Sparky Reviews Forgotten Island
Original Animation Films Have Been Slowly Making Themselves Known in a Continuation of Content Landscape
Within the entertainment industry, there has been a push for a continuation of content. This continuation of content include sequels, prequels, and spinoffs. While I understand why it’s done, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I agree with the practice.
Given how the landscape of the industry with the push of the use of AI, media monopolies happening, the ongoing fight between streaming and movie theater, and the uncertainty of the world, audiences want familiarity. It makes sense why film companies will lean onto franchises to make money.
Unfortunately, this is a double edge sword. If a company relies too much on a franchise, then audiences will become unsatisfied. This is what has been happening within the last few years. With the mix of continuation, there have been a few original media that have made their names known.
Film like K-Pop Demon Hunters, The Wild Robot, Flow, and Nimona to name but a few films that have pushed a narrative of original content. Without surprise, these few films have been received with complete open arms additionally even in some instances winning prestige awards and recognition. One film that has been making their presence known is Dreamworks’ newest film, Forgotten Island.
Originally announced last year, Forgotten Island instantly caught audiences’ attention. From the intense use of fluid animation to the heavily influenced 80s/90s art design, to the character design, Forgotten Island has caught the eyes of audiences in addition to those in the animation industry.
Now that the film is out, has Forgotten Island met the expectations of the audience? Is it a breath of fresh air that the animation industry needs? Let’s find out together. In this episode of Sparky Reviews, we’re going to be examining Dreamworks’ newest film, Forgotten Island.
Forgotten Island is a Beautiful Film about Friendship With a Twist
One of the things that I absolutely adore about Forgotten Island is the theme of friendship. Forgotten Island follows childhood best friends Jo and Raissa as they get transported to a mystical island that slowly eats at their memory. One of the most genuine things about this film is the relationship between Jo and Raissa. Since the audience sees the development of these two from childhood to the start of their young adult life through very relatable circumstances. Which to anyone who’s grown up can absolutely relate to this dynamic between these two characters. Then as they grow up, the audience sees the friendship while also seeing the individuality of the two friends. Since they’re both getting ready to start their own lives.
Even when they make it to the Forgotten Island, Jo and Raissa’s chemistry bounce so well off of each other which is vitally important for a buddy adventure film. Therefore, this is why I feel that Forgotten Island does so well.
The theme of friendship and growth between two people is what I feel that audiences will connect with. Sure, stories about friendships aren’t anything new. Yet, these types of films are made in a way that causes a huge amount of relatability. Just as Jo and Raissa’s friendship is a driving factor into Forgotten Island, the abundance of lore and history from The Philippines brings so much originality to audiences.
Forgotten Island Uses Filipino Lore and History That Brings Originality
Another absolutely fun thing that Forgotten Island that brings originality is the use of Filipino lore and history. Forgotten Island takes place in during 1990s in The Philippians. As such, Forgotten Island uses so many social elements, history, lore, and so much more into this film.
One of the great things about original films is that the audience has the opportunity to learn new things whether this new thing be different countries, different cultures, and more. Much like the series Bluey that came out on Disney+ and taught the world about Australian culture.
What Forgotten Island does is it brings audiences an insight into Filipino culture and lore. Especially when Jo and Raissa get transported to the Forgotten Island, The creatures they meet in order to regain their memory are all creatures from Filipino folk lore, culture, and so much more. The animation is also an addition to why Forgotten Island has so much originality.
The Animation of Forgotten Island is a Fun Wild Ride with Inspiration from 80s and 90s Colors And Extreme Expressions
One of the main reasons why I feel that Forgotten Island brings so much originality is the animation. Not only does Forgotten Island have heavy inspiration from the 1990s but the animation is incredibly expressive.
For anyone who remembers what it was like to live in the 90s even the 80s, color was everywhere. Color was in fashion, in art, and the culture around that timeline. The world was changing as the new millennia approached and people were expressing themselves more vibrantly. So, a lot of millennials and gen x will completely understand the easter eggs and nuances. On the other hand, those who may not remember or who weren’t born will be able to learn about before the turn of the millennia.
So, with Forgotten Island, this film uses expressive amounts of color regardless of the environment. Sure, the color is a lot more noticeable when the duo go to Forgotten Island but, this film doesn’t limit the use of color. Much like the color, Forgotten Island also uses incredibly expressive animation.
Now, this isn’t anything normal since many animated films recently have had incredibly expressive animation. I know that some people have issues with incredibly expressive animation as it’s too chaotic and distracting.
However, I feel that the animation of Forgotten Island really brings together the story of these two whacky, fantasy adventure. It brings a feeling and energy into this already vibrant story.
While all of this and more combined, there’s absolutely no reason why anyone shouldn’t see Forgotten Island. This film gives audiences everything and more for what audiences have been looking for in original films.
Discussion about Forgotten Island
Now, I want to hear from all of you. What do you think about Forgotten Island? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
If you want to learn more about Forgotten Island, feel free to follow Forgotten Island’s official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Official Website, and YouTube.
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