Forgotten Island Review: DreamWorks Animation's Frantic Best Friends 2026

In the realm of Forgotten Island, DreamWorks Animation's latest offering, audiences are thrust into a hyper-energized world of best friends forever. This review delves into the frantic animation style that defines the film, exploring whether its over-caffeinated approach serves the story or leaves viewers exhausted. Set in the pre-social media 90s Philippines, the movie follows Jo, voiced by R&B star HER, and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano, as they navigate friendship, destiny, and the mythical island of Nakali.

The Story: A Familiar Yet Frantic Journey

Jo is a lonely, imaginative teen who often finds herself in trouble at school. Like Moana, she has a wise grandmother who regales her with tales of her ancestral heritage and the forgotten island of Nakali. Jo befriends Raissa, a similarly lonely but academically focused girl. Their bond is sealed with a friendship bracelet, but as years pass, Jo ends up in a dead-end fast-food job while Raissa grapples with guilt over leaving Jo behind. The narrative, oddly reminiscent of The Hangover, struggles to find its footing amidst the visual chaos.

Animation Style: Over-Stimulated and Soulless?

The film's animation is frenetically and even stroboscopically over-energized, resembling what some critics call 'AI-type content production.' While live-action films can also suffer from over-stimulation, animation seems particularly prone to this soulless blitzkrieg. Forgotten Island is over-controlled and over-determined, rarely pausing to let its characters breathe or develop. At times, it seems to mimic Japanese anime but lacks the nuanced character development and moments of calm that define the best of that genre.

Character Development: Lost in the Blur

Despite strong vocal performances from HER and Soberano, the characters remain underdeveloped. Jo's journey from lonely teen to fast-food worker feels rushed, and Raissa's guilt is glossed over. The film's relentless pace leaves little room for emotional resonance, making it hard for audiences to connect with their plight.

Comparison with Other DreamWorks Films

DreamWorks has a history of creating memorable animated films with heart, such as How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda. However, Forgotten Island falls short in comparison. Here's how it stacks up:

• Visual Overload: The animation is too frantic, leaving no room for subtlety.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Despite talented voice actors, the characters lack depth.
• Familiar Plot: The story borrows heavily from other films without adding fresh elements.
• Cultural Representation: The Philippine setting and cultural stories are a highlight but are overshadowed by the chaos.

FAQ

Final Verdict

Forgotten Island is a visually overwhelming experience that prioritizes style over substance. While it attempts to celebrate Filipino culture and the power of friendship, its over-energized animation and lack of character depth make it a forgettable entry in DreamWorks' catalog. Fans of animation may appreciate the technical prowess, but those seeking a heartfelt story might want to look elsewhere.

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