Our Take on Forge — Art Crimes with a Twist
A vibrant heist comedy that defies expectations.
About Forge
- Platform: YouTube
- Release Date:
- Genres: Comedy, Crime
In Miami, siblings Raymond and Coco Zhang’s art forgery ring flourishes when they encounter a disgraced millionaire in need of their expertise. Meanwhile, FBI Art Crimes agent Emily Lee moves to Miami to investigate a series of mysterious paintings.
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
In 'Forge,' directed by newcomer Ava Lin, we dive into the sun-soaked, neon-drenched world of Miami, where the Zhang siblings, Raymond (played with mischievous charm by Kenji Tanaka) and Coco (brought to life by the effervescent Lily Chen), run a thriving art forgery operation. Things take an unexpected turn when they cross paths with Victor Grant, a disgraced millionaire portrayed by the ever-talented Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Grant is in desperate need of their skills to rebuild his shattered fortune through a series of audacious art scams.
The film sets the stage with a vibrant opening sequence—a heist at an exclusive gallery that’s as much about style as it is about substance. The chemistry between Tanaka and Chen is electric, their banter crackling with wit and sibling rivalry that feels genuine and endearing. Morgan’s portrayal of Grant adds a layer of complexity, a man broken by his own hubris yet eager to find redemption.
Enter Emily Lee, the tenacious FBI Art Crimes agent, played by Jessica Henwick. Her character is a refreshing contrast to the chaotic world of the Zhangs, providing a grounded perspective amidst the mayhem. Her investigation into a series of enigmatic paintings serves as a clever narrative thread that ties the film’s comedic elements to its crime roots.
'Forge' shines in its ability to balance humor with high-stakes tension. The script, penned by Lin and co-writer Marcus Ito, is peppered with sharp dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments, particularly in scenes where the siblings try to outwit Lee while navigating their own family dynamics. A standout scene involves a botched forgery job that turns into a slapstick disaster, highlighting Lin’s knack for comedic timing.
However, not everything is picture-perfect. The pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the middle act where the film indulges in a subplot that feels unnecessary and detracts from the main storyline. Additionally, while Henwick delivers a solid performance, her character sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the rest of the ensemble.
Despite these minor flaws, 'Forge' is a delight for fans of crime comedies and art enthusiasts alike. The film’s vibrant cinematography captures Miami’s colorful, bustling atmosphere, and its soundtrack—an eclectic mix of jazz and Latin beats—perfectly complements the film’s lively essence.
In the end, 'Forge' delivers a satisfying blend of laughs and thrills. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it manages to provide a fresh take on the crime comedy genre. If you’re looking for a movie that’s as clever as it is fun, 'Forge' is well worth your time.
More Reviews & Recommendations
Discover what else is worth watching this weekend. WatchThisFlix covers the best new releases across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max (HBO), Apple TV+, Hulu, and more.