All work and no play makes Drac a dull vamp, so it's time for A Monster Vacation in Hotel Transylvania 3

The Outpost blog lately has been serving up articles on sequel movies so this week continues the trend as the third outing of the Hotel Transylvania animated movies flows into cinemas nationwide with the title A Monster Vacation.

For readers needing a recap, the first Hotel Transylvania was released in 2012 by Sony Pictures Animation. Pretty much an original production unknown to the world at its time, the premise of this kids movie is that classic monsters like vampires, werewolves, mummies and the Frankenstein creature exist, but instead are the ones living in fear of humans who has prosecuted them for centuries. So as a safe-haven for monsters, vampire Count Dracula, or Drac for short (voiced by renown comedian Adam Sandler) has built a 5-star hotel as a safe-haven for monsters and to raise his daughter Mavis (voiced by Selena Gomez).

All's going well at Hotel Transylvania until a hapless young American tourist named Jonathan (Adam Samberg) strolls in nonchalantly. In order not to panic his monster guests over a "fearsome" human, Drac disguises Johnny as a Frankenstein-type monster to partake in Mavis' 118th Birthday Party. Well "Johnnystein" and Mavis expectedly “zing” and after some drama involving Drac's disapproval and human-monster relations, the duo come together romantically and all's happy again in Hotel Transylvania.

Breaking boundaries between humans and monsters are lovey dovey couple Mavis (Selena Gomez) and Johnny (Adam Samberg)

The movie proves a hit at the box-office which Sony execs deem suitable for a sequel, hence Hotel Transylvania 2 was released in 2012. In the animated world, seven years have passed where humans now know and tolerate the existence of monsters. Mavis and Johnny are married and have a  five year-old child named Dennis (Asher Blinkoff). Grandfather Drac is greatly concerned that Dennis has no vampiric powers and may have to live out his life as a human far away in California. Much of the movie premise then revolves around associated familial issues complicated further by the introduction of Drac's father Vlad (Mel Brooks) who is rather intolerant of humans. Since all kids animated movies end on a happy note, Dennis does eventually manifest some vampire abilities and therefore safe to remain in Transylvania to grow up with his monster family.

A Monster Vacation sets sail in cinemas now..

Now in Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation, Mavis surprises Drac with a family voyage on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship so he can take a vacation from providing everyone else's vacation at the hotel. The rest of Drac's Pack cannot resist going along. But once they leave port, romance arises when Dracula meets the mysterious ship Captain, Ericka. Now it's Mavis' turn to play the overprotective parent, keeping her dad and Ericka apart. Little do they know that his "too good to be true" love interest is actually a descendant of Abraham Van Helsing, ancient nemesis to Dracula and all other monsters.

#HOTELT3
New Adventures? ✅ New Monsters? ✅ New Trailer for #HotelT3? ✅ ?
Posted by Sony Pictures on Wednesday, 21 March 2018

The monsters dress down for the holidays!

Director Genndy Tartakovsky takes the reins again for the third time and reunites with the voice cast from previous movies. Together with the vamp family Drac, Mavis, Johnny, Dennis and Drac, the all too friendly monsters are back for the ride: “Frank”-enstein (Kevin James), Murray the Mummy (Keegan-Michael Key), Wayne the Werewolf (Steve Buscemi), Eunice (Fran Descher), etc. An assortment of new characters will also be introduced such as the infamous Van Helsing monster hunters.

Lonely Drac (Adam Sandler) sees potential romance with ship's Captain Erika (Kathryn Hahn)

Apparently as part of their monster cruise, some of the monsters stopped over in tropical Malaysia for their vacation! Check out these videos of Drac spotted in Penang absorbing some local culture and later in historic Malacca visiting A Formosa. He must have applied super-thick SPF 100 sunblock not to melt under our sunny weather!

HT3- Penang
Drac was real busy this week as he makan, travel, mingle, repeat! To all Penangites, he thought your food ‘chin chiak ho chiak’! And the street art? Amayyyzingggg! Let us know if you think there are other places Drac should visit too! Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation in cinemas 19 July 2018.
Posted by Sony Pictures on Monday, 25 June 2018

Drac at the gate of of A Formosa, a Portuguese fort build in the 16th century in the historic city of Malacca.

HT3
Pappa Drac went like, WALAOEHH! Let’s get him a cup of Malacca’s signature Coconut milkshake after this! Can you guess where he will be heading to next? Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation in cinemas 19 July 2018.
Posted by Sony Pictures on Friday, 29 June 2018

Since then Drac has met up with his good friends Frank and Murray to continue this vacation in Kuala Lumpur this week and later Johor.

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has reliable intel that these friendly monsters may be found at the following cinemas:

Friday 20 July

2:00pm @ GSC Midvalley Megamall

6:30pm @ TGV Sunway Pyramid

8:30pm @ MBO Subang Parade

Saturday 21 July

4:00pm @ MBO Setapak Central

8:00pm @ GSC Pavilion KL

Sunday 22 July

2:00pm & 6:00pm @ GSC IOI City Mall

Friday 27 July

1:00pm @ GSC Palm Mall, Seremban

6:00pm @ GSC Aeon Bandaraya Melaka 

Saturday 28 July

1:00pm & 8:00pm @ GSC Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru

4pm @ TGV Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru

8pm @ GSC Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru

Sunday 29 July

1:00pm @ GSC Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru

4:00pm @ TGV Kulaijaya, Johor

Meet Murray, Drac and Frank “live” in Malaysia at selected cinemas this month.

Find out more about Hotel Transylvania 3 from the official website and follow Sony Pictures Malaysia on Facebook for local movie engagements including plenty of flash contests.

As per usual, the Outpost M.R.T. has scouted local movie goodies that Hotel-T fans can attempt to loot. Firstly GSC Cinemas are rewarding their customers exclusive soap with purchase of two Hotel Transylvania 3 tickets, plus a family purchase of two adults with at least one child ticket will take home a special drawstring bag. Refer to terms and conditions with info on participating cinemas from their official website.

In addition, those purchase of two tickets stand a chance to win one of three Dream Cruise vacations for two pax on luxurious ocean liner to Singapore or Phuket. Participate by posting in Comments of this Facebook post by 29 July 2018 and refer to full terms and conditions at GSC's website.

Finally, there is a simple free to join Facebook contest with movie premiums to be won just by Like / Love / Wow this post and tagging 5 friends before Sunday 22 July.

Premium-X Cinemas in One-City USJ also has a similar Facebook contest. Just follow instructions from their post.

TGV Cinemas is conducting a special Family Screening session this Saturday 21 July, 11am at Sunway Putra Mall, Kuala Lumpur. Thematic activities are included with tickets are priced at RM25 per pax whereby adults must attend with kids in tow. Drac, Frank and Murray might even be there to greet them! Get full terms and conditions at TGV's website then buy your tickets.

MBO Cinemas has a slew of Hotel Transylvania 3 promos, starting with a movie edition of their AllStar member card. Once again, members can utilise their Star Points in attempt to redeem movie premiums through "Name Your Own Points".

Purchasers of minimum two tickets for Hotel Transylvania 3 then stand a chance to win major prizes of a 50in Sony TV or PlayStation 4 Pro, as well as movie premiums. Don't wait too long though as contest ends this month on 31 July 2018.

For concession counter promos, only MBO Cinemas is offering a thematic cup as part of a single combo for RM28 or share combo for RM55 inclusive of soft drink(s) and popcorn. Find out more at this dedicated landing page on their website together with submission forms for the aforementioned contests.

Finally, mmCineplexes has movie premiums to giveaway via their Facebook post here. Participation requires proof of purchase for two Hotel Transylvania 3 tickets and submitting details via online form by 29 July 2018.

Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation is now showing in cinemas everywhere.

#HotelTransylvania #HotelT3

Disclaimer: Hotel Transylvania and its trademarks are copyright to Sony Pictures Animation, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

胡巴回归捉妖记2 Continuing Wuba's Adventure in Monster Hunt 2

看着《捉妖记2》即将在今年春节2月16日全马上映，之前还伴随着胡巴这萌娃大人偶到处宣传造势，再听说第一部的《捉妖记》口碑极好，所以在好奇心的驱使下，看完了《捉妖记》。

注明：以下影评将运用中文解说而已，如果造成不便请多包涵。
Note: The first movie's review will be written in Mandarin only, sorry for the inconvenience.

《捉妖记》剧情简介 《Monster Hunt》(2015) Movie Summary

Monster Hunt movie poster 第一部电影的海报

宋天荫（井柏然饰）意外怀孕生下萌妖胡巴后，为保护“儿子”，与天师霍小岚（白百何饰）一起对抗妖界的故事。很久以前，人与万物共存，当中也包括妖。但人想独占天下，于是人向妖宣战，把他们赶进了深山大泽，从此人和妖划界而治。一天，一对装人样的情侣妖竹高（曾志伟饰）和胖莹（吴君如饰），为了保护怀有小妖王的妖后逃避血妖的追杀，来到了永宁村，遇上了善良的天荫、降妖少女二钱天师小岚以及跟小岚对着干的四钱天师罗刚（姜武饰）。
天荫目睹人妖大战，才惊觉有妖的存在。妖后为了保住小妖王，决定将其托付给天荫，二话不说把肚里的蛋塞到天荫的嘴里，男子汉大丈夫的天荫从此就怀着妖胎成为“孕夫”。葛千户（钟汉良饰）重金悬赏小妖王。小岚为了得到赏金，硬拉着从没有离开过永宁村的天荫，躲避罗刚的争夺，离开永宁村展开了一段奇幻的旅程，途中遭遇大押店老板娘（汤唯饰）、厨子天师（姚晨饰）、一对萌妖（张悦轩和田雨橙饰）等各路人物。可爱的小妖王胡巴出生，令天荫和小岚的关系起了奇妙的变化，同时也揭穿了一个重大的秘密。经历一番风雨，原本频频被抓住了的胡巴最终被还是被天荫和小岚成功从坏妖手里救了出来。可人妖毕竟不能共处一世，胡巴呆在人类身边只会给彼此带来更多的灾祸，所以天荫忍下心赶走胡巴告别他妖。胡巴从此和其他妖怪们隐居过活，而天荫与妻子小岚也踏上寻父之旅...

The film takes place in the distant past, where the Human race existed alongside the Monster race. They once shared the world in peace and harmony until the Humans drove the Monsters out from their home, for they sought total dominion over their lands. Recently, a civil war took place in the Monster Realm which resulted in the usurpation of the Monster King's throne from a treacherous minister, who later sought the Monster Queen and her unborn baby, and the Monster Queen fled to the Human Realm. The story begins with Song Tianyin, an unnerved young village mayor who becomes pregnant with the Monster Queen's baby, and he encounters an aspiring Monster-hunter named Huo Xiaolan, and they both embark on an adventure to protect the baby from villains of the Human and Monster worlds alike. At the end Wuba was saved by Tianyin and Xiaolan after surviving various life-threatening fights, however human and monster cannot live together or it will bring disaster to each race, so Tianyin chases Wuba away and wave goodbye to other monsters as well. He then proceed to go on a journey to search for his father while Wuba is hiding away from human along with the other friendly monsters.

Source: Wikipedia

《捉妖记》影评分析 《Monster Hunt》(2015) Movie Review (by Micho Teh)

说实话电影各方面偏低幼化，就说角色造型而言，电影里头不论好坏的妖，均一都眨着汪汪大眼，不怕小孩看了做噩梦，给人感觉上就几乎小妖王外的妖怪都长得太相似了。即便如此，妖怪设计细节却处理得非常好，比如说妖怪的性别之分会影响它们的形象-- 雄妖四只胳膊两条腿，雌妖则两只胳膊四条腿，还有妖怪们生气时候脑袋上的植物会有所反应变化。它们更有自己的独特性格，百变的表情，看着叫人觉得怪可爱的。影像方面来说， 整部电影虽没有特宏大的特效场面，但所存在的影像特效都弄得不差，当时更是在中国被称3D特效大片，吸引了不少人进去电影院观看。

Wuba is way too adorable. 胡巴真的很可爱。

故事情节非常简单，甚至肤浅：一对慈父虎母外加一群人人妖围绕着胡巴这新生儿历尽风雨到处奔波，本来男女主角照顾好它就为了最后可以卖个好价钱，怎么知道小妖孩卖掉没多久，两人就来个大反悔后势必救回胡巴不让它被葛老板众人宰吃了。当然最后，小妖王胡巴和它“父母”天荫小岚再怎么被折腾，最终必定安然脱险（即使死了也会起死回生的）。完美总结着善良必是战胜邪恶的不变概念，故事大都如此。但人们似乎都挺喜欢这不变的主剧情，也说不上这是好事还是坏事，反正放轻松去看待欣赏这电影还是可以的，没亏了票钱。

真人演员方面就男女主角人设较新颖逗趣，妇男宋天荫一瘸一拐一心一意承担照顾村子里的一切只为不辜负大众和奶奶的心意，这让人发自内心地喜欢这样温柔善良的角色。当小瘸子宋天荫被牵涉进入重重危机甚至阴差阳错怀上了小妖王，后遇上了霸气女主霍小岚而被逼接受她的出手相助和引导，两人之间所插出的火花定是电影的看头之一。直到后来小妖王胡巴出生了，一家三口的亲密互动更是叫人心暖暖的。可惜的是，出生后的胡巴虽然萌得大家一脸狗血，但是故事却没解释为何这小妖王的存在如此重要？它究竟凭什么让坏妖紧追他不舍，它的生死会到底会给妖界带来多大的影响？它又能怎么拯救现在已经是暴乱中的妖界？无奈电影里没做出任何说明，毕竟这些细节内容能帮助观众更投入并期待其角色和接下来故事的发展呀。整体来说电影里除了妖怪外的各个演员诠释演活了自己的角色，虽然有人会说演员们演技夸张太浮夸，个人却觉得这承托出彼此的不一样，为电影注入了更多生命和欢乐。

 Main Characters in the movie: Song TianYin (Jing Boran; standing) and Huo XiaoLan (Bai Beihe)
电影里男主角宋天荫（井柏然饰）与女主角霍小岚（白百何饰）

观完《捉妖记》后，还特地上网找寻相关的资讯欲了解为何这电影可以创下24亿的票房。后来得知，当时柯震东吸毒事件波及这电影无法上映；角色换为井柏然扮演之后，制片人江志强决定投入七千万重新拍摄，而影片前后的投资高达3.5亿。 这样的一举动，让不少当地人拍手叫好，赞美这是良心制作之举，我想这决定不止带来了的强大宣传效果，还激起不少人民想要赞颂并支持如此“高尚”的诚意制作吧。
《捉妖记》并不完美，相反它有着明显的瑕疵，但这不代表这电影不值得一看，反而特别推荐给有小孩成员的家庭合家观看。


《捉妖记2》剧情简介 《Monster Hunt 2》(2018) Movie Synopsis 

上一部与胡巴分别后，天荫（井柏然饰）带着小岚（白百何饰）踏上寻父之路，在义薄云天的天师堂堂主云大哥的帮助下，二人得知天荫父亲宋戴天的护妖轨迹；而重回永宁村的胡巴再度被妖王追杀，颠沛流离逃亡时结识大赌徒屠四谷（梁朝伟饰）和一只妖怪，三人一起过着相依为命的生活，但又因屠四谷欠下的巨额赌债横生诸多波折。与此同时，江湖盛传小妖王胡巴的重金悬赏令，妖界大军、天师精英、绿林草莽闻风而动，多方势力为抢夺胡巴在清水镇掀起腥风血雨。千钧一发之际，念子心切的天荫和小岚通过天师堂找到胡巴并一起逃离险境。岂料，一场更大的惊天阴谋尾随而至，伺机而动。

The story continues with Wuba after he parts way with his human parents Tianyin and Xiaolan for his own journey. Peace has not been restored in the monster world after the death of the evil monster king as a sinister lord has ascended and seized the throne. A heavy bounty is placed on Wuba dead or alive, forcing him to go into hiding again. He encounters an ill-famed gambler Tu (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) who's deep in debt and seemingly up to no good. Together, they form a reluctant alliance in order to escape from their predicament.

Source: Wikipedia

期待《捉妖记2》 What to expect in《Monster Hunt 2》

第一部电影里没交代清楚的事物，想必是为《捉妖记2》预留下伏笔。而在拥有了制作第一部电影的经验和成功获取了高票房的收入的基础下，导演在这次还投资了9亿血本请来了工业光魔参与特效制作 ，就为了呈现出更壮观华丽的特效场面。导演依旧是曾在著名的电影制作公司梦工厂(DreamWorks Animation)工作并且前后执导过的《怪物史瑞克》系列和《穿靴子的猫之萌猫三剑客》的许诚毅，深信他对怪物题材和卖萌题材是特别拿手的，要不然也不会在《抓妖记》里创造出大家那么喜爱的萌妖们。
而第二部电影照旧是同一批制作班底，奠定了第二部的基调与第一部不会有太大的区别，这也同时保证影片质量。《捉妖记2》演员阵容也很强大，聚集了影帝梁朝伟、李宇春、黄磊、柳岩、大鹏等多位大牌明星，阵容豪华升级。而《捉妖记2》既有实地选景也有特别搭建以重现出第一部的奇幻色彩。根据网上所报导，该片的音乐和舞蹈加入很多异国元素，电影中的很多歌舞桥段都是由日本、印度等国专业舞蹈演员精心设计编排。

Wuba's "parents" -- Huo Xiaolan (Bai Baihe) and Song Tianyin (Jing Boran)

The return of PangYing (Sandra Ng) and ZhuGao (Eric Tsang)

New characters  that everyone is looking forward to see on screen: 

Tu Sigu (Tony Leung Chiu-wa) and Zhu JinZhen (Li Yuchun a.k.a. Chris Lee)

The main theme of this movie will probably still relate to that of first movie about acceptance -- to accept differences by seeing through another person's perspective to foster greater understanding between groups of people. Sounds like an inspiring movie for all Malaysians to watch, yes? 

The man behind Monster Hunt 2 is Raman Hui, a Hong Kong animator and film director best known for co-directing Shrek the Third. Director Raman hired back the same production team of the first movie to ensure consistent quality of the sequel and further invest 9 million RMB (MYR5.6 million) into the VFX production, aiming to bring more elaborate fight scenes.

The original movie's younger stars, Bai Baihe and Jing Boran, have also both returned. New cast members in this sequel include Chinese pop star-turned-actress Li Yuchun and well-known actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai.

Check out the official weibo page for more behind the scene clips and photos from Monster Hunt 2

In China Monster Hunt 2 has already pre-sold 70.6 million RMB (MYR43.9 million) tickets a full 2 weeks prior to its opening day on 16 February 2018.

相信《捉妖记2》也会如其第一部一样，是个适合一家大小一块儿观看的春节喜剧电影。所以假日时不妨考虑带上家人一同去电影院观赏这个2月16日会在本地电影院上映的《捉妖记2》吧！让我们一起来摒息期待寻父中的宋天荫和胡巴能否再次重逢并且利用小妖王的力量为两界带来久违的和平吗？

Isn't Wuba just adorable?

Outpost intel reliably says that Wuba will be appearing LIVE! at selected Malaysian cineplexes this coming Chinese New Year on festive weekends. Stay turned to social media channels for GSC, TGV and MBO Cinemas announcing when & where to meet Wuba.

Meet Wuba live! at Malaysian cinemas in conjunction with Monster Hunt 2.

《捉妖记2》电影宣传

TGV Cinemas have announced Wuba will be appearing at their cinemas over CNY as follows:

Also expect Wuba at MBO Cinemas at the following locations:

In addition watching Monster Hunt 2 at participating MBO Cinemas may win a Wuba plush toy. Get the link from their Facebook post to participate.

For the chance to win official Monster Hunt 2 movie premiums (pictured above), goto KLIPS by SAYS Malaysia to join their online contest by 19 February 2018.

GSC Cinemas is giving out Monster Hunt 2 Ang Pow packets with purchase of any two movie tickets at all GSC cineplexes (while stock last)! For more information refer to the GSC Website.

So let's look forward whether the super-cute baby monster Wuba can continue to fulfill his prophecy of bringing peace to the long-standing conflict between monsters and humans. What will happen next to Wuba and his "parents" Tianyin and Xiaolan? Catch 《Monster Hunt 2》 in cinemas this Friday 16 February to find out!

 Wishing everyone a 
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! 

在这祝福大家春节快乐，恭喜发财，财源广进，身体健康，万事如意！

Disclaimer: Monster Hunt 2 and other trademarks are copyright to 无锡影都传媒有限公司、安乐（北京）电影发行有限公司、蓝色星空影业出品 and distributed by Sony Pictures Malaysia, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure Comes Within Reach of WCKD

The Maze Runner Trilogy concludes this week in cinemas with The Death Cure. Based on young adult fiction books by James Dashner, the film adaptations were launched in 2014 with The Maze Runner, followed shortly by The Scorch Trials in 2015. The Death Cure was intended to release in February 2017 but was delayed almost a year due to an accident during production involving lead star Dylan O'Brien. Maze Runner movie fans in Malaysia will finally be able catch the Gladers back in action from 25 January 2018 and brace for the final showdown against WCKD.

Official Movie Synopsis

In the epic finale to the Maze Runner saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure is directed once again by Wes Ball with returning cast Dylan O'Brien (Teen Wolf, Deepwater Horizon, American Assassin) as Thomas, Rosa Salazar (Alita Battle Angel – coming soon) as Brenda, Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones) as Newt, Kaya Scodelario as Teresa, Ki Hong Lee as Minho, Patricia Clarkson (Six Feet Under) as Ava Paige and Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones) as Janson.

Before heading into The Death Cure, it is highly recommended to watch the first two movies: The Maze Runner (2014) and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015). Check out this 90 second recap by the cast or read the Outpost recap below:

The first movie introduces our lead protagonist, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), who is thrown into The Glade, a (relatively) peaceful patch of forest and fields surrounded by unscaleable walls of the Maze. The Glade is populated by teenage boys since 3 years ago with a new inmate, crudely labelled as a “greenie”, brought in every month by a mysterious elevator. Viewers learn about the morphing Maze and life in the Glade through the eyes of Thomas, who soon becomes a Runner. The Maze Runners explore the maze everyday in attempt to map it and find an exit. Runners can only enter during the day as come nightfall the Maze closes and anyone trapped inside do not survive. That is until Thomas does survive and also saves fellow Gladers Minho (Ki Hong Lee) and Alby (Aml Ameen).

Life in the Glade soon turns topsy-turvy with the arrival of Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), the first girl and the last greenie, ever. The Gladers are assaulted at night by Grievers, massive techno-creatures on spidery legs with a poison sting inducing madness. Many are killed and subsequently the Gladers are divided between Thomas who intends to escape The Maze, and Gally (Will Poulter) who insists everyone must stay put in the Glade.

Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Minho, Winston, Frypan, Chuck and other boys enter The Maze and after a deadly battle with Grievers, escape into a WCKD facility. There they find a recording of Dr Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson) explaining that the Earth has been scorched by a massive solar flare and mankind subsequently afflicted by a deadly pandemic known as The Flare. The Gladers became part of an experiment to find the cure of the lethal virus that transform humans into “Cranks”, living zombies that prey on survivors.

Humanity on the edge of extinction by The Flare virus.

In a final showdown between Thomas and a delusional Gally (induced madness after stung by a Griever), young Chuck is shot and Gally speared by Minho. Everyone is suddenly “rescued” by a tactical military team and ushered into helicopters whisking them over desert wastelands to a safe facility. However the final scene shows Ava Paige very much alive and stating the commencement of “Phase Two”.

Up next during The Scorch Trials, The Gladers are brought to a safehouse run by Janson (Aiden Gillen) who claims to have saved them from WCKD, short for World Catastrophe Killzone Department. They also find survivors from other mazes at the facility. Thomas soon meets Aris (Jacob Lofland) who suggests that things are not what they seem. Investigating further, Thomas discovers that Janson is actually allied with Ava Paige and WCKD, where the survivors, dubbed “Immunes”, are being experimented on in a secure wing of the facility in attempt to find a cure to The Flare virus.

Thomas, Avis and the other Gladers quickly escape the facility, running in the scorched desert. Whilst scavenging provisions from an abandoned shelter, they soon encounter the virus-transformed Cranks and so begins another mad run to escape. Fortunately the movie did not devolve into a typical “zombie” flick once the Gladers outrun the Cranks. However, whilst crossing the scorched desert, Winston (Alexander Flores) is forced to end his own life instead of succumbing to The Flare.

The Gladers soon discover a small refuge of humans lead by Jorges (Giancarlo Esposito) and his ward, Brenda (Rosa Salazar). Their presence is soon revealed to WCKD who send-in tactical assault teams to retrieve the Immunes. With the help of Jorges and Brenda, the Gladers escape but are separated. Unfortunately Brenda is infected whilst on the run from Cranks with Thomas. The gang reunites and heads into the mountains seeking The Right Arm, a resistance group rescuing Immunes from WCKD.

Brought to the Right Arm's camp, Thomas is recognised by Mary Cooper, a former WCKD scientist who explains that the prospective cure to the Flare can only be harvested from Immunes and not manufactured. However, a true Cure has yet to be found as the harvested enzyme is only able to prolong the infection before transformation into a Crank. Mary extracts this enzyme from Thomas and administers it to Brenda, receding the infection.

Teresa betrays the Gladers and leaves with Ava Paige and Immune prisoners.

The movie ends with WCKD ambushing the camp and kidnapping many of the Immunes when Teresa betrays the camp location. Amongst the Gladers, Minho is captured and flown away by WCKD together with Teresa. Although they have the opportunity for escape to a safehaven, Thomas opts to remain vowing to save Minho.

Setting the scene for this third and final instalment The Death Cure, Thomas and his band of Gladers together with Jorges, Teresa and Vince have been tracking down WCKD's movement of the Immunes for some months. No secret from the movie trailers, Thomas and friends hit a WCKD "shipment" train of Immunes in attempt to rescue Minho.

Thomas shows how to conduct a train heist in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future.

Without delving into SPOILERS, Thomas' mission ultimately leads him to the Last City, a WCKD stronghold where Ava Paige and Teresa relentlessly seek a cure for The Flare. To protect against Cranks, the WCKD city is surrounded by an impenetrable wall and defensive weapon emplacements. Unfortunately many survivors of this post-apocalyptic Earth are also not welcome into the fortress city, leading to much resentment amongst the populace in the surrounding squatter settlements.

To face off against WCKD's hi-tech forces led by Janson in the Last City, Thomas and friends are forced to seek help from other rebels and unexpected allies.

Left to Right: Thomas, Jorges, Frypan (behind), Newt & Brenda prepare for their most dangerous mission against WCKD.

Overshadowing their respective struggles is a reflection of humanity in this question posed by Ava Paige to Thomas (as seen in the trailers): “You can save your friends, or you can save us all.” Although WCKD can easily be seen as the evil corporation, their mission is to find a cure to save mankind from extinction and to do so without constrained by ethics.

So to quote Star Trek's most logical Vulcan Mr Spock, do “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one”? Watch Maze Runner: The Death Cure and decide an answer for yourself.

Thomas with Jorges (centre) and Brenda must find a way into the Last City.

The surviving cast from The Scorch Trials return in The Death Cure, but who will survive this final Maze? It's almost certain not everyone will so check out this fun video of the main cast audition from the first movie before they take their final race to the end as Runners:

Asia's largest Super Fan Screening for Maze Runner: The Death Cure took place on 13 January 2018 at GSC Cinemas Mid Valley Megamall as part of a Global Fan Screening Event. This special invitation only event included a pre-screening party with thematic activities for guests. Here's a video rundown on what took place

Maze Runner: The Death Cure Super Fan Screening, 13 January 2018

Cool thematic display of the Last City overhanging the cinema entrance.

Guests funnel through a short "maze" to the party.

Some guests were motivated to showcase their "maze running" skills.

The Flare virus instantly available to willing candidates.

Not to worry, The Cure serum is available on hand.

Also look for photos of this #GSCdeathcureparty at the Outpost Productions Facebook Page.

Snapshots from the Global Fan Screenings across the planet.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Malaysia, we were able to send an Away Team to this Super Fan Screening and provide this early review of the movie, presented by our resident Vulcan Cultural Officer Mr Smock and special guest Vocaloid geek gal Hayashiforest:

Stay tuned to the end of this review to find out how to win a handy movie premium.

For Maze Runner fans who like to take home movie merchandise, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has sourced these goodies:

Firstly GSC Cinemas is offering an exclusive Death Cure Vial keychain with purchase of two (2) Maze Runner: The Death Cure tickets at selected cinemas. Check at the GSC website to find out which locations to find this cure and head over soonest before stocks run out. Always handy in case of infection by The Flare!

Amongst the cinema chains, at time of this posting only Premium-X in OneCity USJ is offering movie premiums to giveaway. Follow instructions from their Facebook Page and submit entries by 5 February 2018.

 Cool WCKD movie premiums to be won.

From social media partners, blogging community Nuffnang and Budiey.com are offering similar Maze Runner: The Death Cure movie premiums comprising WCKD-branded tshirt, flash, earphones, phone cover, wristband cord and backpack (pictured above). Nuffnang's contest ends on 24 January and includes in-season movie passes so ACT fast! Budiey.com's contest runs longer until 30 January for that's more time to create a winning slogan.

To experience running to survive the Maze, two App games are available for smartphones and tablets based on the preceding movies. Look for The Maze Runner and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials on iOS and Android.

App game for the first Maze Runner movie is still available for download.

Run the Maze as your favourite Gladers to beat the clock.

The Death Cure is the last movie / book in a trilogy, but hardcore fans of this young adult dystopian future can look for the prequel novels titled The Kill Code and The Fever Code. Find out more about these books from the official website of author James Dashner.

The second prequel novel The Fever Code ties in just before the events in The Maze Runner.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure coming to Malaysian cinemas shortly on 25 January 2018. The movie run time is 142 minutes, the longest of the trilogy, so prep warm clothing and snacks as well as empty bladders beforehand, or risk getting "cranky":

Disclaimer: Maze Runner and other trademarks are copyright 20th Century Fox and/or James Dashner, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.