Review of Big Hero 6 (2014) by Paul B — 13 Sep 2015

Big Hero 6 is a Disney animated feature based on a little known Marvel Comic and tells the story of Hiro Hamada, a robotics genius who spends most of his free time hustling in back alley robot war events. However, after his brother, Tadashi takes him to visit his robotics lab Hiro is inspired to use his skills more purposefully. It is in the lab that we are introduced to Baymax, an inflatable personal healthcare robot created by Tadashi and the story takes a dramatic turn when a devastating event causes Hiro to find solace with Baymax and together they form a close bond as they, along with some close friends become entangled in a mystery of intrigue and deception.

As you come to expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios and its previous features, most notably Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph, the animation is flawless and the setting of San Fransokyo, a sprawling fictional metropolis where the film is set is totally immersive. Due to the fact that this is a superhero movie, comparisons can be drawn to the 2004 Walt Disney feature The Incredibles, although this probably has more in common with Up (2009) and the recent Inside Out (2015) in terms of some of the emotional issues raised and the journey the characters go through. It is this emotional core that is at the heart of the film and will resonate with viewers of every age, although may prove sensitive to younger children. As well as being poignant there is a lot of humour in the film, particularly between Hiro and Baymax, which is amazing considering that Baymax's face is pretty emotionless and yet you feel a great deal of warmth towards him.

Big Hero 6 is a film which will stand up to repeat viewing, especially those with a keen eye for easter eggs as this film is loitered with references to previous Disney animations as well as a couple from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like any movie associated with Marvel be sure to stay tuned until after the final credits for a very special cameo.