La Forja

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.

There's a serious theme, which underlies this Kendrick brothers effort and, without creating a spoiler, I have to underscore the message, more of a tagline from the end of the movie and it goes very near to the heart of this movie and as we look at our society on a longitudinal basis and see what's been missing for oh so many years and it will take dedicated people to live out the message ensconced in this movie, which is oh so well put together. In fact I'm going to review it in my mind and consider several of the characters and determine how they fulfill the meaning of their names, especially Isaiah and Joshua! As to spoilers I've not given any serious details, but skirted on the edges of the drama and I hope I've teased people into watching at least once and paying for others, so this brilliant message reaches oh so many more people and the theme is inculcated in our society as it's creators intended! Be blessed!

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.

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.

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.