La Forja

You know I was really surprised. I expected this movie to be a dud. It concerns a young black kid in the hood. Playing video games like all kids.

(Hey I got a in-law who plenty of time for video games and no time for a job).

And he gets a mentor, at the new job. His mother said get a job or pay rent. Now there was a lot of humor in this movie I didn't get. And quite frankly it is way too long. Chop off 40 minutes and it would be much much better.

The acting was good. Also someone was filmed inside a real factory and I really enjoyed that. Anyway probably one time watch for me but pretty good for a Christian movie. I was surprised.

I found this movie on DVD at my public library. It is well-made with competent actors, none that I had ever seen before. It is not subtle, it is a Christian movie with a Christian message.

It focuses on Isaiah, a 19-yr-old black man living with his single mother. She runs a beauty salon and as the movie starts she is coming home with several bags of groceries. She yells for Isaiah to come and help her but to no avail.

Then we see Isaiah in the back room, his headphones on, talking to an unseen partner as they play one of those video games where characters hunt other characters and try not to get killed.

This is the setup for the rest of the movie. Isaiah is an intelligent young man with no plans. No plans for college, no plans for finding a job, just existing off his mother and trying to enjoy each day. Mom reads him the riot act, either get a job and contribute or find a friend that will let him sleep on their couch. When I was a younger parent we called this "tough love."

So the story arc is Isaiah meeting the right kind of people who show him some realities of life and the appreciation for others. How to become a fountain instead of remaining a siphon. The message is good but the movie offers no new concepts, just the tried and true of Christian life.

Forge had all the right elements. A compelling plot, believable actors, a relevant issue, a feel-good ending, a takeaway to emulate. The Kendrick brothers have improved their game since "facing the giants". This movie is as much about discipleship as it is answered prayer. In War Room, prayer takes center stage. In Forge, it is running in the background. Having discipled men for years, the movie felt too "perfect". Discipleship is a lot messier. Not all follow through, not all respond. Not everything gets buttoned up. I am happy for the Forge groups that will form as a result of this movie. I really enjoyed it. Just wish it was more real.

I was sitting alone in my grief from just experiencing my first Christmas since the loss of my older daughter, who passed suddenly without warning at tge age of 35 in January 2024. I was doom scrolling through available movies, looking for a lost blockbuster. I don't know why I decided to give The Forge a watch. Maybe just the hope for a better future through each one of us choosing to make a difference, even if just for one of us. Without exposing spoilers, there were surprising moments that resonated deeply. I am a Christian, but far from what the Lord wants me to be. This film speaks to people like me and people looking for a path.

Thus movie hit home with me simply because I was actually 19 when I came to God and He changed my life! I like how they're not ashamed but straight-foward with it being a Christian movie. But on the flip side, they're not making theirselves to look better than non-believers. It has something for everyone! It's very encouraging and gives us a new perspective on how our lives could be if we change with God! What brings this movie alive is the fact that these type of changes happen to people everyday and it's reality! Like I said, it previously happened to me! Now I look back at my life and am truely thankful that through God I got another chance! This movie is a reminder of our testimonies of what God can do! It's an offer of hope to those that need it! Great movie! Thank you to everyone that played their roles and made this movie possible! We definitely need more movies like this! 🙏