A Week Away Movie Review: Out on Netflix Now
Netflix‘s new movie A Week Away releases today! It is a movie that follows an individual, Will, who has lost his parents and has been in and out of many foster homes. He makes a couple of bad decisions which lead him to a choice. Go to a Christian summer camp or Juvenile Detention. (Which one do you think he chose…? Haha!) While having some good qualities and being cute A Week Away fell flat for me. Here is my full A Week Away Movie Review.
A Week Away Movie Review
So far I think this review is the hardest review I have had to write to date. I am so conflicted about the movie A Week Away. As someone who was brought up in a religious household and has been to a Christian Camp, I wish this movie had come out when I was much younger. It’s a movie my mom would have let us watch, and one we probably would have watched during youth group. I would have LOVED this movie when I was a teenager. Now, it is a totally different story.
Surprise! It’s a musical
I am a sucker for musicals, and A Week Away has some fantastic music and dance numbers that will remind you of Camp Rock and High School Musical, but with a Christian twist. There is a good mix of popular Christian songs by Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Michael W. Smith. (Songs I have listened to a bazillion times growing up.) As well as new songs for the movie. I could listen to the soundtrack on repeat. I also have to hand it to the cast of A Week Away for their dance numbers. Kevin Quinn (Will), Bailee Madison (Avery), Jahbril Cook (George), and Kat Conner Sterling (Presley) are fun to watch during the dance numbers, especially Dive.
The story
Unfortunately, the story for A Week Away is nothing to write home about. It’s simple, rushed, doesn’t make sense in a lot of areas, and seems to only exist to separate out the musical numbers. Also, while the religious aspects of the movie do not come across as in your face forced like some other movies they do at times seem a little misplaced. While I do like the fact the movie can be watched by the whole family I am slightly sad because the story had the potential to be so much better. For me, the only redeeming factor of the story is the great lessons kids can learn from the movie. Such as you are perfect the way you are, never give up, show kindness to others, and show forgiveness.
My rating
I give A Week Away a C+. Even though the soundtrack and dance numbers are entertaining, and the best part of the movie, that is not enough to elevate the movie to a higher rating. BUT, there is an audience for this movie and many people will love it. If you watch A Week Away I would love to know your thoughts on the movie. Drop them in the comments.
Is the movie ok for kids?
YES! The movie is perfectly fine for the whole family. There is no adult language or violence. It is a clean wholesome movie, and it would be the perfect movie for churches or youth groups who are having a movie night.
If you are looking for another great family-friendly movie the whole family can watch then I highly recommend YES DAY. You can read my review HERE.
Synopsis
A Week Away is the first faith-based musical of its kind. Troubled teen Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn) has a choice to make – go to juvenile detention or attend a Christian summer camp. While at camp, and with the help of his music, new friends and love interest (Bailee Madison), he learns the healing powers of kindness, forgiveness, and faith can be found in the most unlikely of places.
