The Maze Runner, the latest dystopian young-adult adaptation hits theaters this weekend on the back of a clever viral marketing campaign that should see it come out on top at the box-office. It follows the story of Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) who wakes up trapped in a huge maze with a group of other boys.

The Maze RunnerDylan O'Brien in 'The Maze Runner'

Thomas has no memory out of the outside world and must try and navigate himself out of the labyrinth while fitting into the maze's own society.  

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"A well-acted and intelligent thriller/futuristic sci-fi romp," said Bill Zwecker of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Sure, "The Maze Runner" unravels a few mysteries, but it spins even more. Thomas, as it happens, isn't the only one dying of curiosity here. As the closing credits roll, you likely will be, too," said Michael O'Sullivan of the Washington Post.

"With some good acting performances, some very horror-movie sensibilities, a good mystery and a solid dystopian aesthetic, The Maze Runner trilogy is off to a great start," wrote Tim Martain of the Mercury.

The Maze RunnerThe Maze Runner has scored good reviews from critics

Martain is right. This Maze Runner appears to be following a similar critical trajectory as the first Hunger Games movie. It was a decent movie, well-acted. It didn't show its full hand and developed the franchise thereafter. Production is about to begin on the second Maze Runner movie, The Scorch Trials, which will almost certainly trump the first, critically and commercially.

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Elsewhere this weekend, Liam Neeson provides the lightweight thriller option with A Walk Among Tombstones while fans of indie-comedy should check out Jason Bateman's This Is Where I Leave You. Horror aficionados could do worse than seeing Kevin Smith's Tusk, while Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem is the sci-fi pick of the week. So a decent spread this week though no heavyweight hits as Hollywood prepares its fall offerings. 

Watch the Maze Runner trailer: