“The Forge” tells an inspirational story about a teen whose life is transformed by the mentorship of a man.

Isaiah (Aspen Kennedy) is a 19-year-old African-American youth whose life view is played out in playground basketball and video games.

Isaiah lives with his mother, Cynthia (Priscilla C. Shirer), who owns a beauty salon. His mother insists that if Isaiah is not going to attend college, he must get a job.

Isaiah’s job search leads him to Moore Fitness where company owner, Joshua (Cameron Arnett), sees potential in Isaiah and becomes his mentor. This includes attending Joshua’s twice-monthly men’s Bible-study dinner group, named The Forge.

The men’s group and movie title is derived from a belief that one’s character is forged, or strengthened, in the trials by fire of life’s challenges.

Isaiah is resistant to change, friendship and connecting with others. There’s a bitterness in his heart toward his father, who abandoned his mother and him.

Through the friendship of Joshua and the men’s group, a change occurs in Isaiah. He takes ownership of his life, practices personal responsibility, makes better choices, learns to forgive, improves his relationship with his mother, become a successful employee at the athletic supply company and sets goals.

“The Forge” is directed by Alex Kendrick (screenwriter-director, “Overcomer,” 2019; “War Room,” 2015; “Courageous,” 2011; “Fireproof,” 2008; “Facing the Giants,” 2006; “Flywheel,” 2003) in a straight-forward, no-nonsense, matter-of-fact style.

Alex Kendrick co-wrote the screenplay for “The Forge” with his brother Stephen Kendrick (screenwriter, “Overcomer,” “War Room,” ‘Courageous,” “Fire Proof,” “Facing the Giants”). A third brother, Shannon Kendrick, is an executive producer of the movie.

The Kendrick Brothers’ movies are unabashedly uplifting, often humorous and serve as cheerleaders for the power of prayer.

The cinematography by Bob Scott, cinematographer for previous Kendrick Brothers films; editing (Alex Kendrick, Bill Ebel) and soundtrack (Zack Leffew) in “The Forge” is excellent. It is good to see a film that gets the lighting right for African-Americans, who in many films are not filmed properly.

Cameron Arnett (“Overcomer”) as Joshua has a friendly and powerful screen presence.

Priscilla C. Shirer (“Overcomer”; “I Can Only Imagine,” 2018; “War Room”) as Isaiah’s mother is emotionally resonant.

Aspen Kennedy (TV movie, “The Night Before Christmas,” 2022), in his feature film leading-man debut, as Isaiah modulates the arc of his character successfully, from sullen teen to solid young adult. He’s extraordinary in the role.

Karen Abercrombie (“Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3,” 2023), an Aliquippa, Beaver County, native, is a scene-stealer, reprising her role as Miss Clara from “War Room.”

Notable in supporting roles are Marianne Haaland (Wanda), Joseph Curtis Callender (Mr. Watson) and B.J. Arnett (Janelle Moore, Joshua’s wife).

In the movie, “The Forge,” it’s stated that we can learn by observing the mistakes of others so that we do not make similar mistakes.

“The Forge” is filled with such life lessons, undergirded by a belief that prayer can help us and others on our journey.

“The Forge,” MPAA rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give “parental guidance.” May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.) for thematic elements; Genre: Drama, Family; Run time: 2 hours, 4 minutes. Distributed by Sony.

Credit Readers Anonymous: “The Forge” was filmed in Albany, Ga., from June to July 2023. Songs include “What Are We Waiting For” by King & Country and “That’s My King” by CeCe Winans. Affirm Films is a faith-based division of Sony. There’s a post-credits scene with Isaiah. The credits include those for On-Set Prayer Warriors. Alex and Stephen Kendrick make an on-screen “Pay-It-Forward” pitch at the film’s conclusion.

At The Movies: “The Forge” was seen in the standard format at AMC Center Valley 16.

Theatrical Movie Domestic Weekend Box Office, Sept. 6-8: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprising their roles in the sequel, also directed by Tim Burton, opening, $110 million in 4,575 theaters.

2. “Deadpool & Wolverine” dropped from No. 1 to No. 2, with $7.2 million in 3,400 theaters, $614 million, seven weeks. 3. “Reagan” moved up one place, $5.2 million in 2,770 theaters, $18.5 million, two weeks. 4 “Alien: Romulus” dropped two places, $3.9 million in 2,560 theaters, $97.1 million, four weeks. 5. “It Ends with Us” stayed in place, $3.7 million in 2,850 theaters, $141.3 million, five weeks. 6. ”The Forge” moved up one place, $2.9 million in 1,710 theaters, $20.7 million, three weeks. 7. “Twisters” dropped four places, $2.9 million in 2,252 theaters, $264.6 million, eight weeks. 8. “Blink Twice” dropped two places, $2.1 million in 1,806 theaters, $20.2 million, three weeks. 9. “Despicable Me 4” dropped one place, $1.8 million in 1,919 theaters, $357.8.million, 10 weeks. 10. “The Front Room,” a horror film starring Brandy, opening, $1.6 million in 2,095 theaters.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of Sept. 8 is subject to change.

Theatrical Movie Domestic Weekend Box Office, Sept. 6-8: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprising their roles in the sequel, also directed by Tim Burton, opening, $110 million in 4,575 theaters.

2. “Deadpool & Wolverine” dropped from No. 1 to No. 2, with $7.2 million in 3,400 theaters, $614 million, seven weeks. 3. “Reagan” moved up one place, $5.2 million in 2,770 theaters, $18.5 million, two weeks. 4 “Alien: Romulus” dropped two places, $3.9 million in 2,560 theaters, $97.1 million, four weeks. 5. “It Ends with Us” stayed in place, $3.7 million in 2,850 theaters, $141.3 million, five weeks. 6. ”The Forge” moved up one place, $2.9 million in 1,710 theaters, $20.7 million, three weeks. 7. “Twisters” dropped four places, $2.9 million in 2,252 theaters, $264.6 million, eight weeks. 8. “Blink Twice” dropped two places, $2.1 million in 1,806 theaters, $20.2 million, three weeks. 9. “Despicable Me 4” dropped one place, $1.8 million in 1,919 theaters, $357.8.million, 10 weeks. 10. “The Front Room,” a horror film starring Brandy, opening, $1.6 million in 2,095 theaters.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of Sept. 8 is subject to change.

Unreel, Sept. 11:

“The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store,” No MPAA rating: Yoshimi Itazu directs the voice talents of Natsumi Kawaida, Takeo Otsuka and Nobuo Tobita and the animation in the Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Anime film. A new concierge works at a department store where the customers are animals.

“Speak No Evil,” R: James Watkins directs James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy in the Psychological Thriller. A family’s weekend in a house in the country turns into a nightmare.

“The Killer’s Game,” R: J.J. Perry directs Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Pom Klementieff and Ben Kingsley in the Comedy, Action, Thriller. An assassin diagnosed with a life-threatening illness orders a kill on himself. Then, he learns that he was misdiagnosed.

“The Critic,” R: Anand Tucker directs Gemma Arterton, Lesley Manville, Ian McKellen and Mark Strong in the Crime, Drama. In 1930s London, a theater critic tries to have a young actress help him from getting fired.

Movie opening dates from Internet Movie Database as of Sept. 8 are subject to change.

Three Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes