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.

There's a serious theme, which underlies this Kendrick brothers effort and, without creating a spoiler, I have to underscore the message, more of a tagline from the end of the movie and it goes very near to the heart of this movie and as we look at our society on a longitudinal basis and see what's been missing for oh so many years and it will take dedicated people to live out the message ensconced in this movie, which is oh so well put together. In fact I'm going to review it in my mind and consider several of the characters and determine how they fulfill the meaning of their names, especially Isaiah and Joshua! As to spoilers I've not given any serious details, but skirted on the edges of the drama and I hope I've teased people into watching at least once and paying for others, so this brilliant message reaches oh so many more people and the theme is inculcated in our society as it's creators intended! Be blessed!

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.