The second film in the Maze Runner trilogy accumulated $30.32 million this past weekend after its release on Friday, September 18, 2015. The action/adventure/thriller, based on the novel by James Dashner, follows Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) among the survivors of the Glade (Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee etc.) after escaping the maze, as they continue to uncover the truth about what happened to their world, face humanoid creatures, meet new friends and allies, and find WCKD, an antagonizing organization, at every turn.

All in all the production value, filmography, editing, and especially the visual effects were spectacular. However, the story itself was a little difficult to understand. The film was trying so hard to keep the truth from the characters that the audience didn’t have enough information to bring depth to the story.

The movie opens on a sound-damped scene of a snowy night with hundreds of people pushing and yelling at a metal gate guarded by men with gas masks and barking dogs; clearly a protested quarantine of sorts. The first act introduced some insight into some lost memories and the beginnings of the the rebellion that led to the world’s current state and wasted no time in confirming the underlying suspicion of their “rescuers.” Perspectives from other rebel groups were also introduced throughout the film, but even they failed to add another side to the evil persona tediously maintained through the majority of the movie.

The film score, although seemingly “epic hero” generic, did a great job of carrying the movie forward through each transitioning tone whether it was contemporary or grand, with dramatic drums, blaring horns, and strings that gracefully flowed and twisted. Moments of danger were captured with “shakey-cam” style and moved to smooth filming to truly bring out the wild nature and transitioning tones. The emotion of Thomas and Theresa’s struggles with being a hero and leader, and dealing with their lost were really felt when they’re faces were focused on in certain scenes. It is as if their faces were aging and maturing physically as they go face the next steps in their journey.

There was a particular scene where Thomas and another WCKD rebel were drugged and led into a party where the costumes were raggedy, gypsy and Victorian but contemporary at the same time. The music and “trippy” camera style and editing portrayed a kind of gatsby-esque scene. It was wild, and tries to seem glamorous but is kind of sick and twisted at the same time. The CGI building and cranks were really realistic and added to post apocalyptic vision throughout the movie.

Although my perception of the story is limited by the fact that I have not read the books, movies aren’t supposed to adhere to prior knowledge other than previous installments of the series. The base of the story lies with the fact that all of these kids have been taken, tested and many have died for the health of mankind. The Gladers were left without any recollection of life before the Glade and this feeling of confusion was felt by the audience. As the characters struggled to figure out who is evil and who is on their side, what happened to the world, so did the audience and this held the story back a little bit. Hopefully the next installment will tie the giant rope of loose ends left behind by this movie gracefully and weave it into truly enticing story.