A Week Away

Rebellious actions usually lead to consequences; Will Hawkins, though, experienced the opposite of what he had anticipated. On March 26, Netflix released their first faith-based teen musical, starring Bailee Madison and Kevin Quinn as the two main leads. At first glance, you may recognize some familiar faces as this movie stars four recognizable actors; Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn, Sherri Shepherd, and David Koechner. It may also be a surprise to you that several cast and crew members are actual believers in real life!

A Week Away is about a troubled teen, Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn, who looks like he could be related to Zac Efron), who gets himself in trouble with the law and is left with two choices: go to juvie or a week of summer camp. As he's on the bus riding to Camp Aweegaway (a week away, get it), it comes to his realization that this was a church camp. Throughout the week, Will finds God's love through a camp regular (Bailee Madison), friendships, hope, and an unexpected place where he finally feels connected and feels like he belongs.

The movie's soundtrack is made up of reimagined Christian Contemporary songs from Amy Grant, Steve Curtis Chapman, For King and Country, Michael W. Smith, Richard Mullins, and a few original songs written by Adam Watts (producer of High School Musical 3). 

Not only are the songs catchy, but some might also resonate with you. You may even find two artists making cameo appearances in the film; take a good look! Although it is Christian based and the characters are in a Christian camp, there isn't an overload of preachings that are forced upon the characters and the audience. If you are expecting someone to carry the Bible around and preach, let me tell you now, you won't. 

Instead, the message of needing redemption, a second chance, and the importance of faith can be found in the movie's soundtrack and in the actions of the characters as they bond. If you still can remember our secondary trips last school year, A Week Away technically has a similar concept (except we know everyone, Camp Aweegaway is much bigger, no one is bursting into songs randomly, and no one is falling in love in just a week). 

Besides the predictable scenes, the overall plot focuses on the idea that nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes, and we should love and support one another. Not to mention seeing the actors play dodgeball, which they did not know how to play originally(according to Bailee). Additionally, who wouldn't want to go to a camp that looks like Camp Aweegaway and play on the blob?

For someone who enjoys watching musicals and Disney; such as High School Musical, Camp Rock, and others, this movie definitely hit the jackpot for me. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't already rewatched it. Not only did the movie remind me of our High School Retreat and Serventure Camp, but the songs have been replaying in my head, and that it's a faith-based musical makes it all the more enjoyable.

 Overall, I give this movie a 9/10. It's an entertaining movie to watch with your family with a meaning behind it, and a memorable reminder of the good' ol days when covid wasn't around to hinder our school trips/events. If you're not a fan of musicals and several cheesy scenes, this movie may not be for you - but I ask that you try watching and tell me how it goes :)

- Shareen S.