TREK, the Movie, DVD, 2018
PG, 94 minutes
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the DVD, which did not affect my review in any way
Trek follows a young Mormon teenager named Tom and his friends on their handcart journey. Along the way, they try to smuggle in unsanctioned food, battle sibling rivalry, encounter a "special ops" Young Men leader, match wits with a Twinkie-loving skunk, and ponder doctrinal brain teasers like, "Do General Authorities go to PG-13 movies?" But, when they encounter unexpected trouble, their faith is tested much like that of their pioneer ancestors. Whether you've been on a trek or not, your family will laugh along and ultimately be inspired as you enjoy this delightful film.
Participating in Trek wasn't an option for me when I was a youth, and I haven't had an opportunity to attend as an adult, either (and, have to admit that, since I'm not much of a camper, I'm not too sad about that). One of the things I found to be unrealistic in this movie was the lack of adults. There were six adults, which wasn't nearly enough for a group like this. There was a situation towards the end that would have been prevented if there had been more adults, but it was an important part of the plot so I guess adults would have ruined that.
All that aside, though, this movie made me laugh and kept me entertained the entire time I watched it. Some of the youth are struggling with questions, whether they are serious or on the lighter side. There are many different personality types represented which makes it easy to relate to someone.Tom was a character that grew on me as I learned more about him and the struggles he was dealing with.
I watched this with my daughter who has been on Trek and she enjoyed it, too, but she felt like they left out key parts of Trek, like the water crossing and women's pull, which would have made it more authentic. We did have a great discussion after watching this movie, and after reading the message from Alan Peterson, the Director, I feel like like this movie accomplishes what he hopes it will. The only warning I would give is that there is a couple that likes to sneak off and kiss, so if you're okay with that, then it's great for the entire family!
Message from Alan Peterson, Director of TREK The Movie
It’s exciting to anticipate the DVD/BluRay release of TREK, the movie. Being with audiences in theaters is the fulfillment of any director’s dream. But, the reality of independent film is that you can’t get a movie into enough theaters so that everyone who wants to, can see it. July 3rd is a day that lots of TREK fans have been waiting for. Now, everyone can enjoy the laughs and lessons of TREK whenever they want. One of our goals in producing the movie was to create a story that would honor the wonderful tradition of this hands-on experience unique to our faith. Trek provides a critical chance to connect with our past. Why is this important? I’ll let Elder Russell M. Ballard explain:
"I have a deep conviction that if we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure. I have spoken about “Faith in Every Footstep” in the past and will continue in the future because I know that rising generations must have the same kind of faith that the early Saints had in the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.” (General Conference, October 2017, The Trek Continues!)
It is too easy to forget what our pioneer ancestors sacrificed for their faith and for our good. I hope families can sit down together and share the movie and talk about how grateful we should be for the men, women and children who marched into the unknown following a prophet of God so long ago. And, I hope they will talk about the challenges they face today as members of the church as we march forward into the unknown. Do you feel like Tom and wonder where God is? How do we connect with Him? What do we do when we feel weak and alone? Hopefully, TREK helps us know that our Heavenly Father is there and that He cares.
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