JASON EVANS' 100-WORD REVIEWS: Forgotten Island

 A visual treat

Film critic Jason Evans has made it his mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies faster than a memory slips your mind. His reviews are exactly 100 words long (because 99 leave you wanting more, but 101 is unnecessary verbosity). Here is his 100-word review of Forgotten Island.

The Premise: Jo and Raissa are best friends uncertain about what comes next for them as their time in high school in the Philippines is coming to an end. They have always been entranced by the stories Jo’s grandmother told them of the mythical land of Nakali. On the last night before Raissa goes off to college in the U.S., they get magically transported to Nakali. At first it seems amazing, but the friends soon realize that the price they must pay to go home is giving up their lifetime of memories together. The animated film features the voices of H.E.R. and Dave Franco. It is written and directed by Joel Crawford, who did the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

The 100-words: The visual style on display in this film is a real treat. Crawford knows how to use animation not just to show the story, but to enhance it. The voice work is strong all around and the film deserves praise for embracing representation by delivering a true Philippino story. Sadly, that story has a few hiccups, including an ending that if a bit of a confusing mess. I also wonder who this is really for as there as aspects that may scare younger kids. It isn’t in the top tier of Dreamworks animated catalog, but is still a very solid entry.   

Reach out to Jason Evans on Twitter @JasonDukeEvans

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