Just gonna come out right off the bat…BAYMAX IS FREAKING ADORABLE!...Ok, ok I got that out of the way. Now, on to the review. Surprisingly enough this film is loosely based on a very obscure Marvel Comic that I had no idea actually existed. But just like the best cinematic Marvel movies you don’t need to know anything about the comics in order to see this film because the movie plays itself as its own intrepid creation.
The Story sees Hiro Hamada, a 14 year genius who spends most of his time gambeling in supposed illegal robot fights. His older brother Tadashi, feels like Hiro should be using his gifted smarts in better uses so Tadashi shows Hiro his “nerd school” where he meets many of Tadashi’s friends and even got a chance to see his most latest invention Baymax. needless to say, Hiro is very impressed. With the help of Tadashi, Hiro comes up with an invention called the microbots. He presents his creation at the school’s showcase and Professor Callahan (The head of the robotics program) gives him his acceptance to be enrolled into the school.
Everything’s going great until suddenly a fire bursts out in the showcase hall with Professor Callahan Trapped inside. Despite Hiro’s warnings, Tadashi runs into the burning building to save Callahan but the building explodes leaving Tadashi and Callahan dead. Hiro is heartbroken and after some period of time he unintentionally awakens Baymax who tries to help Hiro through his emotional struggle. At the same time, Hiro discovers that a masked villain is using his Microbots and he might have more in common with the events that happen in the fire then Hiro realizes. So he gathers his friends with Baymax in tow and comes up with nerdy scientific superhero suits to stop the masked man and find out his true motivation.
The best thing this movie has going for it is the relationship between characters. I especially love Hiro and Tadashi’s relationship in the beginning as it's both genuine and believable. Tadashi himself is like the best brother model any sibling would ever want. He’s supportive but also kinda playful with his brother. His beliefs and words of wisdom are definitely what drive the movie and inspire Hiro. The rest of the human cast is pretty likeable. It’s true that some of the characters do play on familiar stereotypes that have been done in other Disney movies, but the cast is clearly having a lot of fun being those stereotypes that it’s very enjoyable in the end.
I can’t even go on with this review without mentioning how amazing Baymax is. Baymax is probably the best movie robot since Wall.E. His subtle penguin-like walking, soothing voice and hilarious lines are extremely adorable but he gets even better when he is in his armored suit created by Hiro. He goes from a cuddly huggable marshmallow into an Iron Man like crime fighter just like that.
In terms of the story, it is definitely what I would expect from a superhero Disney film. It’s a great mix of laugh a minute gags with some well constructed action sequences and engaging morals. I’d say my only big complaint without giving too much away is that I wish that the reveal of the masked villain wasn’t super obvious. It’s not like Disney cheated in the story department and they do give the villain some interesting material to work with but I think they could have been not super obvious who the villain is at first and it probably would have left a bigger impact. There is an incredible amount of detail put into the animation and the great music score by Henry Jackman is such a treat.
While the story may have familiar Disney storylines here and there. Big Hero 6 is yet another win for Disney. Suit up and see this movie while you can cause it’s definitely worth your attention.
(Final Grade: A)