FINDING FORRESTER

Finding Forrester offers an encouraging story about friendship, honor, trust, and mentorship. Sean Connery plays a Pulitzer Prize-winning author in seclusion, while newcomer Rob Brown gives an acceptable performance as Jamal, a gifted 16-year-old aspiring writer. Their relationship leads to an uplifting ending without becoming sickeningly sweet.

The film is sometimes dramatic and sometimes hilarious. Its few corny moments do not erase the refreshing quality of its story, especially compared with other movies in theaters. But the excessive language takes away from both the acting and the story itself.

If you are choosing for older teenagers or adults who can exercise discernment about the language, this is worth seeing; for younger children, choose another film.

Jamal Wallace is a 16-year-old star basketball player from the Bronx who secretly writes. He hides his gift behind a “C” average so his friends will not treat him differently.

After a dare leads him into the apartment of a mysterious man rumored to be a possible murderer, Jamal discovers that the recluse is actually a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Their unexpected connection becomes a relationship built on trust and respect, with both mentor and student learning from each other.

Three stars means this is a good, worthwhile drama with noticeable flaws. The film balances dramatic and humorous moments and reaches an uplifting conclusion without becoming overly sentimental. Connery plays the secluded author rather well, and Rob Brown gives an acceptable performance as Jamal.

There are a few corny moments, and the film’s treatment of racial differences avoids the reality of dealing with them. Still, the story is refreshing, and its lessons about friendship, honor, and trust give it real value. The excessive foul language is an unfortunate weakness that diminishes the acting and story.

The film presents a mostly moral worldview centered on character, integrity, and friendship. It also includes a positive reference to prayer. Its central relationship exalts mentorship, trust, respect, and the possibility that both an older teacher and a younger student can learn from one another.

The film makes racial differences evident but avoids the reality of dealing with them. It also includes romantic elements, alcohol use, and discussions of an alcohol-related tragedy. Some ideas involving revenge, theft, and blackmail are present but rebuked.

The film’s strongest longing is for meaningful friendship and the shaping of a person’s character. Scripture says, “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).

Finding Forrester is an uplifting, sometimes funny story about friendship and mentorship, weakened by more than 40 unnecessary obscenities and profanities. For older teenagers and adults who can exercise discernment, it is WORTH THE TRIP — OLDER TEENS AND ADULTS. For younger viewers, consider our family-friendly picks.