When I first saw the trailer for DreamWorks Animation’s *Forgotten Island*, I couldn't quite grasp what the movie was about. Watching it several more times didn't help. The film is packed with so many elements that summarizing it in a two-and-a-half-minute preview—or even in a review, for that matter—is a challenge. Watching the full movie reveals an endearing, albeit somewhat cluttered, story about friendship and, above all, the power of the memories we create with our friends.
The story unfolds in the Philippines during the 1990s. Best friends Jo (musician H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) share a high-energy, mischievous bond. They have long been fascinated by Nakali, a mystical island steeped in legend. After discovering a magical sand dollar that acts as a portal to Nakali, they decide to visit. Their guide on the journey is Raww (Dave Franco), a creature capable of shifting between human and canine forms.
Directors: Joel Crawford, Januel P. Mercado
Writers: Joel Crawford, Januel P. Mercado
Stars: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco
The girls also encounter Batiba (Jenny Slate), a "memory demon" who can send them home—but only if they hand over the friendship bracelets they’ve been adorning with charms for years. Naturally, they refuse, leaving them with only one alternative: finding the lost sand dollar so they can return. I’m leaving a lot out here; as I mentioned, the plot is complex.
Like its lead duo, *Forgotten Island* is a hyperactive movie. It constantly makes odd little digressions and jumps from one topic to another. In that sense, it calls to mind another DreamWorks production: *Dog Man* (2025). Jokes come thick and fast, new narrative elements are constantly introduced, and the soundtrack is packed with 90s pop songs. This frenetic pace takes some getting used to, though the plot finds its focus in the second half. Co-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado (*Puss in Boots: The Last Wish*) successfully tie the film together using various techniques.
The standout feature is the animation—brilliant and bold. Nakali is beautifully rendered, effectively conveying the magic it is said to possess. This visual style is complemented by a vibrant sense of humor. The film is full of hilarious moments, with Franco at the center of many of the funniest situations; Raww is undoubtedly destined to become a classic DreamWorks character. Furthermore, telling the story through the lens of Filipino culture adds a refreshing touch.
However, the heart of the film is the friendship between Jo and Raissa. Especially in the final act, the story focuses on the bond they share. When that bond is threatened, they—and the audience—realize just how much knowing each other has transformed their lives. This leads to a moving conclusion reminiscent of *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*. If you have ever had a friend with whom you connected in a powerful, indescribable way, the ending will deeply resonate with you.
Very young children might feel overstimulated by the film's frenetic pace, particularly given its 109-minute runtime. Older children and adults, however, will be captivated by the blend of dazzling visuals, zany comedy, and a tender portrayal of friendship.
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