"Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" is the latest film under Wes Ball's tutelage. Other than "Hunger Games" or "Harry Potter" series, the film is closely being compared with its predecessor, and if there is one common question that is being asked about the film, that would be, "Will it surpass 'The Maze Runner?'"

In terms of total gross at U.S and Canadian theaters from Friday to Sunday, the "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" fell short at $30.3 million compared with its predecessor. But it was already enough to surpass Johnny Depp's "Black Mass" at $22.6 million, U.S. News reported.

20th Century Fox's latest film opened in 3,791 locations, at $30,316,510, with an average of $7,997. Meanwhile, the "The Maze Runner," which opened in 3,604 theaters in 2014, grossed at $32,512,804, with an average of $9,021, according to Box Office Mojo.

In an additional report by Deadline for the International Box Office, it stated that final tallies were in, Monday, and "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" was at $43.2 million.

Following the events of its prequel, Dylan O'Brien's Thomas and the rest of the Gladers who survived the maze found themselves in a new facility run by Janson, played by Aidan Gillen. The new location promises them safety and security from WCKD.

He and the others escaped the shelter when they found out that it was controlled by the same organization which imprisoned them in the maze. After the escape, they found themselves facing the dangers in the Scorch, which includes the not so predictable weather, the gangs, half and full blown Cranks.

"Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" received an eight rating from the Movie Pilot, citing that the strongest factor was the movie's cast. Flaws with the story, characters and actions were pointed out, and although it did not really exceeded its predecessor, according to the site, the film managed to be just as good.

It seems that The Rocky Mountain Collegian, which gave the movie a rating of six, has somehow the same opinion about the cast, character, story and plot.

Some may find "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" exciting, while others may have been dissatisfied. With all fairness to Ball's movie, the $30.3 million it got over the weekend was not a bad start.