TREK the Movie – Review & Giveaway

At the end of June our stake participated in Trek (which I’ll post about next week). If you are LDS you know what trek is, for everyone else….no it has nothing to so with Star Trek. Trek is a reenactment of Mormon handcart pioneers that came across the plains between 1856 and 1860. With that backdrop, Trek the Movie is decidedly a Mormon film geared towards Mormon audiences.

The film follows a group of teens as they participate in trek, pulling handcarts, and learning not only about pioneers from long ago but also more about themselves.

Before I get to my review here’s a message from Alan Peterson, the 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.”

What I liked

Most of the film centered around one character, Tom Jensen, and his reluctance to go on trek. We are given glimpses into an incident that happened the year before that involve Tom, one of the leaders, and several of the boys. Because of that event Tom is now grappling with his faith and with his belief in God. I really like how this struggle is portrayed in a very real yet personal way. We can relate to Tom. We have all, at one time or another, questioned why certain things happen to good people.

The other characters in the movie are great supporting actors as Tom’s story unfolds. They have their own stories too that add to the overall message of the film.

What I Didn’t Like

The one-liners and stereotypes were over done. It was way too cheesy for my taste. While humor is good and can lighten the mood too much detracts from the message the film was trying to convey.

The making out scenes are ridiculous. They don’t need to be in there at all. The one at the end of the movie (between two adult leaders!) is completely unnecessary and actually teaches wrong behavior. You asked me out? Oh, I’ll respond by falling all over you and making out with you right now! Really? The movie could have ended before that scene and it would have been ten times better.

Trek, the Movie is best for teens and adults. You can watch the trailer below.