The Forge

This is so good I plan on seeing it again.

Looking back I couldn't help but think about all the people who took an interest in me and helped shape the way I'd be as a successful person. The Forge is the kind of film that hits close to home in the sense of hope. The world is a selfish place to live these days and without the guidance for our young people it's easy to see where they could end up.

While it is a faith based movie- no secret in the advertising, I found it had something for everyone. This is a true underdog Rocky story with humor and I found myself cheering that conclusion.

The Kendricks have always made good movies in my opinion and this is another perfect movie you can take your family too. Warning: you might actually really enjoy it.

It's good to see characters from past Kendrick movies all pop up here. It's like they're all in the same universe and pushing along together. The story is simple, a young no direction man lands a job that turns into a mentorship and changes his life physically and spiritually. Cameron Arnett is terrific as the role model here in a very moving and powerful story. A definite winner.

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.

The Forge - A must see for younger generations that are struggling to find their way and a call to older generations to invest in the younger ones.

I recommend this movie to anyone, especially if you have liked other Kendrick brother movies. This movie brings a message of hope through discipling the youths and transgressors not with judgement but with love, respect, and selflessness.

It also teaches about power of prayer and having a great support system. It is ok to ask for help no matter who you are, you should not fight alone because there is always someone out there willing to pray with you.

The Kendricks have always made good movies in my opinion and this is another good movie you can watch with your family.

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.

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.