Monster Island (released as Isla Calaca in Mexico) is a 2017 English-language Mexican animated horror comedy film directed by Leopoldo Aguilar. The film was produced by Ánima Estudios and animated by India's Discreet Arts Production. In Spanish.
The film was first released in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2017, and later in Mexico on 14 September 2017. In Spanish. The film was released in the United States on 1 September 2017 on home media and VOD platforms.
Plot Young Lucas finds out he's not human after he transforms into a monster in front of the most popular kids at school. His search for Monster Island and his real roots takes him on a journey that puts him face to face with more tentacles, fangs and far-out situations than he can shake one of his new wings at.
Voice cast Spanish-language cast (original) Memo Aponte as Lucas In Spanish. Octavio Rojas as Nicolas Pepe Toño Macías as Norcutt Alicia Barragán as Veronica Ángela Villanueva Vargas as Carlotta Luis Daniel Ramírez as Fergus Ricardo Tejedo as Giraldo Alan F. Velazquez & Gerardo Alonso as Shiro and Kuro
English-language cast (original)
Phillip Adrian Vasquez as Lucas Roger L. Jackson as Nicolas Johnny Rose as Norcutt Alicia Barragán as Veronica Katie Leigh as Carlotta / Patrick's Mom Eric Larsen as Peter / Ant Monster Michael Robles as Cameron Nancy Sullivan as Dina / Old Lady / Teacher Jenifer Beth Kaplan as Melanie / Cameron's Mom / Patrick Joey Camen as Shiro / Fergus / Mayor's Assistant Wally Wingert as Kuro / Lagoon Monster Chuck Kourouklis as Durgo / Dock Master Erik Brada as Giraldo / Mongo Luis Daniel Ramírez Santiago as Watson Anthony Budai as Mayor
Production In an interview with El Universal, director Leopoldo Aguilar said the purpose of the film's story is to help the audience understand their roots and learn to accept them. In Spanish. "Lucas is a teenager who lives this path, [and] he makes a trip to accept himself as the monster he is," Aguilar stated. "I think everyone at that age went through that process - to know what place we occupy in the world and try to discover ourselves," he added. Producer and Ánima COO José C. García de Letona mentioned about the film's "comedy and action" tone, in comparison to the Leyendas franchise. "It has elements to differentiate from the Leyendas, and this one, since it is a film designed for something global and[...] the public that we want to reach, there's not much suspense," stated Aguilar.
Animation The film was animated entirely in computer-generated imagery, done by India's Discreet Arts Productions which has previously collaborated with Anima Estudios' previous films including Guardians of Oz and Top Cat Begins.
Music The film's original music was composed by Kevin Smithers.
Release To date, the film has been released in Mexico, United States, and the United Kingdom, as well as Asian territories including China and South Korea.
The release in China marked a new first for production company Ánima Estudios, to which Leopoldo Aguilar stated that the film's story was created for a global setting, and not Mexico where the film was produced. "Narratively[,] we wanted a funny story[...] that walks a lot without locating it in a place in Mexico[.] [I]t can be anywhere in the world[...] that already gives another face to the production," said Aguilar.
Box office The film debuted at #3 in Mexico, grossing $6.86 million (est. US$0.4 million) on its opening weekend. It grossed a total of $18.9 million pesos.
Reception The film was met with negative reviews upon its release. In Spanish. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a "Rotten" score of "18%" based on 11 reviews. On Tomatazos, the film has a score of "10%".
Awards and nominations Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominees Result 2017 14th Premios Canacine Mejor Película de Animación Leopoldo Aguilar
See also Ánima Estudios Guardians of Oz Top Cat Begins
References
External links
IMCINE profile (Spanish)