La fragua

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.

This movie was an enjoyable watch - the cast was great top to bottom and the filming and sets looked crisp. The story, of a down and out young man looking to turn his life around with no real motivation to do so, is a good one.

Thanks to God, prayers of family and a great mentor figure things start to happen. The mentor is firstly a great actor, but the wisdom dispensed in this movie might be simple at first glance but is also invaluable. We'd all like a mentor like that man (hes a bit fantastical, but worth it) Its worth a watch, Christian or not just for that. Ofcourse it's made for Christians and im glad it doesnt shy away from it's faith themes but is watchable even if not christian. The scene with a bit of robot speak is a bit weird, but overall I enjoyed this film - a great one for young kids to direct them on the path.

Before I write anything further, you should know that this is a drama about Christianity. So for those who do not like religious movies, skip this one. From here, instead of talking about this movie from the religion aspect, I'm gonna break it down in film making aspect. This movie had a simple plot, it has a simple conflict and minimum plot twist. But it's also well directed and acted. It also has some appropriate musical soundtracks to support the story telling. So considering all of those points, I rated it 6 stars. I added another star because it has a good moral lesson. Too bad that it didn't give the audience a stronger conflict plus its resolve. Otherwise, I would've rated it 8 stars.

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 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.