Platform:             Pros- Easy to rewind/fast-forward & resume playback
                                     - Brightness & Volume, easily adjusted for different scenes

                   Cons-Some scenes were much louder than others, so the volume has to be                                   adjusted accordingly.

Inception

The Only Film That Does 'Waking From a Dream At the End' Extraordinarily Well.

Premise

A thief, who steals corporate secrets through use of dream-sharing technology, is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a CEO.

Director:

  Christopher Nolan

Writer:

  Christopher Nolan

Stars:

  Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page

Summarised Review

A meticulously planned, seamlessly filmed, in depth-depiction of the dangers that one may come to face when toying with the subconscious mind. The incredible visuals in this piece of artistry highlight the intention behind every cinematic detail of the storyline to a magnificent extent. The main character, Cobb has an internal battle to fight as a result of his turbulent past, giving him an intriguing, more personal extra layer. The circular structure is formed via impressive connections made between very specific elements within the film, suggesting that an incredibly mathematical/logical mind was behind the creation of this ingenious piece of cinema. This is more than just a lucid dream. It's the future.

Themes explored: transience, mind control & reverse psychology, the conscious & sub-conscious mind, love, loss, illusions & projections, humans vs. technology.

How it was watched: Streamed, Amazon Prime Video
Platform: Tablet- Pros- Easy to rewind/fast-forward & resume playback
                                     - Brightness & Volume, easily adjusted for different scenes
                           -Cons- Relatively small screen- a larger screen, e.g, a flat-screen TV/cinema screen                                          may have been more suitable for the full cinematic experience.
                                     - Ear-/headphones provide better sound quality than the speakers for the                                                  purpose of the film.