Big Hero 6 - Review Thread

No poll fail.

I liked this movie's view on the future better than Interstellar's.

Speaking of which, they really need to bring back shows like Battlebots.

Well it’s been a good week for technology in movies. In addition to Interstellar’s clever use of robots, we have Baymax of Big Hero 6. Set in the fantastically designed San Fransokyo, Big Hero 6 follows the adventures of 14 year old Hiro Hamada, robot companion Baymax and his cadre of scientist friends. The movie opens up a bit darker place than most Disney films with an underground robot fighting ring and our young protagonist hustling some rather nefarious looking thugs with feigned coyness and razor sharp smarts. He’s that bored genius that would rather hack into NASA than finish their math homework. If only he would apply himself! After visiting a prestigious technology school, where we first met Baymax, Hiro enters a conference with aims to attend. Naturally, events take an unexpected turn and thus begin our adventure.

Over all Big Hero 6 is instantly charming and good clean fun for the whole family, even if it seems a bit familiar. Baymax is a medical service robot built like marshmallow and with the bed side manner of Mr. Rodgers. Despite what the initial trailers tell you, Baymax is not a bumbling fuddy-duddy. Programmed with a wealth of medical information and the capability to assimilate more to make him a more effective healer, his charisma and clumsiness are derived from this singular unwavering focus. Yes, he is big and wobbly and naïve of his surroundings but never once do you think that he's incapable of executing his programmed functions. The development of his relationship with the young Hiro is a bit reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon’s Toothless and Hiccup (though Toothless is a bit sassier) and becomes the driving factor for the story. Hiro himself is a surprisingly well rounded character for a Disney protagonist. Too smart for his own good and a bit lost after personal tragedy, you find yourself constantly rooting for him even when his feelings are leading him astray. The rest of the characters are serviceable: the eager educator, the slick business mogul, the eccentric but well-meaning surrogate caretaker. Hiro’s science buddies are also refreshingly diverse without getting trapped into overplayed stereotypes.

The story is nothing revolutionary; in fact it pretty much hits all the basic comic book tropes note for note. The villain is predictable and there are several moments once again emulating the first How to Train Your Dragon, however it’s presented in such a colorful and entertaining package to you can mostly forgive all that. I especially enjoyed their treatment of science and how it was something to be excited and passionate about and not intimated by. The humor is mostly genuine and fairly witty with one character even calling out the aforementioned tropes with enthusiasm. The real heart of this though is Hiro and Baymax, and its pulse is strong and steady.

Tech wise this movie is perfect. The animation is gorgeous. It’s Disney. They don’t slack. The city itself is ingenuous blend of San Francisco and Tokyo complete with soaring architecture and neon accents. There are beautiful bayside sunsets, sharp and elegantly choreographed action sequences and one catchy pop song that been worming its way through my ears all week. It certainly doesn’t lack for style.

Big Hero 6 is imaginative, funny, endearing and has undoubtedly introduced another lovable character in Disney’s pantheon of non-human players. While the story brings nothing exceptionally new to the table, its ambience, attitude, and emotional tremor make this one for the books. Kids will love it, adults will love it, and I’m pretty sure giant marshmallowy robots will appreciate it too.

A

I love how he light up when he saw what he could do there. Spoke to me too.