I just got home from an early screening for the latest Kendrick Brothers movie The Forge, starring several faces familiar to those who have seen prior Kendrick Brothers films, including Priscilla Shirer (as Cynthia Wright and reprising her role as Elizabeth Jordan from War Room), Karen Abercrombie (also reprising her role as Mrs. Clara from War Room), T.C. Stallings (as Tony Jordan – also from War Room), Ken Bevel as James, and Cameron Arnett in my personal favorite character, Joshua Moore, and as the main character Isaiah Wright, Aspen Kennedy.

To be totally transparent, the inclusion of Priscilla Shirer was really a roadblock for me to attend this screening, but thankfully her character, though of some importance, did not inject her bent theology, but simply played Isaiah Wright’s mother, and did a reasonably good job.

As I don’t want this review to be a spoiler, the basic theme and storyline revolves around the need for intentional, personally-invested discipleship. In fact, a quote near the end of the film that is a catch phrase used in some of the promotional materials, “whoever wants the next generation the most will get them” really sticks out. Possibly more powerful is a statement made by one of the primary characters “this world doesn’t need more lukewarm Christians” rings loudly.

THINGS I APPRECIATED:

• The gospel, while still somewhat a decisional and packaged deal, is more clearly expressed in this film than most, without being utterly forced and so “fake” as it often is in this genre of film.
• The acting seems to get better across the board with each film the Kendrick Brothers put out. of particular note is that of Cameron Arnett whose character became quite convincing and personal. Joshua Moore, as the main character fulfilled his role as a 19 year old in a convincing way.
• The theme of discipleship is one that today’s Christianity desperately needs restored. One cannot watch this film (as a regenerate believer) and fail to feel conviction and motivation in this crucial (foundational) command given by Christ Jesus to the church.
• The running parallel story used to stick off of the characters and flow comes to a climax near the end and while the least believable part of the film is at least fun to see how it unfolds.
• The movie also deals pretty well with the concept of grief and forgiveness. Something I very much appreciated.
• And one of the most comforting facts: ZERO profanity!
• Family-friendly, thought not necessarily geared towards keeping a young child’s attention.

CONCERNS:

• Just as the staff host of the screening feely admitted at the end, there will be a massive flood of merchandise revolving around this film (as is common with this production company). In my experience, such material becomes just another feel-good, expensive “program” instead of what it is marketed to accomplish, and consistently falls short. Maybe they will surprise me on this… but one can watch the film and know pretty quickly what kind of materials will be sold – including some likely lame props.
• I still am not thrilled with Mrs. Shirer being in the film. It is somewhat akin to visiting a church and hearing Bethel Redding or Hillsong Worship – the known association with something I prefer to not be associated with is a bit distracting (this likely won’t impact too many fans). There is also an awkward double-role played by Shirer that was really unnecessary, other than to make yet another connection back to the hit War Room.
• There is a story branch (that is a part of the underlying back story) that is left somewhat hanging.
• Some overly-predictable outcomes.
• Gospel still lacking mention of repentance.

I genuinely attended expecting to walk away irritated, having been subjected to heresies, Scripture twisting (especially out-of-context abuse), and maybe even disappointment at a forced and implausible plot flow. And I must say – I didn’t get any of it. No “binding satan” by our own power, no works-based salvation, no significant prosperity promises. Just a positive and convicting story of redemption, particularly of the Great Commission to “make disciples”. This film does a better better job at picturing intentional mentoring discipleship than any I’ve seen.

And so, in the end, I actually came away trying to figure out a date for a church group outing, but also pondering on the film’s value to the church as a whole (minus any cheesy associated/licensed merchandise).

I would never suggest you see a film in this genre without your biblical “radar” on, that is just common sense for the believer interested in accuracy and truth. But this movie honestly did not set off any glaring alarm bells, and it does get my recommendation! In theaters August 23, 2024.