The right mentor is an outstanding guide. In the new movie, THE FORGE, Isaiah Wright (played by Aspen Kennedy) is a 19-year old whose mother (played by Priscilla Shirer) wants him to grow up and start taking on responsibilities, including finding a job. Out of respect he looks for work, but his attitude is not good. Fortunately, Isaiah finds a job and, inadvertently, the life coach he needs.
THE FORGE is written, produced, and directed by the Kendrick Brothers who brought us the movie WAR ROOM. In addition to Shirer, other cast members from WAR ROOM include Karen Abercrombie and T.C. Stallings. The acting and writing in THE FORGE are outstanding.
GOD'S NOT DEAD: A LIGHT IN DARKNESS is a drama film about a church located on a public university campus. Because of controversy, the university wants to tear down the church and make it a student community center, but the pastor, Reverend Dave (David A. R. White), insists he inherited the church from his father, it has been in its location for 100 years, and was in its place before the university existed. When the church is vandalized and a fire starts, killing Reverend Jude (Benjamin Onyango), the university demands the church be removed.
As a result, Reverend Dave seeks assistance from his brother, Pearce (John Corbett), who is an attorney. Pearce represents the church in the lawsuit, and spends time with his brother, staying in the home they lived in with their parents. The scenes that work very well in the movie are the ones with the two brothers, Dave and Pearce. Both actors give genuine performances.
Other conflicts include the university chancellor, Thomas (Ted McGinley). He and Dave are good friends, so the legal situation between the university and the church is tough on their relationship. Also, university student Keaton (Samantha Boscarino) struggles with her faith in God and breaks up with her boyfriend, Adam (Mike C. Manning), because he is unsure about God. Adam does not handle the break up well, and takes his frustration out on the church by vandalizing it and unknowingly starting a fire.
The Newsboys make an appearance in the movie. In addition, if you sit through the end credits you will hear Michael Tait's message. Lastly, Jennifer Taylor plays Meg, Dave's lady friend. The relationship provides Dave with an opportunity to share what is happening to him with someone who is not involved in the legal matters.
Human kindness is a treasure. It is more valuable than money. Giving a homeless person money makes him or her happy, not the cash, but the acknowledgement that he or she exists. The movie SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME shows a courtesy towards the homeless. It is a true story, indicating that life may be the best adventure.
The film is based on the book Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, with Lynn Vincent. The screen adaptation is by Ron Hall, Alexander Foard, and Michael Carney who is also the film's director. SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME tells the story from Ron Hall's (played by Greg Kinnear) perspective. His marriage to Deborah (Renee Zellweger) is falling apart, but he still listens to her. Thus, Ron spends time with Deborah feeding homeless people at Union Gospel Mission. Deborah is dedicated to serving others. As she spoons food onto plates, she introduces herself to each individual and asks them their names. This exercise reveals a caring person engaging with another human being. Initially, Ron is reluctant to participate, but eventually he serves at the mission, too, and the Hall's befriend a homeless man named Denver Moore (played by Djimon Hounsou).
Throughout their friendship Denver shares his story with the Hall's, which tells how he grew up in the American South. Also, Denver spends time with the Hall's two children (Olivia Holt and Austin Filson) and Ron's parents (Jon Voight and Geraldine Singer). The people from different worlds learn from one another. Hence the movie's title, everyone realizes for the most part, people are the same kind of different.
In THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY Dev Patel plays Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-educated mathematician who grew up poor in Madras, India. Indian mathematicians quickly recognize Ramanujan's genius, but it takes longer for others to acknowledge it. The film is based on the 1991 biography novel titled The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel.
Eventually after writing letters with theorems, Ramanujan is accepted to Trinity College in Cambridge, England. His professor, G.H. Hardy (played by Jeremy Irons) guides him through the process of presenting theories academically. Unfortunately, Ramanujan faces discrimination in England. However, he is focused on uncovering proofs for his theories, and unaffected by the negative people. The insults just make him stronger and more determined.
It is invigorating watching someone who has found his passion. It is even more pleasing when the person is willing to share and create something that will benefit others. THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY shows this, and individuals who watch the movie are likely inspired.
THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY is currently playing in theatres.
This week I had the pleasure of attending a preview
screening for the movie WAR ROOM.The film is produced by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick.The Kendrick brothers are the creators of FIREPROOF,
COURAGEOUS, and FACING THE GIANTS.
Usually people see prayer as a last resort, but WAR ROOM
shows how having prayer as a daily part of one’s life can make a difference.Relationships with others can be more
positive and one can be at peace. In the movie a couple’s marriage relationship
is strained.Elizabeth, a real estate
agent, meets a new client, Miss Clara, who shows her how a “war room” and
battle plan for prayer can help her family.
WAR ROOM is an entertaining and inspirational film. To
learn more visit the official Web site at http://www.WarRoomTheMovie.com.The film will be in theatres on August 28th.
