I’m a big fan of the High School Musical movies, which is probably why I like A Week Away so much. Yes, the plots, settings, and characters are different, but the vibes are the same. Though I wouldn’t call A Week Away a cinematic masterpiece, I definitely think it’s worth watching, especially if you’re a fellow fan of the High School Musical movies.
Corny but Cute
A Week Away is pretty cheesy, but it’s also heartwarming (especially the ending). After committing multiple crimes, a teen in the foster care system named Will is offered the opportunity to spend a week at a Christian camp instead of going to juvenile detention. Even though he agrees to attend the camp, he quickly realizes he’ll have to keep his real identity—including his checkered past—a secret if he wants to impress Avery, the camp director’s daughter.
Avery has struggles of her own though. As the camp director’s daughter, she feels like she has to be perfect all the time—to put on a brave face so no one will know how insecure she feels deep down. Her mom’s recent death makes it especially hard for her to put on a brave face. Nonetheless, she tries to be positive and perky. She quickly falls for Will, whose charm is difficult for her to resist—until she discovers that he’s been lying to her about who he is. (Don’t worry though—everything works out in the end.)
In addition to the fun vibe, the great soundtrack, and the impressive choreography, A Week Away addresses important concepts, like friendship, honesty, identity, and faith. The gospel isn’t explicitly shared in the movie, but viewers may become curious about God’s love as Will, Avery, and other campers learn how to share it and receive it.
A Definite Downside
Unfortunately, there are a few questionable lines of dialogue in the movie. For example, when Will and Avery are talking about her mom’s death, Avery essentially says, “Well, I guess I don’t know that I’ll see her in heaven one day, but I choose to believe that I will.” That line makes cringe because Christianity isn’t a true belief system; it’s the true belief system. It’s not like there are “truth options” we can choose from! Jesus is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Perhaps the scriptwriters didn’t mean anything heretical when they wrote that line, but at the very least, I wish they stance on the truths of the Christian faith had been stronger.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them [those who do evil], nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:14-16 ESV)
If you have an opportunity to share your faith, take it! I realize this is easier said than done, but it’s true nonetheless. Providing a gentle, respectful explanation of why you believe what you believe can point a nonbeliever to the truth. I only wish Avery (or her scriptwriters) hadn’t wasted the opportunity to stand firm on the gospel.
In conclusion, A Week Away is a clean movie with positive themes, but it doesn’t have the greatest theology. Just be aware of that if you decide to watch it. I think it’s worth trying!
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 