‘War Room’ Review: Prayer made the focus for Christians in new Kendrick brothers’ film

Four years after the success of Courageous, the Kendrick brothers return with War Room, a call to prayer for Christians and those facing difficulties. Similar to their previous films, Alex Kendrick directs, Stephen Kendrick produces and the duo co-write and develop the script.

Elizabeth (Priscilla Shirer) and Tony (TC Stallings) are in a struggling marriage, fighting over nearly every decision or responsibility when Miss Clara (Karen Abercrombie) befriends Elizabeth and mentors her in the power of prayer. A closet becomes her “war room” for prayer, the ultimate weapon to battle earthly problems, especially in the busy lifestyles of 2015.

Like the Kendrick’s film Fireproof, War Room stays rooted in the couple’s marital problems, pretty much to a fault. Unlike Courageous which followed several story lines, the story of prayer is a very narrow journey and likely won’t reach beyond the target audience. The message is so heavy that the flow is never steady and weighs on the viewer.

Ms. Clara (Karen Abercrombie) celebrates after Elizabeth (Priscilla Shirer) shares how God answered a specific prayer (filming location: Birkdale Village shopping center in Huntersville, N.C.). (Courtesy of AFFIRM Films/Provident Films, Photo credit: David Whitlow)

Abercrombie’s Miss Clara steals every scene, offers up the perfect balance of comedy and seriousness to keep the believers engaged. Shirer and Stallings pull the story along well, with Stallings showcasing more of his acting chops after his brief role as a thug in Courageous. Comedian Michael Jr. has a small role as the voice of reason to Tony, but the role seemed forced and not other characters really stand out.

Stallings gets the best theme, the redemptive husband who breaks every stereotype and expectation to find redemption. Later he gets some jump rope time which was fun, even more so once you learn that he performed the tricks himself.

The Kendrick brothers are doing what they do best: deliver high quality Christian themed films for their audience – the church.

The powerful prayer seen in the teasers hinted at broader themes and responsibility, but that never manifests on screen. War Room will prove to be an energizer for evangelical believers, ladies groups and churches embracing prayer, but likely won’t penetrate the hard outer shell of non-believers and will comes across as preachy or a long-winded sermon.

Overall War Room receives 3 out of 5 stars

Check out The Dispatch interview with both filmmakers HERE

An exclusive talk with Karen Abercrombie can be heard by clicking HERE

Check out our interview with actor T.C. Stallings — HERE

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