REVIEW — “Disney’s Big Hero 6”

The first Marvel animated film released by Disney’s animation studio, “Big Hero 6” is everything you hoped this creative marriage would produce.

First created for Marvel in 1998 by Man of Action’s Steven T. Seagle and Duncan Rouleau, the Big Hero 6 team takes on their third incarnation in this film, but what makes this team special is still intact.  Ethnic diversity isn’t frequently present in American made comics, but here BH6’s Japanese influences are wholeheartedly embraced.  In the film, Disney has created a wonderful place called “San Fransokyo” that takes the very best of both cities and magically combines them into a world that is surprisingly alluring.

The team is made up of a 13 year old genius, Hiro (Ryan Potter), the medical robot his late brother built, Baymax (Scott Adsit), and four college science nerds: Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Go Go (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), and Fred (T.J. Miller).  When an evil masked man appears in the city with stolen tech, Hiro repurposes Baymax to be a fighting machine and the team assembles to take the villain down.  The motivations behind the team, and emotional center of the plot is deeper than that, but is best left discovered by the audience.

Disney has packed this film to the brim with coolness and nerd culture references.  Three-point landings abound, backgrounds are filled with awesome toys and models, and the heroes utilize a host of fun technology that actually exists today.  Hiro’s garage workshop alone sports a laser keyboard, 3D scanners, 3D printers, and holographic display, most of which can currently be purchased on the internet.  The film also celebrates the power of creativity and the quirky coolness of nerds.  But this isn’t just an action packed tech-fest action flick, it comes with a serving of emotion as well.   The relationship between Hiro, his brother, and their friends is very heartwarming, as is Baymax, even if we’re never quite sure how self aware he is.

The animation is stellar, occasionally so good we forget it’s not real.  3D screenings are surprisingly good as well, the colors and brightness are punched up enough, that the dimming effect of the glasses is nearly unnoticeable.  If anything negative can be said about the film, it’s that some moments are a little too silly, or a little too formulaic.  But this is a family film, it needs to appeal to a broad audience, and in that regard it succeeds.

Besides being a fun adventure this film will hopefully inspire kids to be more creative, push the boundaries, and even explore other cultures. Perhaps the best animated film of the year, “Big Hero 6” is a must see for all ages.

Note: The film is preceded by an animated short called “Feast” which is sure to tug on your heartstrings.  A potential Oscar Winner.

Note:  Stay after the credits for a wonderful little scene!

4.5 out of 5 Stars