Forgotten Island – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 48 minutes
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Jo tells her class the story of Nakali. An island with magical creatures that her grandmother, Lola Fatima, told her about. Then, she tells the class about the vampire demon, Manang, who can detach and reattach her body. Before she drenches Raissa in the splash zone, the teacher stops her. He wanted the students to give a story about their family history. These are the only stories Jo has because Lola is her only family. Her father lives in the United States. Reynoldo laughs and offends Jo. She runs across the classroom and hits him multiple times. The teacher sends Jo to the principal’s office. Jo sits outside the door, and Raissa joins her. Jo can’t believe the smartest girl in the school is in trouble. Raissa says the teacher tried to disprove her tales of Nakali. However, she frantically used science and math to back her up. Jo asks Raissa to be friends. She takes a switchblade, cuts off her hair tie, and ties it around Raissa’s wrist. Later, Raissa greets Lola and learns the stories. Lola tells them that if they ever go to Nakali, they must be nice to the Kapre. They are tree people who will care for them and help them return home. She has a tattoo dedicated to them. They want to go to Nakali now, but they need a portal key. That night, Jo asks Raissa to be her best friend and gives Raissa her first charm.
Years go by, and Raissa and Jo graduate high school. Their bracelets are filled with charms of their memories. Jo recalls Raissa walking into her job to deliver crushing news. Raissa isn’t going to school near home. She’s going to Caltech in the United States, leaving Jo behind. Jo attempts to hide her pain and attend Raissa’s graduation party. When Raissa’s mother and father start an embarrassing slideshow, Jo distracts the crowd by singing and lighting the buffet on fire. Raissa’s mother drags Raissa upstairs. As Raissa talks to her mother, her bracelet gets caught in her hair, and she takes it off. Raissa’s mother tells her that Jo is a boulder while she is a rocket. Then, she tells Raissa not to leave the house because she will fly to the United States tomorrow. After Raissa’s mother leaves, Jo enters and asks Raissa for one last adventure. They go to the beach, find their wrecked van, and blow up firecrackers. With 2 firecrackers left, Jo gets an idea. She grabs one and puts it on her bracelet. She gives the other to Raissa. Raissa refuses to put it on because she can’t board the plane with an explosive. Jo doesn’t see the problem, and they argue. Raissa demands that Jo grow up and do more with her life, like using her amazing artwork. Jo wants Raissa to follow her dreams instead of her parents. Raissa admits that her parents aren’t making her go. She chose to go. Then, Jo notices a glowing sand dollar. It’s the portal key. They fall into the quantum tunnel.
An enormous, glowing chicken pecks at her snacks, awakening Joe. She wears a crown and armor, and is missing a shoe. She runs over to Raissa to wake her. Raissa has wings and a shaved head, with empty potion bottles surrounding her. They can’t find their camera but have several Polaroids. As they argue, Raww jumps out of the woods to greet them. They knock him out, tie him to a tree, and force him to explain how he knows them. Raww states that they spent the night partying in Nakali. They even got matching tattoos. He lifts his shirt and points at the bandage on Jo’s arm. It says ‘Wild Pack.’ Raissa reads her watch and discovers they were on the island for 12 hours with no memory of what happened. Raissa must return home to catch her flight to college, but the portal key is missing. Raww doesn’t remember when they misplaced it. He says Batiba can help them.
Batiba welcomes them to her home with food and coconut water. They explain their situation, and she offers to give them another key. However, they must give her something in return. Batiba is afraid to go outside because of Manang. So she collects others’ memories to keep her company. Each object holds a memory, and memories are magical. She offers to help, but they have to give up their bracelet. They will lose the memory of everything the bracelet holds dear. They refuse and run, but Manang is waiting for them. Raissa’s wings belong to Manang, and they have a mind of their own. They dodge Manang and ask Raww to guide them through the island. Raissa and Jo will retrace their steps to find the portal key. Can they find it in time for Raissa to make her flight?
This fantasy, adventure-themed animated film has something for everyone. Adults will remember the iconic songs while the Filipino visual effects will stun everyone. During flashbacks, the movie switches styles. The directors ensured this change didn’t distract the audience. However, it makes the flashbacks funny, beautifully exaggerated, and compelling. The storyline introduces the viewers to these mythical creatures from Philippine mythology while offering life lessons. Raissa is responsible but careful, and Jo is reckless but fun. This adventure makes them appreciate each other, their friendship, and their memories. And let’s not forget about the music. This movie has legendary songs from the 1980s and 1990s. Don’t be surprised if you are dancing and humming along. This mixture between Puss in Boots and Hangover deserves a second watch so you can enjoy the beauty and storytelling (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). While the twists are somewhat foreseeable, the graphics and plot make it worth it. Tayo Na!
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
You had me at disembowelment – Raissa
You shouldn’t have stolen from me – Manang
I like big buts, and I can not lie – Jo
Why else would they call it a market – Raww
Are you calling my mom a liar – Bunji
All of them – Batiba
She will die on day – Lola
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