The Forge

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!

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 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.

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.

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.