The Forge

More evangelical tool than secular movie, this well-acted faith-based drama seems meant to remind Christians to pay it forward spiritually. Like all of the films from brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, The Forge isn't a movie that most non-Christians would likely feel comfortable stumbling into without a heads' up. Its emphasis on scripture teachings, discipleship, and sacrifice of earthly priorities is mostly aimed at current Christians. The movie's key strengths are the performances by faith-based-film regulars Kennedy and Arnett, as well as Shirer, who telegraphs the disappointment, hope, and relief of her son's journey from ambitionless and occasionally disrespectful young adult to a compassionate, hardworking contributor to their household.

From a secular audience's perspective, The Forge offers not only solid acting but a technically well-executed movie (even though it's worth noting that, while the cast is predominantly Black, the behind-the-scenes crew members are nearly all White). The story arc about Isaiah's personal and spiritual growth thanks to Joshua's mentorship is considerably more compelling than the underwhelming subplot about the company losing important contracts, which eventually requires Isaiah and a handful of other employees to work all night to keep a vital account. No amount of decent acting skills or high-quality editing can make calling out shipping numbers to a remotely controlled factory robot into riveting cinema. Bottom line? The Forge is a preaching-to-the-converted movie, but nonbelievers who watch might still appreciate the film's themes of growth, compassion, forgiveness, and redemption.