Key Takeaways:
– Alex and Stephen Kendrick, famous for “War Room”, are back with a new film, “The Forge”.
– “The Forge” navigates the struggles of a fresh high school graduate, presenting a balance between parent expectations and self-exploration.
– Despite some exaggerations and lengthy runtime, Aspen Kennedy's role as Isaiah Wright and Priscilla C. Shirer's Cynthia make it worth watching for faith-based film fans.
Kendrick Brothers Back with “The Forge”
With an impressive track record established by their 2015 faith-based film, War Room, Alex and Stephen Kendrick aim to strike gold at the box office again with their latest film, The Forge. The film, awaiting its theatrical release on August 23, explores the life struggles of a young high school graduate, Isaiah Wright.
Plot: Isaiah Embarks on A Journey of Self-Discovery
The story follows Isaiah Wright, a young man grappling with his in-between life stage after high school. Isaiah primarily spends his days playing basketball and nights engrossed in video games. His laid-back lifestyle comes to a halt when his mother confronts him, challenging him to seek employment and start contributing to their household or find a place of his own. During this tumultuous period in his life, he encounters Joshua Moore. Moore poses a challenge to Isaiah, forcing him to contemplate his life for the next five years.
“The Forge” Review: A Play of Tender Moments and Strong Performances
Faith-based films often serve a specific crowd. But The Forge, like its predecessor War Room, aims to break through the confines of this genre. At the heart of The Forge is the poignant representation of Isaiah's aimless journey, a picture that effectively mirrors many fresh graduates' struggles. It addresses the mounting parental pressure while fostering children's success and guiding them in the right direction.
One of the distinctive aspects of The Forge is the restrained emphasis on biblical references. Although the narrative relies significantly on divine intervention guiding Isaiah's journey, it does not stray into the realm of excessive dramatization, thus enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.
In terms of performances, Aspen Kennedy stands out with his portrayal of Isaiah. Despite the script's imperfections, Kennedy succeeds in bringing Isaiah to life, captivating viewers, and establishing an emotional connection. The mother-son duo, Isaiah and Cynthia, depicted by Kennedy and Priscilla C. Shirer, share a compelling on-screen chemistry that enhances the film's appeal.
The Unavoidable Tropes in “The Forge”
Despite several high points, The Forge fails to escape the cliches of the faith-based genre. The predictability of its storyline and occasional cheesiness, coupled with an overly ambitious narrative within the limited scope, could be off-putting for some viewers. Additionally, the two-hour runtime feels stretched, with certain portions that could have been trimmed for a crisper and more focused narrative.
Should You Watch “The Forge”?
If faith-based films are your cup of tea, then The Forge might be worth a watch. It's far from flawless but serves its purpose, even though it's a tad bit lengthy. The film stays true to its essence, and Kennedy's portrayal of Isaiah adds depth and grit. However, for the rest, it might not hold the same appeal.
In conclusion, with The Forge, the Kendrick brothers have delivered another faith-based narrative that caters primarily to their target audience. Whether or not it matches up to the success of War Room will be a verdict left to the box office.
