Forgotten Island * What If The Greatest Adventure Of Your Life Came With The Price Of Forgetting The People You Love Most
Thursday, September 24th, 2026
While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families. Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but-hapless weredog Raww and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal, the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kennedy P. comments, “What if the greatest adventure of your life came with the heartbreaking price of forgetting the people you love most? That’s the premise of Forgotten Island, and it completely pulled me in.” Taysha F. adds, “I really like its strong story about friendship and memories, the creative animation, and the way music is part of the adventure. This film kept me entertained from the beginning to the very end.” Tanaysha F. wraps it up with, “It starts with a big surprise that I was NOT expecting, and it had me laughing hysterically in the theater. I knew right then that this was going to be my kind of movie.” See their full reviews below.
Forgotten Island
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
(from center left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
What if the greatest adventure of your life came with the heartbreaking price of forgetting the people you love most? That’s the premise of Forgotten Island, and it completely pulled me in. I love how this film combines adventure, magic, friendship, family, and Filipino culture into a beautiful story that is both exciting and emotional. It reminds me just how precious our memories are and how the people we share them with are such an important part of who we are.
This is an animated fantasy adventure film by DreamWorks Animation set in the 1990s in the Philippines. Recent high school graduates, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) are about to go their separate ways when Raissa leaves for college in America.
(from left) Raissa (Liza Soberano), Raww (Dave Franco) and Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
While celebrating their last night together, they discover a mysterious portal to Nakali, a hidden island filled with the magical and mythological creatures from the stories of their childhood. But Nakali comes with a dangerous secret – the island slowly feeds on the memories of those inside. Jo and Raissa soon discover that the price of returning home is losing the memories of their entire friendship, forcing them to race against time to escape before they forget each other forever.
Forgotten Island features an incredible voice cast, including H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa, whose friendship is the centerpiece of this emotional adventure. I loved watching these two women navigate their friendship, their fears, and the possibility of growing apart as they enter a new chapter of their lives. The film also brings Filipino culture and mythology to life through its characters and magical creatures.
(from left) Jo (H.E.R.), Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Zippy the Potion Fairy (Tania Gunadi) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
The animation is absolutely beautiful! I love the colorful visuals and the anime inspired style, which gives the film a unique and vibrant look. Every part of Nakali feels imaginative and is filled with details that make you want to explore this magical world along with Jo and Raissa. I also love that this is a story families can experience together, with plenty of heart, humor, adventure, and a message that stays with you long after the movie ends.
The film is a beautiful reminder that memories are one of the greatest gifts we have. Life changes; people grow up; and sometimes the people we love take different paths; but the memories we make together stay with us forever. The film reminds us that friendship takes effort, that family and culture help shape who we are, and that the bonds we create with the people we love are worth fighting for.
I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters September 25, 2026.
Forgotten Island
By Taysha F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Forgotten Island is an extremely entertaining and hilarious movie! I really like its strong story about friendship and memories, the creative animation, and the way music is part of the adventure. This film kept me entertained from the beginning to the very end.
The storyline follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). Jo grows up hearing stories from her grandmother Lola (Dolly de Leon) about a mysterious island called Nakali and its magical creatures, even though most people don’t believe the stories are real. As Jo and Raissa get older and prepare to go in different directions, they unexpectedly find themselves on Nakali and have to work together to find their way home before they lose the memories of their friendship.
Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
This film is hilarious and entertaining from the beginning to the end, and I already plan to see it again with my friends. There are so many things that stand out to me in this movie. I really like the friendship between Jo and Raissa because Jo finally finds someone who shares her interests and understands things that other people think are strange. My favorite character is the weredog, Raww (Dave Franco), because he is really funny, and my favorite part is when he finally learns how to control his powers. I also love the animation. The way the lighting reflects off Jo and Raissa’s hair is very unique, and the colorful effects are very impressive. The creatures on Nakali are unusual and add to making the movie so unique. I especially think the Merman walking around on land is funny. The music also stands out because it isn’t just playing in the background; the characters actually use music to solve problems during their adventure. The music choices fit the scenes really well. I was disappointed in the villain, the Dreaded Manananggal (Lea Salonga), which falls short. We learn a little about them, but I still wanted to know more about the villain’s past and what shapes its character.
(from left) Raissa (Liza Soberano), Raww (Dave Franco) and Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
The film’s message is about friendship and the importance of memories. Memories aren’t just about the things we remember, they help shape who we are and connect us to the people we love. We are also reminded that friendships have their ups and downs, but those things don’t destroy the bond between true friends. Note that there are some scary-looking creatures, serious action and dangerous situations may be inappropriate for younger viewers.
I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters on September 25, 2026.
Forgotten Island
By Tanaysha F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
(from left) Little Raissa (Kayla Teruel) and Little Jo (Kailey Crawford) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
I really like Forgotten Island. It is exciting, full of surprises, and absolutely hilarious! It starts with a big surprise that I was NOT expecting, and it had me laughing hysterically in the theater. I knew right then that this was going to be my kind of movie.
The storyline follows Jo (H.E.R.) and her best friend Raissa (Liza Soberano). Jo’s grandmother (Dolly de Leon) told her about the island of Nakali and the creatures that live there. Other kids don’t believe Jo’s stories about Nakali except Raissa (actor). They become best friends and stumble across a mysterious portal that takes them to Nakali, but they discover that the price for leaving is to love the memories of their entire friendship. They have to work together to try to find their way home before they forget each other forever.
(from left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
This movie had me laughing from the very beginning, took me on a crazy adventure in the middle, and gave me something to think about. There is always something happening in this film and that kept my attention. My favorite characters are the protagonist, Jo and Raww, the wolf-dog (Dave Franco). Jo is different and is fearless. Raww is hilarious; he has some of the funniest moments in the movie. One of my favorite scenes is when Jo and Raissa are kids and the car starts rolling down the hill while they are inside. One of them is laughing while the other one is screaming. That scene is hilarious because it shows their two different personalities as they react completely differently to the same crazy situation. I really like the ending of this film because everything finally comes together.
Things that happened earlier in the movie start to make more sense. Memories are such an important part of the story.
Jo (H.E.R.) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
The ending makes the message stronger because friendship is at the center of the movie from the beginning all the way to the end.
The film’s message is about friendship and the value of memories. Best friends aren’t always going to agree, but that doesn’t mean their friendship has to end. Don’t let one bad moment destroy years of good memories.
I give Forgotten Island 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It opens in cinemas on September 25, 2026.
Sadly, the visual beauty is undermined by meaningless plot twists and pseudo-mystery. The first part of the film is primarily a montage of James and Odin moving through the woods, intercut with moments of life-altering injuries that James casually walks off. Billed as a survival thriller, the film pushes the suspension of disbelief way too far. On top of that, James just does things that make absolutely no logical sense — like getting dry clothes from a water-logged trunk. The pacing doesn’t help it; the opening drags on leaving moments of tension few and far between and frustratingly fleeting. Most disappointing is that we never learn about the key details of James’s life until the final scene – and by then, it’s too late.
Heart of the Beast is an intense film that brings a flood of emotions. It’s an action adventure film that gave me an experience like never before.
This film intertwines survival skills and lifelong friendships. The scenery and cinematography stand out, especially when they are flying the sea plane around the mountainous area. The film was shot on the South Island of New Zealand, which looks a lot like Alaska. Brad Pitt gives a notable performance as James and his relationship with Oden is very believable. The plot is paced well and makes sense. The background music fits the storyline, especially the song “Stand by Me” by Stephen Wilson,which beautifully wraps up the plot. My favorite part of the film is when James and Oden are playing in the field. This scene shows how the relationship between them thrives and cannot be separated. There are many flashbacks and they give us an inside view of their former life in the military.
The film’s message is that when you fall, you can still get back up. We see James climbing up a hill and falling repeatedly, which symbolizes how you can fall down and still get up and make it to your goal. Please note, this film is very violent, gory, and intense.
Shaun The Sheep: The Beast Of Mossy Bottom sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm looking forward to Halloween – until the clumsy Farmer trashes the Flock’s beloved pumpkin patch! When Shaun turns MAD SCIENTIST to fix the problem, things rapidly spiral out of control… With The Farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, all the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure. From Aardman, the Academy Award ® -winning animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, Shaun The Sheep: The Beast Of Mossy Bottom continues its 50-year legacy of hand-crafted claymation with instantly lovable characters and hysterical down-home charm. In theatres on September 18, 2026.
If you’re looking for a hilarious Halloween cartoon, the new movie Shawn the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom, should definitely be considered! It’s a sweet movie that your whole family can snuggle together with a bowl of popcorn and watch, share some laughs, and create unforgettable memories.
In an attempt to fix the mess, an especially smart sheep named Shaun decides to brew his own mixture to help the pumpkins grow quickly, which turns out to be extremely dangerous. However, the shy farmer accidentally takes it, hoping to grow his hair for a date with the vet. The potion turns him into a giant, hairy Bigfoot monster that is now on the loose, scaring the townsfolk and appearing to be a monster trying to terrorize the town.
The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery. What I love most is that, even with all the supernatural elements, the heart of the story is really about family and the powerful bond between the Owens women. There is something so special about watching them come together, especially when one of their own needs them most.
Set 25 years after the first film, this one follows Sally’s daughter, Kylie (Joey King), as she experiences the same curse the Owens women have always faced when falling in love. Determined to break the spell, Kylie recruits her sister, Antonia (Maisie Williams), her mom, her aunt, and her great-aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Bridget “Jet” (Dianne Wiest) to help her discover the source of the curse. Together, the Owens women embark on a magical journey to uncover the truth and hopefully put an end to the curse once and for all.
The cast brings so much heart and personality to the film. Joey King is wonderful as Kylie, and I loved watching her character discover what it means to be part of the Owens family and carry on their magical legacy. Maisie Williams brings a great energy to Antonia, and seeing the sisters navigate their relationship while facing this challenge together was one of my favorite parts. Of course, seeing Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return as Frances and Jet adds that wonderful connection to the original film. The sets and locations also help make the movie feel so magical. From the beautiful Owens’ home to the locations surrounding their story, everything feels like it belongs in this enchanted world. The production design creates that cozy, mysterious, witchy atmosphere that fans of the original will recognize and love. If you loved the magic, sisterhood, and unforgettable charm of the original Practical Magic, you will want to see the sequel!
Practical Magic 2 is a story about love, family, sisterhood, and breaking the patterns that have been passed down through generations. It reminds us that we don’t have to let fear or the past determine our future. Sometimes the people who love us most are the ones who help us find the courage to break free and become who we are meant to be.
A talented female hockey player anxiously waits to see if she’ll be drafted and live her dream of playing professionally. As the hour of the draft approaches while she works at the local ice rink, she’ll learn that anything is possible with hard work, support from family and friends, encouragement from NHL Hall of Famers like Luc Robitaille and most importantly, believing in yourself.
I really enjoyed the icy film, Before the Ice Melts! It is an inspiring and emotional film that combines hockey, determination and family to tell a story about chasing your dreams even when the odds are against you.
This is a great short film for anyone who has ever had a dream they were determined to achieve. One of my favorite things about the film is its message! The film’s takeaway is that you should never give up on a dream just because it seems impossible. I really like how the film displays that having talent is important, but determination, confidence and believing in yourself can be just as powerful. The hockey scenes are especially fun to watch because they give the film energy and made me feel like I was right there on the ice with Nora. I also like that the story focuses on a girl trying to make it into a sport that’s very competitive. Nora’s dream doesn’t come easily, which makes her journey more meaningful. Instead of giving up when things get difficult, she keeps pushing forward. The film’s title stands out to me because it creates a sense of urgency, as if she has to take her chance before the opportunity disappears – or the ice melts.
Wow! I really love Before the Ice Melts! It has a great story, awesome acting, and a really good message. I like how real the characters feel, and how it kept me engaged the whole time.
If you like sports movies with heart, you’ll really enjoy Before the Ice Melts. The cast is really terrific. Molly Peyton White is perfect as Nora. Tommy Self made me laugh at the perfect times, and I love how Nikki Leigh shows how much Carley cares about her sister. The hockey games and the draft scenes are exciting and held my attention. I like that the movie shows you have to work hard to reach your goals because success doesn’t happen overnight. I also really like how it made me feel like I was right there at the rink with Nora. The background music is perfect, especially during the big hockey moments, which makes those scenes even more exciting. And the cinematography makes the games feel fast and intense. My favorite part of the movie is how real everything feels to the point that I forgot I was watching a movie.
Before The Ice Melts is a bit sad for most of the show because the main character, Nora (Molly Peyton), has so many challenges while pursuing her dreams. At times, risks to reach big goals are high, but this film teaches viewers to keep their eye on the prize and keep moving forward.
Talk about lack of support…Nora’s mother, Carol (Sonia Satra) has a pessimistic outlook on Nora’s aspirations, which sets the film up immediately with an underlying tone of defeat. Additionally, Ted (Charles Hubbel), the father of one of Nora’s students, objects to his daughter, April (Summer Stein), practicing hockey skills which doubles the negative support Nora gets. While she does experience some self-doubt, Nora is strong willed and pushes forward in spite of it which is incredibly inspiring! The characters and the actors that play them make this film come to life and, fortunately, others in Nora’s circle are more encouraging to her. Evan (Tommy Shelf) is the funniest and most supportive of Nora’s dream. He adds humor and lightheartedness whenever Nora is feeling down or nervous, which happens frequently. Tommy always looks on the bright side, which adds more positivity to the story. Nora’s sister, Carley (Nikki Leigh) encourages her to have a positive mindset and encourages her to follow her dreams. She is always on her side. My favorite scene is when Carley tells Nora to never stop her dream using a pizza box as a metaphor. It is witty and teaches a great lesson.
Before the Ice Melts is an inspiring, slow-paced film for all hockey lovers. The costumes, set design, and camera work are amazing! There are so many inspiring quotes that support the message of never giving up.
Before the Ice Melts has a beautiful message, stunning cinematography, and excellent attention to detail that makes the film stand out not only visually, but in your heart. Some things definitely stood out to me as I watched the film, one of them being the unique shots and camera work by Jeff Hamm. It feels like I’m watching a major blockbuster film. Each shot has perfect lighting and attention to detail that captures what’s happening in the scene. The set design and costumes also stand out – both work hand in hand to make the film feel real. Everything from Nora’s bedroom, to the massive hockey rink is set up realistically. One critique I have is that the film sometimes feels slow, and drags on longer than they need to. For example, there are often long periods of time just watching hockey or a long conversation. In the end, this made me excited to see the results of the draft. I think people who enjoy playing and watching hockey will be very inspired by this film.
Before The Ice Melts is an extremely entertaining film that combines comedy with a message of hope and perseverance. I especially love the actors’ performances and the overarching plot that revolves around anticipation.
Something that I find interesting about this movie is the pacing. The circumstances of the plot don’t progress very much–instead, the primary engine of the film is Nora’s inner dialogue. She wrestles with anxiety throughout the whole film about whether or not she will be drafted. She’s desperate to prove her doubters wrong, but in the process doubts herself. What is really unique is the choice to make both the viewer and Nora feel stuck in a state of powerlessness. There’s nothing that she can do to impact the decision of the draft; it’s all about hope and patience. My favorite part is Molly Peyton’s portrayal of Nora. She really captures Nora’s emotional state throughout the movie, so the audience can relate to why this is so important to Nora, which is the element that drives the entire film.
The film’s message revolves around the theme of perseverance – never giving up no matter how many times you have been knocked down or how many times people don’t support you. It is critical and the film exemplifies that through Nora’s character arc.
