The Forge

Forge had all the right elements. A compelling plot, believable actors, a relevant issue, a feel-good ending, a takeaway to emulate. The Kendrick brothers have improved their game since "facing the giants". This movie is as much about discipleship as it is answered prayer. In War Room, prayer takes center stage. In Forge, it is running in the background. Having discipled men for years, the movie felt too "perfect". Discipleship is a lot messier. Not all follow through, not all respond. Not everything gets buttoned up. I am happy for the Forge groups that will form as a result of this movie. I really enjoyed it. Just wish it was more real.

Over the years, the Kendrick brothers have brought Christian movies to the forefront. I wouldn't call myself religious, so I know these movies aren't really aimed toward me. Still, I gotta do my duty as a movie critic and see every movie I'm able to, to feed my never-ending love of movies, and for you guys of course. Their newest movie is actually a spin-off of their earlier film WAR ROOM, which I actually watched afterwards, for research purposes. THE FORGE is a movie about 19-year-old Isaiah (Aspen Kennedy), an irresponsible boy who plays basketball with his friends and plays video games "too much". Raised by a single mom (Priscilla Shirer) who has had it with his bull, gives him 1 month to find a job. This leads Isaiah to meet Joshua (Cameron Arnett), an older man who gives him a job and becomes his mentor, in the company and in life. You can definitely tell the director is a preacher. I know the powerful religious message is important, but it completely overshadows any resemblance of a movie. This felt exactly like WAR ROOM, with lower stakes. Sermons and melodramatic praying out loud for most of it, then they remembered it needs to be more than just a bible study, so they have a nearly impossible task that the company needs to accomplish, or they lose the business. The balance between message and movie was way off to one side. I will say though the acting is very good, leading to me getting a little emotional during some scenes (leave my heartstrings alone). While THE FORGE has many obvious tropes, I think Christians will enjoy this sermon, not as much for film critics. No wonder it doesn't have a critic's score on Rotten Tomatoes yet.

Before I write anything further, you should know that this is a drama about Christianity. So for those who do not like religious movies, skip this one. From here, instead of talking about this movie from the religion aspect, I'm gonna break it down in film making aspect. This movie had a simple plot, it has a simple conflict and minimum plot twist. But it's also well directed and acted. It also has some appropriate musical soundtracks to support the story telling. So considering all of those points, I rated it 6 stars. I added another star because it has a good moral lesson. Too bad that it didn't give the audience a stronger conflict plus its resolve. Otherwise, I would've rated it 8 stars.

Thus movie hit home with me simply because I was actually 19 when I came to God and He changed my life! I like how they're not ashamed but straight-foward with it being a Christian movie. But on the flip side, they're not making theirselves to look better than non-believers. It has something for everyone! It's very encouraging and gives us a new perspective on how our lives could be if we change with God! What brings this movie alive is the fact that these type of changes happen to people everyday and it's reality! Like I said, it previously happened to me! Now I look back at my life and am truely thankful that through God I got another chance! This movie is a reminder of our testimonies of what God can do! It's an offer of hope to those that need it! Great movie! Thank you to everyone that played their roles and made this movie possible! We definitely need more movies like this! 🙏

This is so good I plan on seeing it again.

Looking back I couldn't help but think about all the people who took an interest in me and helped shape the way I'd be as a successful person. The Forge is the kind of film that hits close to home in the sense of hope. The world is a selfish place to live these days and without the guidance for our young people it's easy to see where they could end up.

While it is a faith based movie- no secret in the advertising, I found it had something for everyone. This is a true underdog Rocky story with humor and I found myself cheering that conclusion.

The Kendricks have always made good movies in my opinion and this is another perfect movie you can take your family too. Warning: you might actually really enjoy it.

It's good to see characters from past Kendrick movies all pop up here. It's like they're all in the same universe and pushing along together. The story is simple, a young no direction man lands a job that turns into a mentorship and changes his life physically and spiritually. Cameron Arnett is terrific as the role model here in a very moving and powerful story. A definite winner.