BOX OFFICE REVIEW: Big Hero 6

[JeffSaylor]

Disney + Marvel = Animated Super Hero Time At The Movies...

- Jess C. Horsley

Directed by Don Hall (Winnie the Pooh) and Chris Williams (Bolt), the first in Disney and Marvel's new breed of animated action adventure films - Big Hero 6 - hit theaters this last weekend to much buzz and applause. Featuring the writing talents of Man of Action, a writing collective of some of the best and brightest creators working in TV, film and comics today, and a cast of Marvel Comic characters from almost 20 years ago, Big Hero 6 delivers an engaging, entertaining, heart-felt story that emotionally trumps many of the most enjoyable live-action films hitting theaters today.

With its commentary and insight concerning topics which resonate with all of humanity and a serious look at issues as broad as education, depression, revenge, friendship and family, Big Hero 6 asks some serious questions. What does it mean to have all the talent in the world without a goal or purpose? What happens when one seeks a dream and is met by loss and hardship? What happens when one allows revenge and rage to build unchecked? Who is your family and what does love and loyalty really look like? Each of these and other questions engage moviegoers as they experience this brilliantly told animated feature that's both part Disney and part Marvel.

The story itself is set in the future, in the hybrid city of San Fransokyo. Hiro Hamada, a 14-year-old robotics expert and boy genius, squanders his talents building robots to battle in an underground fighting ring and frustrates his aunt Cass and older bother Tadashi. Tadashi, a student at the local university's "nerd school" where robotics pioneer Professor Callaghan serves as lead teacher, invites Hiro to meet some of his classmates and fellow students at the school, including speed freak GoGo Tomago, the lighthearted and lovable Wasabi, the chemistry guru Honey Lemon and the monster-obsessed Fred. Tadashi also introduces Hiro to Baymax, a personal healthcare robot designed and built by Tadashi to save lives and change the world. Using his robotics knowledge to create a project for the upcoming science exhibition at the school, Hiro hopes to join Tadashi and classmates at the "nerd school." However, when tragedy strikes at the science exhibition, Hiro's life changes forever and he's faced with loss, depression, and a sickness that can only be cured by Tadashi's healthcare robot Baymax.

Big Hero 6 is the first Disney animated film to feature Marvel Comic characters and, if it's any hint at what's to come, I'm excited. Originally on comic shelves back in the fall of 1998, the comic Big Hero 6 hardly made an impression on comics; now we're seeing the film explode on the big screen, on toy shelves and in other merchandise. The comic originally featured mutants Silver Samurai and Sunfire (of Wolverine and X-Men fame) along with the film's cast (GoGo Tomago, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Fred, Hiro and Baymax). While the film stays fairly consistent from the comic page, there are numerous changes that were made to both plot, character origin stories, powers, and motivations. Of course, these changes make the film much better than the comic as the story and characters are much more family-friendly and interesting. While fans who enjoyed the comic might not see things the same way, the film obviously appeals to a much broader audience.

The voice cast - including Ryan Potter as the film's protagonist Hiro, Daniel Henney as Hiro's brother and the story's motivator Tadashi, T.J. Miller as the hilarious wanna-be monster Fred, Jamie Chung as the wheeled adrenaline junkie Go Go, Damon Wayans Jr as the blade-wielding Wasabi, Genesis Rodriguez as the purse-carrying Honey Lemon and James Cromwell as Professor Callaghan - brilliantly brings to life each character in unique and meaningful ways. Maybe the most impressive is Scott Adsit as Baymax, who defines heroism not just in how he looks and what he does, but in how it's said. Adsit does an exceptional job of capturing the nuances of a character that's a robot with a heart as big as he is strong.

Animation-wise, the GGI is brilliant - is is expected from Disney - and directors Hall and Williams are running at full speed throughout, delivering engaging action sequences intertwined with moments of heart-felt anguish, loss, love and friendship...not to mention humor. Some of the film's most hilarious scenes play on the relationship between Hiro and Baymax, whose seeking to help cure Hiro of his depression and sense of loss.

I've heard some people compare Big Hero 6 to Disney's super hero team from a decade ago - The Incredibles, the differences far outweigh the similarities. The Incredibles is a classic comic story of a society seeking saving, hidden identities, and one family's struggle while Big Hero 6 is more inline with modern comic appeal, a team brought together to solve a problem that's developed, with over-the-top action, bright colors, big explosions and high technology...not to mention one of the most tragic losses and heavy plots in Disney's animated history. While The Incredibles is a better overall film, Big Hero 6 plays to the hurt and heart ache we've all felt as well as the desire we all have to be a part of a super hero team and make a difference in other people's lives.

It's hard to find fault with anything in Big Hero 6, as a film it's got everything parents and kids both want: an emphasize on education and using one's gifts and talents to better the world, cool super heroes with exciting powers, powerful scary bad guys seeking revenge, and a tragedy that's overcome with the help of friends, family, love and loyalty. Something tells me Big Hero 6 will be one of those Disney films that, while it might not be as interesting or engaging in 20 or 30 years, it'll still carry the context and creativity of a specific time and place in Disney film history in which the studio - and audiences everywhere - were looking for a hero in the shape of a teenage boy named Hiro and a healthcare robot named Baymax.

Big Hero 6 is rated PG and is showing everywhere now.

- Jess C. Horsley

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