In a Filipino middle school, a girl named Jo is giving a presentation about her family history. However, because it focuses on mythological monsters, her classmates laugh at her, and her teacher fails her.

Even worse, Jo fights with the other kids to the point where she is sent to the principal’s office. While waiting outside it, she meets a girl named Raissa. The 2 decide to become best friends.

They grow up and make lots of memories together… including when Jo loses her beloved grandmother. However, they do have differences that aren’t exactly compatible.

Jo loves to have fun and make memories. Raissa, on the other hand, is serious about her studies and future. She even gets impatient over Jo’s carefree spirit at times.

After graduating from high school, Jo and Raissa’s paths split. Jo is working at a fast food restaurant and remains carefree. Raissa, on the other hand is going to attend college in America outside of the Philippines. Of course, this leaves Jo quite bummed.

When Raissa has her farewell party with her family and lots of other people, Jo arrives late while wearing her chicken costume. It takes her a while through the crowd to find Raissa.

But as Raissa’s parents start showing a slideshow of Raissa’s life beginning with her as a baby, thus embarrassing her, Jo distracts everyone by singing, “Baby Got Back” in her microphone. However, it accidentally leads to some disasters at the party.

Raissa’s mom decides that she does not want her hanging with Jo anymore. Despite that, Jo manages to sneak Raissa out of her home.

On the beach, something unexpected happens – Jo finds a magical sand dollar, which opens a portal to this forgotten island called Nakali. The 2 go in it.

However, after 12 hours, the young women wake up with no memories of the previous night. That happens when mortals enter the island. In addition, Raissa wakes up with half her hair gone and wings on her shoulders.

Yet the girls figure out what they need to do to go home. That is to retrieve the sand dollar that brought them here – even if it means going to encounter the most malicious and dangerous demon, Manang.

The girls encounter lots of magical entities along the way. They include:

• Raww, a teenage were-aspin who says that he hung out with them last night
• Batiba, a Batibat (which resembles a huge anthropomorphic cat) who asks them for their friendships bracelets in exchange for their memories and abilities to return home – even if they refuse
• Bungi, a naive Tiyanak (which resembles a giant baby with some various differences and a tendency to become vicious when mad) who remains emotionally attached to his mother
• Mermahn, a Kataw (type of merfolk) who turns into a scrawny alien-like figure unless he has water – which then transforms him into a hunky and attractive merman

Together, they go on the mission to help both Jo and Raissa. Crazy things occur along the way. Complications and stakes also begin to rise.

But can the girls still have their memories restored and obtain the sand dollar to return home?

Like many other DreamWorks animated features, this one really engaged me a lot. There were a few slow moments and times where the scenes lagged, though. But that is a minor flaw.

Parts of the film were funny. Unlike other DreamWorks animated movies, this one included 2D animated exaggerated moments. And they were done in an anime style.

As usual, the character development was very strong. You know how they say opposites attract? Well, in this case, they do.

Although Jo and Raissa have opposing personalities, their friendship remains strong. But that also brings up various conflicts.

Yet this is fiction, which means conflict is necessary. But both young women were pretty likable.

One issue I had happened after watching this movie. When seeing it in the movie theater, I had assumed that it was set in a Hispanic country in Central or South America.

However, it is actually set in the Philippines. But that is not specified or even implied in the movie to those who are unfamiliar with Philippine mythology.

I like it when settings are specified in stories. That way, the audience can understand why characters do certain things and a lot more about the tale.

Regardless, I did admire the Philippine mythological creatures in this film. They all had unique and memorable personalities and goals.

Overall, I enjoyed Forgotten Island. The twists and turns make it even more exciting.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.