Kyrstan provides some great tips this week on "What to Do On A Rainy Day," which are especially relevant as we stay safely indoors and let Hurricane Joaquin Phoenix curve its way down the eastern seaboard.

Well, I say 'we,' but in truth I didn't listen.

Instead of pretending to be in my own music video to Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," like I should have been doing, I drove in the mess that was our weather to see "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" in theaters this weekend.

Should I have done this? No, but I can't say I completely regret the experience either because, for reasons I can't explain, I love this franchise and enjoyed every minute of watching that movie.

It all started with a "Huh, that looks pretty good--for a blockbuster movie," after seeing the trailer for the first film (snobby, I know, but the truth). I'd never read the book series before but, as a fan of the Minotaur legend, could appreciate the concept. Still, I was able to resist actually going to see the movie until it was announced that my favorite actor, Aidan Gillen, had been cast as the villain in the sequel. My fate was sealed.

"Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" isn't a movie you go to see for the plot. If that were the case, unanswered questions would drive you bonkers: "How did new guy, Aris, know the key card wouldn't open the door? Having figured out the key card wouldn't work, how did new guy end up on the other side of said locked door? No need to get into that--run!"

In that sense the plot really does take after the title, in that what it lacks in complete sense it makes up for with speed.

It also makes up for it with a talented cast of young actors, led by Dylan O'Brian as Thomas. In a brand of film that sometimes skips over that part (talent isn't always needed to make a lot of money), the diversity and strength of the main characters is refreshing (the one possible exception being the female lead who plays Teresa, but I strongly suspect it's the role more than anything else that's thankless--the character makes a statement, after all, about how everything was alright until Thomas came along, and then immediately drops the subject. who does that?).

The casting for key guest roles is equally stellar. Joining Patricia Clarkson ("The Station Agent"), who reprises her role as the head of WICKED, we have Giancarlo Esposito ("Breaking Bad"), Alan Tudyk ("Firefly") and, as previously mentioned, Aidan Gillen ("Game of Thrones"). The acting is big overall, but very engaging.

As for the realism, even given the dystopian world of the series, it has its flaws: how come all of the jackets they find, when looking for clothes, are perfectly fitted, stylish military jackets? in "Hunger Games" Katniss' wardrobe is explained away as a deliberate investment in her image as the Mockingjay--what's their excuse? who has been keeping their hair cut and how does it stay coiffed through all situations? what is with the random lightening storm? how come none of the vehicles they drive ever run low on gas? why does everyone feel the need to continue shouting "run?" where did the British guy find a scarf, and how does he keep it perfectly tossed over his shoulders?

The plot twists can be obvious and the climax is probably the weakest point (better when they keep running), yet I can't wait to see what happens next when the third, and final, film comes out!

Did I laugh at moments that probably weren't supposed to be funny? Absolutely, but that's part of this franchise's immense charisma. It had some great scares, too, and you care about the characters, even if their connections seem a bit circumstantial. The theme of loyalty is always a good one. And sure, the larger moral questions, of who is in the right, get hazy but, in the end, for pure, lighthearted (yet edgy, given the dangers) entertainment, "Maze Runner" can't be beat.

The moral of this story is, follow Kyrstan's much smarter advice and stay home during bad weather. But next time it's sunny, consider giving "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" a try. If you haven't seen the first movie it's OK. You'll be able to get the general idea of what's happening, and, really, that's all you ever get anyway.