MAZE RUNNER : THE DEATH CURE - A fitting finale !

MAZE RUNNER : THE DEATH CURE

The first film showed the young adults in a giant labyrinth filled with monsters. The second one brought them to a desert wasteland. This time the kids are forced to enter the Last City to save their friends. In the third and final installment of the Maze Runner series, our young heroes are faced with more challenges that will determine their fate.

The movie opens with a death-defying train sequence that is comparable to some of the biggest action movies of late. Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his friends are out to save Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and other kids on their way to the WCKD headquarters. Several gunshots ensued before the kids were rescued. But alas, Minho was not among them. Thomas & company regroup to plan on how to save Minho.

Dylan O'Brien, who first gained fame on MTV's TEENWOLF, continues to prove that he is leading-man material. He suffered a major accident while doing a stunt which halted production for almost a year. Too much time was focused on saving Minho but the actor wasn't given much to do but kick and run. For fans of Thomas Brodie-Sangster, something awful happened to his character Newt. I will leave it to the audience to find out when they see the movie.

The girls however, got meatier roles. Kaya Scodelario's Teresa, somehow redeemed herself on why she had to turn her back on her friends. Rosa Salazar as Brenda showed she's a bad-ass warrior especially in that bus chase scene.

This could be the biggest film in the series. With so many spectacular action pieces, and the most explosives yet. Director Wes Ball is back for the third time. Based on the best-selling YA novels by James Dashner. Distributed by 20th Century Fox. Rated PG-13.

FATHER FIGURES - A comedy with a heart !

FATHER FIGURES

Fraternal twins Kyle and Peter have always been at odds with each other. At the recent wedding of their mom (Glenn Close), the twins realized that their father, who they thought was long dead, is not who their mom claimed to be.  Their mom confessed that she had been lying all these years, and she's been with many men back in the disco era (70s). And so began a long road trip in search of the twins' real dad. It was a bonding adventure that would make the twins know & appreciate each other better; aside from finding out who their real father is.

At first I thought it was just another comedy which stars Owen Wilson and Ed Helms. I was pleasantly surprised to find it funny and endearing. Wilson and Helms have great chemistry, even though they don't really look like brothers. Wilson have always been this rugged-looking funny guy, while Helms is the nerdy, over- critical dude. Glenn Close who plays their "wild" mom is perfect for her role.

Most of the critics hated the movie, but I find it a real treat ! It's a "gem" of a movie that should be seen by everyone who's been having family issues. There are plenty of twists & turns until the mom finally reveals the truth about the actual father. Not all jokes worked though, especially that peeing scene between Kyle and a boy. But there are plenty to laugh about. Co-starring Terry Bradshaw, Ving Rhames, J.K. Simmons, Katt Williams,  and Christopher Walken. Directed by Lawrence Sher who was a cinematographer in the HANGOVER movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated R.