Aaron Ploof
Forgotten Island’s story begins like a typical best-friend movie: two mischievous characters start trouble and end up outside the principal’s office. They meet, swear friendship for life, and embark on a series of adventures. These adventures follow them through high school and up to graduation. With each adventure comes a new charm that the two attach to their bracelets. This all sounds pretty standard. Yet what sets the movie apart is its execution.
Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa’s (Liza Soberano) adventures are fantastical and colorful, with animation that dazzles effortlessly. As Jo talks about the island of Nakali and the evil Polynesian monster, Manananggal (Lea Salonga), it’s easy to get swept away by the artistry. The montage that follows her trip to the office with her new best friend Raissa is equally colorful and wondrous. In fact, Forgotten Island maintains this feeling throughout. It delivers a tale that awes and fascinates. Unfortunately, the film somewhat loses its footing in its randomness. Yet, the meaningful tale about the importance of friendship and the memories we form is never lost.
Jo and Raissa are fascinated by Nakali. Jo’s grandmother, Fatima (Dolly de Leon of Triangle of Sadness), tells them of the forgotten island, where Polynesian mythological creatures and animals live and flourish. Thus, Jo and Raissa promise to find it themselves. Yet, as the years go on in Forbidden Island, the two best friends are pulled apart. Jo is always experiencing trouble, and Raissa has a chance to attend Caltech. Raissa’s parents are pushing her towards attending the university. It looks like the two friends might have to go their separate ways. That is, until a portal opens up that sends them straight to Nakali.
However, they awaken the next day without their memories of the previous night. Although they seem fine, Raissa’s hair is only half-there. She has a pair of wings stuck on her shoulders. Jo is sporting a green jeweled crown. There are energy drinks strewn across the shore. Then, Raww (Together‘s Dave Franco), a were-dog, is introduced. He tells the two of them that they’re all best friends. Additionally, he says he can help them find their lost memories. So, he takes them to Batiba, a demon who collects memories. When they meet her, she offers to return them home in exchange for their bracelets and the memories attached to them.
On their journey, Jo and Raissa meet a multitude of fascinating creatures. There is Bungi (Manny Jacinto), a large Tiyanik baby demon, and Mehrman (Kevin McCann), a vain mermaid-like creature who has starfish on his chest. All of these characters are well realized, and each one of them has an arc. Together, they form the “Wild Pack,” and it’s enjoyable to watch them bond with each other. Even for characters who are written as villains, their development is such that they are fully rounded in Forbidden Island. As characters, they are neither fully good nor evil.
Unfortunately, the plot can sometimes lose its way as Forbidden Island unfolds. Watching these characters interact with each other is highly entertaining, but the film tends to discard the forward movement of the plot in favor of jokes, which can get somewhat exhausting. Thankfully, by the time the film reaches its climax, the movie is fully honed in.
As Forbidden Island reaches its closing moments, the film gets significantly darker. Jo and Raissa’s relationship is tested to the limit. People are betrayed. Words are hurled in accusation. What Jo and Raissa ultimately discover is the importance of the memories we share with our friends. The movie also shows how our relationships shape us, and what we are willing to sacrifice to save the ones we love. Honestly, there are some pretty exciting twists here. The way the characters’ arcs conclude is well thought out and emotionally satisfying.
All in all, Forgotten Island is a solid piece of filmmaking. Young children will enjoy it for the jokes. In contrast, older kids and adults will be able to look past that and find its heart beating underneath. The importance of its messages on friendship and cherished memories cannot be overstated. These are lessons we all need to hear. While it does lose its way as the story goes on, it manages to take back the reins. It executes a perfectly done ending that celebrates these themes. If Dreamwork’s Shrek 5 is anywhere close to this level of filmmaking, we’ll have two winners on our hands.
