Discipleship transformed my life. In 1987 and following, I grew as a young Christ-follower through a campus organization named Worldwide Discipleship Association. That core foundation confirmed my career’s direction. While working in parachurch ministry, I was discipled—formally and informally—by amazing men, not perfect but sure of a perfect Savior. Then, years later, through the darkest years of my life, I discovered a different kind of discipleship which, without hyperbole, saved my life.
I have been a Kendrick Brothers movie fanboy since radio promotional guru Joe Battaglia invited me to a screening of “Facing the Giants” in 2006. I saw it the night before I saw “Superman Returns.” I wrote in my journal that I enjoyed the independent and low budget “Facing the Giants” far more than the long anticipated, much hyped next chapter in the Superman saga.
Friends who helped promote “Facing the Giants” sent me a DVD of “Flywheel.” I sat on the floor, much like Jay Austin did in the movie, and wept. “Flywheel” had a tenth of the budget of “Facing the Giants,” was shot on camcorders, and had amateur acting. But the story of a man relying on God to save his business and family rang true.
Those same friends invited me to a premiere of “Fireproof.” On a trip to visit colleges, my son and I watched “Courageous” in an unfamiliar theatre and city, then stayed up late talking around a campfire.
I have seen every Kendrick Brothers’ movie. And I’ll see everyone they make.
But I long for the days of their low budget, church made films.
“The Forge” is beautifully shot, well-acted, with a moving soundtrack, and an important message for Christ-followers. In this compelling coming-of-age story, Isaiah, played by Aspen Kennedy (“A Day to Die,” “Kingdom Business”), leaves behind his listless and directionless ways thanks to the opportunity provided by an employer who spots potential in young men.
However, the movie plays like a movie version of “The One Minute Mentor”, a modern-day parable which wants to communicate five lessons and have the audience remember them. There is little plot, only a pinch of rising action, and everything goes well. Yes, many coming-of-age stories don’t follow the Hero’s Journey, but this movie felt like much more like an elaborate church skit instead of a motion picture designed for the silver screen.
That doesn’t change the fact I was convicted by the movie. I have talked about more focused and purposeful discipleship flowing out of my experiences. Being a provider and not just a consumer. I was kicked in the seat of my pants by the movie. I’m sure many others will be moved, too. The movie will make a mark.
But I fear the Kendricks will never make another movie with a plot, another movie that has me cheering and holding my breath to see if the characters make it.
I loved every easter egg in the movie, especially all of the flashbacks to “Flywheel”—two actresses make cameos in “The Forge,”, the “Jay Austin Motors” license plate, and I believe we even see the flywheel itself. (Kendrick movie fans, find them yourselves).
But gone were the laughs. I know Alex and Stephen love to laugh. I’ve heard interviews about the importance of the funny moments in the movies like when Jay Austin gets blessed out by one of the buyers he swindled, when a player admits his true weight, or the infamous “Snake Kings.” Every laugh in “The Forge” was forced, and only made possible because people were fans of previous movies. The almost packed theatre filled with fans of previous movies forced their laughs where they were supposed to go because, it seemed, they wanted to laugh but really couldn’t let go.
One major point/relationship in the movie is left unresolved, but beyond that one, everything else works out. Many people complained that “Facing the Giants” promoted a message of, “just believe and you’ll get everything you ever wanted, including a new truck.” In many ways, “The Forge” says, “call in a little prayer support, and a tough young man who doesn’t have any purpose and doesn’t want anything to do with Jesus will soon be putting away his video games, getting a new car, and crying often at the drop of a hat.” (Yes, there are a lot of tears on the screen.)
I believe the Kendricks could’ve communicated the same message, the same heart, presented the gospel on screen, and sparked discipleship groups across America and around the world by making a movie with a plot. How about: A man with wounds from his past fights to save his business from the attack of a former protégé who started his own company and is stealing clients. The owner takes a young man under his wing once again, but will his enemy steal his new apprentice along with the business?
Next time around, I hope the Kendricks find the soul of “Flywheel,” “Facing the Giants,” and “Fireproof” again. The old “F” movies had heart. (This “F” movie misses.) I would still love to see them secure the rights to The Testament by John Grisham. I believe they could make an amazing adaptation of that book. Perhaps, they can take on the Flabbergasted trilogy and keep us all laughing again.
Sure, I’ll see “The Forge” again—in the theatre. I’ll see it because I need the message and the kick in the pants. I’ll see it because I’m a Kendrick Brothers fan boy. I’ll see it because without them, we wouldn’t have the golden age of Christian cinema. And I’ll hope to be surprised by things I didn’t see in my first viewing. I’m just not going to hold my breath.
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