Movie Review: Big Hero 6

By Peter Kosanovich

Big Hero 6 (2014): The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

So, about two years ago Disney released super basic concept art and animation for this movie called Big Hero 6. They didn't release any story details, plot lines, characters, nothing; just gorgeous cityscape animation! Finally, two years later, the movie does not disappoint! For the past few years Disney has really managed to up their game with films like Tangled, Frozen, and Wreck-It Ralph following a huge lul through the early 2000s.

Okay, let's start with the basics. Big Hero 6 is a Disney development of a Marvel comic series, but with their own Disney flare thrown in for good measure. Right away we meet Hiro Hamaido, a scrawny, 14 year old robotics prodigy who spends his time hustling gangsters in illegal robot battles. That is, until his older brother, Tadashi, convinces him to enroll at San Fransokyo Tech (your simple, genius level, robotics university) by submitting an entry into a showcase for consideration of entrance at the university. During the showcase a fire occurs and Tadashi is killed (not a spoiler, it's in all the trailers). Weeks later a masked villain appears using Hiro's invention from the showcase as a weapon. Hiro, with the help of Tadashi's friends from the San Fransokyo Tech, use their robotics expertise to become superheroes and stop this villain and for Hiro to take revenge against him.

Now, from all of the trailers, you are sure to have seen Baymax, the cuddly white marshmellow. Baymax is actually Tadashi's last creation, a medical robot whose programming prevents him from shutting down until the patient states they are satisfied with their care. Baymax's main purpose is to care for Hiro and his mental health following Tadashi's death.

This movie was pretty much amazing. The animation is flawless, absolutely beautiful. The story, while an adaptation, was creative, and managed to be both hilarious and incredibly touching. Following Tadashi's death you can't help but tear up, it's just so sad. Tadashi is that cool, smart older brother that everyone wishes they had, but he was also Hiro's only friend and connection to the outside world. And even though you know it's coming, it still shocks you and creates all the feels. At the same time, you have completely unique characters that both make fun of stereotypes, but also go against them and establish legitimate character and not caricatures.

Critique: Disney does not fail in this one. Ever since the release of Tangled, they have come roaring back to the forefront of quality animated movies, and Big Hero 6 might just be the best one yet!

Recommendation: I highly recommend this film to anyone and everyone. It's appropriate for younger children, but totally has enough humor to keeps adults laughing. The animation is gorgeous and you won't be able to look away! AKA: Go see it now!

Rewatchability: The highest! It pretty much has all the feels. Big Hero 6 can give you any and all emotions you might want to feel in a single day. Sad, happy, exhilarating, adventurous, clever, humorous, etc.

Rating: 10/10 Perfect