By: Russ Matthews
The Kendrick Brothers have helped to set a new standard for faith-based films with quality writing and productions.
These siblings are unapologetic in their overt Christian messages, and most of their projects are accompanied by a program that allows viewers to act on the movie’s message. After the colossal success of War Room, the pair followed up with this film, which takes us from prayer to discipleship as the central theme.
Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy) is a 19-year-old who focuses on life, such as basketball and video games. As his single mother and hairdresser, Cynthia (Priscilla Shirer), tries to make ends meet while encouraging her son to make something of himself, the two are continually bickering. She keeps pestering him to get a job and to rise above the example his father left him with when he abandoned his family when Isaiah was young. Nothing works for the young man until he happens to work in the warehouse of Moore Fitness. Unbeknownst to him, the owner, Joshua Moore (Cameron Arnett), would be part of the hiring process, and the business owner had bigger plans for Isaiah, including a mentoring program involving more than work skills. As his mother and her friends prayed for him, Isaiah learned more than he expected from the business entrepreneur, as the lessons involved life skills and the topics of faith.
This sibling writing team has built a strong portfolio of films that have helped to effectively bring many biblical principles into the modern era. With War Room and Courageous as a backdrop for their latest project, The Forge leans into the concepts of effective prayer and mentorship as the story’s building blocks. Unlike other faith-based production companies, the Kendrick Brothers manage to make their dialogue fresh, inviting and humorous. Not relying on subtlety to deliver the Biblical message woven into the screenplay, they make this appealing to those of the Christian faith and people who may be exploring what the Bible has to offer.
Similar to War Room, the African-American experience’s cultural overlay helps make this narrative appealing to a broad audience. Isaiah Wright, Cameron Arnett and Priscilla Shirer fill the shoes of the central trifecta that keeps this story believable and encouraging. For all of The Skit Guys fans, Tommy Woodard’s inclusion in the cast will bring a small cheer and tears to the experience. Yet, everyone in the cast adds to the visual experience. For the followers of the Kendricks, The Forge will feel like a welcome return to form for their production house.
The Forge is a quintessential Kendrick Brothers production. The quality of writing and filmmaking show why their films continue to set the benchmark for faith-based films. Get ready for churches around the world to purchase swords for their men’s groups, as the hope is for mentorship/discipleship to see a resurgence in men’s hearts.
REEL DIALOGUE: Mentorship
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17
What is the value of a good mentor? At the heart of The Forge is an example of Biblical mentorship. Joshua and Isaiah’s relationship is one where one man directs another’s path for his development and for the benefit of their community. Amongst all of the relationships within this film, their friendship purposely leads to some of the most endearing elements of the film.
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also – 2 Timothy 2:2
Mentorship and training are seen throughout the Bible. Jesus had his disciples, but a fascinating study can be found in the coaching relationship between Paul and Timothy. The apostle wrote some of the most personal letters to his trainee. These men set a precedence for the value of an older individual investing in the life of someone younger. Similar to that of Joshua and Isaiah, the allegiance between Paul and Timothy benefits trainees today and does lead to the very thing that genuinely benefits mankind.
Letters that show the mentoring role of Paul to Timothy: 1 & 2 Timothy
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
Images: Movie publicity
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.