Jo (H.E.R.) is an adventurous type who lives with her Grandmother in the Phillipines and is convinced her dad will soon be taking them to live in America. Raissa (Liza Soberano), is a studious girl with a bright future and the two bond over movies, adventures, and tales from Jo’s grandmother about a mysterious and mythical island that she was summoned to in her youth. Jo believes the tales but this has caused her to be seen as an oddity at school and she believes that she is one that is easily left behind.
Years later when Jo is coasting through life and Raissa is set to go to America for college, a portal opens and summons them to the mystical island that proves that everything Jo was told growing up was in fact real.
The problem is, the girls have a missing block of memory from the time they arrived on the island through the next morning and must find a way home in order for Raissa to make her flight to college.
Along the way they encounter new friends, dangers, and confront elements of their friendship as well as the strains of growing older and the challenges and expectations of life and family.
The movie is filled with music and is a celebration of Filipino culture. I told the rep at the conclusion of the screening that the scenes of a gathering of family and friends seemed like many of my wife’s family gatherings as everything from Karaoke to Lechon and the famous pointing with the lips was included.
The characters were engaging and the story can be appreciated by audiences of all ages and from start to finish was a journey of laughs, loves, music, and friendship. I cannot say enough about how enjoyable the movie was and hopefully we will see further adventures for Jo and Raissa in the future.
4.5 stars out of 5
Be First to Comment