Music biopics are too often predictable, formulaic and, let’s face it, dull. One way to liven them up, however, is to venture way outside the box and make the central subject an anthropomorphic animal. And while an alligator Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody” or a sloth Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” might have been bridges too far, a chimpanzee Robbie Williams defies logic and somehow works in “Better Man.”

Director Michael Gracey’s admirably eccentric biopic/jukebox musical (★★★ out of four; rated R; in select theaters now, nationwide Friday) still boasts the signature tropes of its ilk and the career-tanking vices of many a “Behind the Music” episode. Yet the fact that the ultra-cheeky Williams is inexplicably presented as a bawdy CG ape man (given cool moves and voice via performance capture by Jonno Davies) matches the fantastical nature of the British pop star’s bananas rise-and-fall-and-rise-again tale.

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The movie also has a lot in common with Gracey’s most famous effort, “The Greatest Showman,” featuring well-crafted, effervescent musical numbers doing what they can to make up for oversentimentality and an unfocused narrative.

Narrated by Williams himself, “Better Man” chronicles his life starting as a little simian dude playing soccer in the streets with his mates – and failing to impress his peers. Like his father Peter (Steve Pemberton), Robbie wants to be somebody and slowly he begins to embrace a charismatic, wild-child personality that wins him a spot in the boy band Take That. His brazen and outrageous personality wins over some like pop-star girlfriend Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno) – and his many fans – but irks many others, from his bandmates and manager (Damon Herriman) to members of Oasis.

The middle of the movie is where “Better Man” finds its groove. Robbie sings “Rock DJ” and his group pogo-sticks through London’s busy Regent Street in the film’s most spectacular sequence. And as the insecure Robbie goes down a bad path, he’s forced to literally fight the conflicting parts of his pop-star persona. Drugs and being a selfish jerk threaten everything, of course, and seeing a chimp go through the out-of-control partying instead of a normal dude is a bit different. The family drama peppered through the film leans too earnest, leading to an ending that pours on the schmaltz way too hard. Brash simian Robbie is a lot more fun to watch than soppy simian Robbie.

No one’s ever going to play a primate like the brilliant Andy Serkis in his “Planet of the Apes” films. Davies does a good job at moving in such a way that’s human but also a little bit wild, which adds to the hyperrealism of a proudly oddball movie. It doesn’t completely explain why exactly Williams is a chimp in the biopic – he’s said he feels “less evolved” than others, and Nicole calls Robbie an “animal” during a fight – but it makes that bizarre choice a little less head-scratching.

Interestingly, the best part of “Better Man” is Williams. He sings the songs throughout the movie – including nifty new tune “Forbidden Road” – and his fabulous narration hilariously slings jabs and adds an emotional gravitas to his screen counterpart’s struggles. When the film goes most over the top, Williams’ commentary keeps it grounded.

“Better Man” isn’t perfect – as a straightforward effort, it doesn’t hold a candle to, say, “A Complete Unknown.” But it’s never boring, either. And the film is easily the most idiosyncratic of its kind, at least until that inevitable Barry Manilow biopic featuring a yeti.

If you are looking for a good movie to watch during these cold winter days, I suggest The Forge. 

Before providing an explanation for my recommendation I must warn that this review does contain spoilers. Therefore, do not read the rest of this article if you intend to watch the film.

The Forge

A Brief Summary

Under the direction of Alex Kendrick, The Forge is a faith-based movie emphasizing the importance of discipleship. Actors such as Priscilla Shirer,  Cameron Arnett, and Aspen Kennedy bring this theme to life with a passion for God that exudes beyond a typical acting role.

Their passion manifests through the story of Isaiah Wright, a young adult struggling to find direction in life. He focuses on playing video games, hanging out with friends and not handling his responsibilities.

His mother scolds him for his lackadaisical habits but a transformation does not occur until he meets Joshua Moore. Joshua Moore, the owner of Moore Fitness gym, offers Isaiah a job. 

Little does Isaiah know, this opportunity will not only change his financial status but help him draw closer to God. God uses Joshua Moore as a mentor who gives Isaiah professional and personal advice to help him mature.

Over a short period of time, Isaiah decides to stop resisting God and accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. After hearing the news, Mr. Moore disciples Isaiah and invites him into fellowship with other Christian men. 

This maturation helps Isaiah apologize for past mistakes, forgive his father and become a courageous young professional.

The Forge concludes with Mr. Moore issuing a challenge to his forge (and viewers) to make disciples for Jesus Christ.

Relatable to the African American Community 

Brokenness & Fatherlessness 

Along with a compelling message to go make disciples for Christ, The Forge also highlights themes relatable to the African American Community.

One theme was Isaiah’s brokenness due to the absence of his father. This may seem like a negative depiction of black families because some media platforms associate fatherlessness with African Americans.

However, I see this as a positive since it confronts the realities that many young adults of various ethnic backgrounds face.

Pain Drawing People Closer to God

Another theme Christians in the Black community can relate too is painful situations drawing them closer to God. For Isaiah, pain occurs through fatherlessness and the inability to find direction for his life.

But after surrendering his life to God, Isaiah transforms into a new creation.

For Mr. Moore, tragedy happens through a car accident resulting in his son’s death. Mr. Moore is so distraught, his marriage almost ends. Thankfully, yielding his anger to God helps him become a dynamic mentor for other men.

Ownership & Excellence in Business 

One way Mr. Moore serves as a dynamic mentor is by discipling his employee Joshua. Mr. Moore has the freedom to share his faith with Joshua since he owns Moore Fitness Gym. 

This same freedom appears as Joshua’s mom prays with her employees and friends at Cynthia’s (her hair salon).  

In addition to a gym and hair salon, the film features a black owned coffee shop.

Seeing positive representations of African Americans in business through this film is encouraging for two reasons. 

First, this positive representation shows all Christian’s how we can use employment to glorify God regardless of our job title. Second, this film shows there is a strong sense of work ethic, unity, teamwork and business savvy in black families.

Hopefully, this inspires more Christians to start black owned family businesses that will make a lasting impact in their communities.

The Impact of Discipleship

One way to make a lasting impact in any community is by investing in people. Mr. Moore this by establishing the forge and discipling countless men who then disciple others. 

Through these personal investments, men not only grow spiritually, but in every aspect of their lives. They also gain a health support system that allows them to function in community the way God intends.

Imagine what our churches, families and society will look like if more men accept the responsibility of discipleship. 

3 Things You Might Have Overlooked

The Power of Prayer 

The displays of discipleship prevalent in this film could not be possible without prayer. Isaiah’s mom asks her forge to pray for him on a few occasions.

Prayer is also evident during Isaiah’s conversion experience as well as Mr. and Mrs. Moore’s daily affairs. These examples prove we can not draw closer to God or help others in their relationship with the Lord without prayer.

This is why Paul uses scriptures like 1 Timothy 2:8 to illustrate the importance of prayer.

An Excellent Use of Scripture

Along with illustrating the importance of prayer, The Forge does an excellent job of using scripture in its proper context.  This is seen as Mr. Moore quotes or references the following scriptures to make key points

1. Matthew 28:19.
2. Luke 9:23.
3. Galatians 5:13-14.

This factor stands out to me because I have seen other films use scripture and biblical principles out of context. 

Being contextually accurate with scripture is essential because someone who does not fully understand a scripture may be susceptible to false teachings. God will hold filmmakers who intentionally misuse scripture accountable for making others stumble. 

A Reminder About Sin

Thankfully, instead of making me stumble, The Forge offers a helpful reminder about sin.  Sin is not just acts like using drugs, embezzling money, or committing adultery which are typical in many films.

Instead, The Forge reminds viewers that holding grudges, selfish ambitions, and not consulting God in every decision are also sins. I appreciate this reminder because it’s easy for believers to think they are in right standing with God if they do not commit sins others find unjustifiable.

However, God also takes offense when we act in ways that suggest he is not the Lord of our lives. We must strive to live by Luke 9:23 daily in order to be sincere disciples for Christ.

How do you feel about The Forge? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated!