Big Hero 6 is based on a super obscure manga-influenced miniseries
from years ago; so obscure it makes the Guardians of the Galaxy look
like the X-men. While Disney has made some significant changes in the
transition to the screen, honoring its Japanese roots certainly hasn't been
lost. Shedding the typical Disney homogenization and honoring a merger of many
different cultures, it's safe to say this is one of the best looking Disney
animated films ever made, certainly unlike anything in their vast catalog of
classics. Set in San Fransokyo, a futuristic combination of San Francisco and
Tokyo, a gorgeous blend of new and old world charms, the story centers on
robotics genius Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) and his equally brainy older brother
Tadashi (Daniel Henney). Orphaned at a young age, the two now live with their
eager aunt (Maya Rudolph), using their intellect in very different ways. While
Tadashi studies at a prestigious university, Hiro builds robots and earns money
fighting them in underground tournaments. Sensing his little bro may be on the
wrong path, Tadashi brings him to the school where Hiro is blown away by the
awesome stuff being built by the other geeks: the spunky racer Go-Go (Jamie
Chung) Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr) the laser enthusiast; Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez)
is a chemistry expert; and Fred (TJ Miller) is basically Shaggy minus his
Scooby-Doo companion.
The character that is sure to become a phenomenon in his own right is the
lovable, cherubic Baymax (Scott Adsit). Basically a giant stuffed balloon robot,
Baymax is pretty much impossible to resist. Designed by Tadashi as a nurse
robot, Baymax is clumsy, lumbering, and helpful to a fault. When tragedy
strikes the university and Tadashi is killed, he becomes an outlet for Hiro's
grief and a willing companion. Somebody out there caused the explosion that got
Tadashi killed, it’s up to Hiro, Baymax, and his newly souped-up nerd pals to
uncover the truth. Basically, Big Hero 6 is a classic superhero
origin story, one alive with energy, humor, and even a few dark turns. It
actually works best as Hiro and his pals are hanging out, joking, and using
their intellect to design their wondrous powers, and it's so much fun that we
almost forget there's a bad guy out there to be caught.
While there are plenty of laughs to be found, mostly through the
constantly-bumbling Baymax, there's also a serious journey of self-discovery
that Hiro must endure. Learning to cope with loss, making new friends, and
using his genius for good are all lessons Hiro must learn, but there are plenty
more that the story merely touches upon. In fact there are too many messages
the screenplay wants to get across, throwing them at us a mile a minute. It's a
distraction from what we truly want to see more of and that's the relationship
between Hiro and Baymax. Threatening for a while to become a pet/master
situation, Baymax's ever-present connection to Tadashi becomes an emotional
touchstone, one that never fades away through the robot's silly antics. As a
healing robot it's his programming to help Hiro through his brother's death,
but in a way he becomes a surrogate sibling. Its touching stuff, some of the
most emotional Disney has ever dared in a film geared at young audiences. I
dare you not to shed a tear when Baymax asks if Hiro is satisfied with his
care. 
Directed by Don Hall, who gave us the excellent Winnie the Pooh a
couple of years ago, and Chris Williams (Bolt), Big Hero 6 looks
amazing. A merging of Eastern and Western influences, San Fransokyo is both
fascinating and a little bit scary, with new wondrous discoveries to be made
around every corner. When Baymax gets his new winged battle armor, he and Hiro
embark on a soaring test flight that actually surpasses anything we saw in How
to Train Your Dragon. Unfortunately, his new armor also signals a turn away
from the character work that was so enjoyable and an emphasis on standard
superhero action. There's nothing technically wrong with any of it, but nor is
it especially inspired. We just really want to watch Baymax try to squeeze his
fat body in and out of tight spaces, or patch up holes with duct tape, or learn
how to fist bump. Can we get more of that please? No seriously, can we get more
of Big Hero 6? There's so much to adore here that a sequel is an absolute must.
It's another big victory for Disney and Marvel, and to think this is just
scratching the surface of their potential. Yes, Big Hero 6, I am more
than satisfied with my care.
Rating: 4 out of 5
