THE MAZE RUNNER opens this weekend, from first time feature director Wes Ball (if you’ve never seen his short film called RUIN, go look it up right now). The movie is an adaptation of the popular book series by James Dasher, and it’s safe to say 20th Century Fox is hoping this could spawn a new young adult film franchise in the vein of something like THE HUNGER GAMES. I usually go to these types of movies with the understanding that I am by no means the target audience, so if I like the end result even a little they’re probably doing something right. I can honestly say I liked this one a lot, to the point of it reminding me of movies from my childhood like the Indiana Jones franchise or perhaps even something like THE GOONIES, only much more serious in tone than the latter. The concept finds several young men trapped in a jungle setting, surrounded by tall walls that host an ever-changing maze. Some of the bolder boys run through the maze, but even that is perilous as deadly creatures inhabit it. Once a month a new boy is sent up an elevator from far beneath the ground, with no memory of who they once were, only eventually remembering their name as time allows. Dylan O’Brien (of TEEN WOLF fame) plays the newest subject, who must adapt to this frightening new lifestyle, and hope to get along with the others. Will Poulter plays one of the tougher boys, quick to judge and not so eager to trust. One day, off the normal schedule, the elevator comes up carrying a girl, played by Kaya Scodelario. She has a note for the others, which identifies her as “The last one.” It’s an interesting tale of survival and integration, and it’s quite an entertaining experience. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dylan O’Brien, Will Poulter and Kaya Scodelario during the recent Dallas press stop. Check out our interview below, which begins with some unexpected Kevin Hart impressions (I happened to be wearing a Kevin Hart t-shirt that day). My sincere thanks to Rachel Parker for editing this.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
