NEW YORK (CNS) — A musical romance with an evangelical Christian twist, “A Week Away” (Netflix) could be described as “High School Musical” meets summer camp. Written by Kali Bailey and Alan Powell, the streaming service’s first faith-based film is directed by Roman White.
Early in life, youthful protagonist Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn) endured the death of his parents. As a teen, he’s been rebelling against the foster care system by pulling all sorts of pranks — putting his school up for sale on Craigslist, for instance.
His escapades escalate in seriousness, however, and the theft of a police car lands him in front of his social worker. At the suggestion of Kristen (Sherri Shepherd), a foster mom who helps out at a faith-promoting camp called Aweegaway, Will is presented with a choice: juvenile detention or a spell at Aweegaway. His decision is predictable.
On Will’s arrival at camp, Kristen’s son, George (Jahbril Cook), becomes his mentor, guiding him through his new environment.
Cue the music and dancing. The soundtrack features popular songs from such contemporary Christian artists as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins and Steven Curtis Chapman — as well as original numbers from Adam Watts. Grant and Chapman also have cameo roles.
Will falls almost immediately for Avery (Bailee Madison), whose father, David (David Koechner), owns Aweegaway. The two grow closer through Will’s efforts to help George talk to Presley (Kat Conner Sterling), Avery’s best friend.
George’s crush on Presley is a long-standing one, but he’s unable to string three words together in her presence. This awkwardness prompts the song “Good Enough,” the lyrics of which aptly describe the experience of many adolescents who wonder if they are worthy to be loved.
The rivalry among the three tribes into which the campers are divided introduces the closest thing Aweegaway has to a villain, pharisaical Sean (Iain Tucker). Amid the competition, Will bonds with those around him, developing the kind of relationships that have long been lacking in his life.
“A Week Away” doesn’t get any points for originality. But its portrayal of young people trying to find their way in the world with the guidance of caring grown-ups will resonate with the film’s target audience. And believing viewers of many stripes will appreciate the message that God has a plan for each and every human life.
The picture has its light and funny moments as well, many coming from myriad movie references included in the script. The strong chemistry between Madison and Quinn is another of its assets.
While it’s free of objectionable content, “A Week Away” touches on subjects, like the loss of parents, that might be troubling for small fry. It’s ideal family fare, though, for older kids and their elders.
The film contains mature themes. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
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Sister Rupprecht, a Daughter of St. Paul, is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.
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CAPSULE REVIEW
“A Week Away” (Netflix)
This musical romance with an evangelical Christian twist follows a troubled teen (Kevin Quinn) in foster care who chooses to attend a faith-promoting summer camp as an alternative to juvenile detention. There he falls for the daughter (Bailee Madison) of its owner (David Koechner), helps a tongue-tied pal (Jahbril Cook) give voice to his long-standing crush (on Kat Conner Sterling) and develops other positive relationships. While director Roman White’s film, scripted by Kali Bailey and Alan Powell, doesn’t get any points for originality, its portrayal of young people trying to find their way in the world with the guidance of caring grown-ups will resonate with its target audience. And believing viewers of many stripes will appreciate the message that God has a plan for each and every human life. A soundtrack featuring popular songs from well-known contemporary Christian performers and some lighthearted humor are additional assets. Mature themes. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
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CLASSIFICATION
“A Week Away” (Netflix) — Catholic News Service classification, A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.