A Kid Hangover Steeped in Filipino Folklore

Key Points:

• "Forgotten Island," directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, is a hyperactive Dreamworks Animation comedy blending Filipino folklore with influences from films like "Superbad" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," focusing on themes of memory and friendship.
• The story centers on two close friends, Jo and Raissa, who are transported to a magical island called Nakalimutan, where they must navigate mythological creatures and their own impending separation as Raissa prepares to leave for college abroad.
• The film features a vibrant, fast-paced Manila setting in the early 1990s, rich with cultural references and folklore, and includes unique characters such as a shape-shifting weredog voiced by Dave Franco and a menacing villain Manang representing the girls' emotional struggles.
• While "Forgotten Island" is visually engaging and emotionally heartfelt, its frenetic pacing and overstuffed plot sometimes dilute the clarity of its message, though the strong chemistry between the leads and cultural authenticity help anchor the film.
• Universal Pictures will release "Forgotten Island" in theaters on September 25, with the film earning a grade of B for its ambitious storytelling and cultural representation.