The Forge [Review]

It’s been a good while since I have had the pleasure of reviewing a movie. Saturday, August 23, 2024, was the release date for the latest Kendrick Brothers project, The Forge. This indirect sequel is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed movie War Room. In this dynamic project, televangelist Priscilla Shirer does double duty as she plays not only her recurring role as Elizabeth Jordan but also her twin sister Cynthia Wright who is struggling to hold things together as a hair salon owner and a single mother of a 19-year-old son who has no focus for his future beyond high school and no desire to have anything to do with the church. 

This film has many familiar faces from War Room, including T.C. Stallings, who played Tony Jordan the husband of Elizabeth Jordan [Priscilla Shirer], and Karen Abercrombie who played the effervescent prayer warrior Clara Williams. I think there is great chemistry across the whole cast, including key characters, Isaiah Wright played by Aspen Kennedy, and the man who would be his employer/mentor/disciple maker Joshua Moore, played by Cameron Arnett. 

I’m not going to use this review to give a play-by-play account of what happens. What I want to emphasize is how this timely film fits into much of what the nation needs right now. In as much as this movie doubles down on the power of prayer and a community of prayer, it is more about the power of discipleship, redemption, and the power of forgiveness.  

What is especially refreshing about this edition is the focus on a community of men who will stand by one another, encourage each other, and lift each other up in the most challenging of life’s circumstances.   

I’m hardly what you would call a tough and rugged alpha male. You won’t find me out in the wild game hunting, mountain climbing, or living the life of a cowboy on some dude ranch. At the same time, I'm no softy, marshmallow of a man either. The surprise of my life was in seeing the power of this film as it tackled some of the toughest of situations and how prayer, forgiveness, and fellowship enabled men to make some of the most unbelievable decisions. I wasn’t ready the moment tears started streaming down my face. 

I admit that some of the beats of the film were predictable, but there are definite surprises throughout the film that keep you on your toes. The humor is a delight, and the high points are worth every minute. 

I’d say that this film isn’t just for the faithful Christian, this is one that you’ll want to share with anyone you believe is facing family strife or those who desire good wholesome content void of lewd and crude comedic beats.  

The message that this nation needs true Christians everywhere making God’s name famous should not be missed. Even more, this nation is in serious need of men building strong men through relationships and leading the way to healing and finding hope in tough times. The message of how a sword is forged through intense fire cannot be missed because it speaks to how men need men in the toughest of life’s moments to become what God needs them to be. I’d encourage you to run to the theaters to support this worthy project and help show Hollywood that good wholesome content is highly in demand. The gospel message is indeed powerful.