By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"FORGOTTEN ISLAND"--AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA--Attendees at
CinemaCon this past April, including yours truly, were treated to a screening of DreamWorks' fantasy animated comedy
"Forgotten Island," and the movie was so good and made such an impression on me that I couldn't wait to see it again.
Directed by
Joel Crawford and Stockton, California native
Januel P. Mercado ("Puss in Boots: The Last Wish"), "Forgotten Island" is something special. It's a colorful, imaginative and beautifully animated adventure that celebrates Filipino culture in a fun, positive and wonderfully accessible way.
The vibrant imagery feels both magical and deeply rooted in Filipino folklore, yet it is a story that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
Set primarily in the Philippines during the 1990s, the story centers on Josephine "Jo" Yuson (singer H.E.R.) and her best friend, Raissa Molina (Liza Soberano, "Lisa Frankenstein"), two young girls whose friendship becomes the heart of an extraordinary journey.
After Jo's grandmother, Lola Fatima (Dolly de Leon, TV's "Nine Perfect Strangers"), shares stories about the mysterious island of Nakali and its legendary creatures, those childhood tales suddenly become very real.
Years later, just as Raissa prepares to leave for college, the two friends stumble upon a magical portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical world filled with creatures from Filipino mythology.
Before long, they're caught up in a dangerous quest involving the Dreaded Manananggal, (Lea Salonga, TV's "Pretty Little Liars"), magical memories, and a mysterious treasure, with a colorful assortment of characters joining them along the way.
Among them is Datu, a Kapre (Jo Koy, "The Tiger's Apprentice") who brings his trademark humor and personality to the role. Also adding to this fantastical mix are Dave Franco ("Now You See Me: Now You Don't") as Raww, a well-meaning but hapless shapeshifting were-aspin/dog, Jenny Slate ("Zootopia 2"), is Batiba, a tree-dwelling Batibat (evil demon) that specializes in memories, and Ronny Chieng, "Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender"), is the King of the Duwende people.
Beneath all the magic, mayhem, and numerous personalities--which admittedly can at times feel a bit overwhelming to keep track of--is a genuinely heartfelt story about two friends who learn that growing up doesn't have to mean growing apart.
"Forgotten Island" is the kind of animated film that can make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you wanting to revisit its magical world.
It's a delightful surprise and one of my favorite animated films of the year.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"FORGOTTEN ISLAND"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
