Filipino mythology is not what tends to come to mind when thinking of animated features, but here we are. Making history by being the first one of these by a major Hollywood studio in Forgotten Island, this film does not just rest on its laurels as a benchmark but brings a presentation that is fun, entertaining, heart-filled, and beautifully presented.
Also using almost entirely Filipino or Filipino descendants, this is the story of Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano, Lisa Frankenstein) are childhood best friends who are about to graduate high school after a lifetime of listening to Jo’s grandmother (Dolly de Leon, Nine Perfect Strangers) tell tales of the mythical island of Nakali, which can only be found with a magical key and amazing creatures live. On the eve of Raissa leaving for Caltech, the two find a key, proving the truth to the stories but find out that there is more to experience, and possibly lose in the process as they wake up not having any idea what happened to them in the previous twelve hours. With the help of were-aspin Raww (Dave Franco), they race to put the pieces of the night back together and get home before Raissa leaves forever.
Directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado (who dedicates the film to his father who passed due to pancreatic cancer) have worked together for over a decade and a half starting with Kung Fu Panda 2, and it shows in this story inspired by their friendship. Their collaboration results in a film that for the longer-than-usual-for-an-animated film at just under two hours, it is engaging and an absolute fun ride. The mix of traditional CGI-style animation with anime emotions is perfectly balanced and even though could be approaching critical mass in the last few years stays in its lane nicely. There are some mature themes here, so be aware that it may get too intense for the very younger set, but not done in a way that would keep too many of the kids’ demographic away. With an absolutely outstanding soundtrack to keep things moving along the way, this all just works.
The voice cast is also great, including SNL alum Jenny Slate as Batiba who specializes in memories, Manny Jacinto as Bungi the 200-year-old baby that joins the crew as his first time away from his mother, and even Lea Salonga and Jo Koy in roles that they truly disappear into. At no point was I taken out of what was going on by thinking of the voice actor versus the character, which is another testament to how wonderful this film is.
Although there are a few moments that drag a bit, the entirety of Forgotten Island is an absolute achievement on every level, setting itself apart from the sea of CGI movies out there (no pun intended). Although this may not be for the WHOLE family, if you are looking for The Hangover for pre-teens, this is the one to see. As the kids with the clothes and the hair like to say… LOVE LOVE LOVE!