Forgotten Island

It’s almost October, so it’s time for one last review. It’s time I tell you about Forgotten Island before I forget about it.

In the Philippines, sometime in the 1990s, Jo Yuson and Raissa Molina meet when the former’s family history project goes awry. They instantly become besties and spend the next few years building matching friendship bracelets and listening to Jo’s Grandma, “Lola” Fatima’s (Dolly de Leon) stories of the mysterious island of Nakali. Fatima, Jo’s only local relative, dies by the time she (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) graduate High School. But at least her bestie isn’t going anywhere ...

Except to CalTech. Which is not in the Philippines.

As they party away their last night together, Jo & Raissa find a sand dollar that takes them to Nakali. Once they realize where they are, it’s already been twelve hours, and things have already gotten strange. Raissa’s flight is imminent, and the sand dollar is missing. Fortunately, Raww the weredog (Dave Franco) agrees to be their island guide. He takes them around the island to meet, or rather, re-meet, such mythical characters as Batiba the Batibat (Jenny Slate), who collects memories; Bungi the Tiyanak (Manny Jacinto); Mermahn the Kataw (Kevin Mccann); and Datu of the Kapre (Jo Koy). 

And then, there’s Manananggal, Jo’s favorite creature in all of Filipino mythology. Manang (Lea Salonga), as she goes by, is a vampiric creature who splits into two. She’s constantly furious, which isn’t helped by Raissa stealing her sentient wings for herself. She doesn’t plan to let our heroines escape alive. Their friendship is also tested once they learn what really happened last night. I think that’s it.

Joel Crawford, who previously did Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, direct and wrote it with his friend, Januel Mercado (who was a co-director in the other film; there’s a difference between that and director). Crawford’s kids also pop up in the cast - Kailey is young Jo, while Zoe & Riley are her nemesis, Reynaldo, through the years. I should also note that Kayla Teruel is young Raissa. Anyway, what can you expect from this film?

For starters, you can expect one hyperactive movie. Barely any minute goes by without some visual craziness, even before Jo & Raissa set foot on Nakali. It mostly comes from its anime aesthetics, wild takes and 2D art shifts (notably during some unreliable flashbacks). There's even a bit of live action when our heroines watch Predator. It's visually creative, and quite overwhelming, at the same time. Granted, the hyperactivity fits our youthful protagonists, but it's not for everyone. By comparison, Raissa mind-melding with Jo during the climax shows creative restraint. And now, I gotta answer some questions…

You can also expect an excellent friendship. Jo & Raissa hit it off once they formally meet outside their principal’s office. Afterwards, they never stop being enjoyable together, even when things get dour. Late in the film, there’s a big reveal concerning Jo that turns Raissa against her. While Raissa is right to be upset, Jo’s desperation helps us sympathize with her. Raissa saving Jo from the depths of despair during their mind-meld is quite moving. Overall, our heroines’ chemistry is enlivened by both sets of voice actresses.

How about a decent supporting cast? It’s topped off by Mermahn, who’s a bit of a dullard, and Bungi, who’s surprisingly tolerable. King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng) of the Duwende is a cuddly little nuisance who thinks he’s a legitimate threat. They all help save the day, so they’re all right. They’re good reasons to look up information on their actual myths; you’d be surprised how cuddly the Duwende really aren't, for example.

And others! Raww’s “full dog” episodes, and imperfect reverts, provide some more visual craziness. He never acts like a third-wheel or something with our heroines. In fact, he fits right in with them. As with Jo, his major secret does little to dissuade audience sympathy. Batiba being the secret villain, much like Slate’s previous role as Bellweather in Zootopia, was a legitimate surprise. She even acts more malicious than Manang, if that’s possible.

What about our obvious villain? Manang sparsely talks, or roars, but what sticks out is her being described as an echo-chamber of negativity. You can certainly believe it, for she’s almost never happy. The animators go above and beyond to make her the embodiment of rage. You’ll almost feel bad for her, even if you don’t get the full story.

What else do we have? Nakali is visualized with a striking painted CGI style, much like that of The Last Wish. The creature designs are all interesting, even if they lend themselves to some overlong jokes (Mermahn, anyone?). Its real world provides a neat insight into life in the Philippines. The soundtrack is a great mixtape of classic tunes, including the obvious Don’t You (Forget About Me), and Nathan Matthew David’s score.

I'm willing to go back to Forgotten Island once it hits home media. Yes, it's centered on a great friendship, but I want to make sure nothing got past me the first time. If visual craziness suits your speed, buckle up for a great adventure. If it gets you interested afterwards, even a little bit, in looking up Filippino mythology, then it's doing right. Whatever the case, don't you forget about it.

I've said enough.