Review of The Forge

When I was growing up, going to the movies on Saturdays was the thing to do. If I went to a double feature, I could spend an entire afternoon in front of the big screen, transported to another time and place. I remember seeing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (the 1972 animated version—not the one with Johnny Depp) and being scared out of my mind. Then in 1976, Ode to Billy Joe had me bawling in my popcorn. Probably too young for either of those movies.

When I was in high school, we lived close enough to the theater that my friends and I would walk—and it was safe back then, too. This was Alameda, California, literally across the bridge from Oakland. My best friend, Maria, and I saw Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (more than once), Saturday Night Fever, and Grease. We went on a double date with my brother and his friend (I was with my brother’s friend, just in case there is any confusion), then blushed clear to our hairlines through the movie Lifeguard. My mom would’ve been appalled.

These days, going to the movies is a rare occurrence. For one, there isn’t much worth the price of admission—especially since we can stream anything within months. Add a small popcorn and drink, and it’s cheaper to go out for a steak dinner. Secondly, the only thing Hollywood creates these days is literal garbage. I’m a health nut when it comes to anything I will allow into my body and soul. We are what we consume, whether it’s food, books, or movies.

There are exceptions, of course. In fact, this last week, I was disappointed because there were actually two movies my husband and I wanted to see—The Forge and Reagan. Between our schedules and the distance to the closest theater, we had to choose one. The Forge won only because it was being shown at a more reasonable time.

This is the newest Kendrick Brothers’ feature film. The first of their movies I saw was Fireproof in 2008. I know they had two previous movies (Flywheel in 2003 and Facing the Giants in 2006), but I haven’t seen either of these.

Admittedly, Fireproof came across as a low-budget film void of any real talent—except for Kirk Cameron. I think the other actors were a collection of church members who had a modicum of experience. However, its content made up for what it lacked in other areas.

I also paid the price of admission to see Courageous in 2011, War Room in 2015, and Overcomer in 2019. With each film, the quality in both content and production increased. In fact, I enjoyed War Room so much, we bought the DVD and showed it at our church the following year. It didn’t hurt that Priscilla Shirer is my favorite women’s Bible teacher. Who knew she could also act?

I didn’t even know about The Forge until one of Chris’s Bible study friends mentioned it. We had a rare free afternoon and decided to see it based on his friend’s recommendation. It wasn’t until about halfway through I realized it was actually a sequel to War Room. I love how they tied it together—and made Priscilla Shirer’s characters from both movies identical twin sisters. Very clever. They also brought in other characters from War Room as well as some of the other Kendrick Brothers’ movies.

The Kendrick brothers have worked tirelessly to create movies that promote Christian values and strengthen families, and The Forge is their best effort to date. The actors were wonderful—especially Aspen Kennedy who plays Isaiah Wright. But Cameron Arnett who plays Joshua and his wife BJ Arnett (who plays Joshua’s wife Janelle) were wonderful, as well. And of course, Priscilla Shirer. Is there anything that woman can’t do?

This is a story most of us are familiar with—a kid with an attitude raised by an overwhelmed single mother. No ambition other than playing basketball and video games. No respect for a work ethic or authority. Aimlessly wandering through life after graduating from high school.

This movie is a perfect picture of what can be accomplished when we pour into the younger generation. Rather than throwing our hands in the air and claiming them useless, what if we meet them where they are, come alongside, and show the love and grace of Jesus?

Admittedly, I will often base the efficacy of a movie on how it impacts my heart. This one had me in tears on more than one occasion—and though my husband might not appreciate me sharing this, he teared up a time or two himself.

If you’re looking for a little hope, inspiration, and lots of feel-good moments, this movie is for you. It could very well be used as a template for discipling young people in the broken, fatherless culture we live in today.

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