Big Hero 6 3D Review

Rated PG (Action and Peril, Some Rude Humor, and Thematic Elements)

Running Time: 1 Hour & 48 Minutes

Cast (voice)-

Ryan Potter-Hiro Hamada

Scott Adsit-Baymax

Jamie Chung-GoGo Tomago

Genesis Rodriguez-Honey Lemon

Damon Wayans Jr.- Wasabi

T.J. Miller-Fred

Daniel Henney-Tadashi Hamada

Maya Rudolph-Aunt Cass

James Cromwell-Professor Robert Callaghan

Alan Tudyk-Alistair Krei

Charles Adler-Yokai

David Shaughnessy-Heathcliff

Katie Lowes-Abigail Callaghan

Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams

Last year, it was "Let It Go," this year, it's Baymax!

Note: Screened on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Regal E-Walk Stadium 13.

Four billion dollars—that's how much The Walt Disney Company paid to acquire Marvel Entertainment back in 2009, which was operating independently up to that point. It was a shocking deal that no one could've foreseen in a million years and it set the internet ablaze with talk. Reactions to the new acquisition ran the gamut from cautious optimism to outright disapproval. Fortunately, Marvel has greatly benefitted from Disney's leadership for the past five years, with current CEO Bob Iger taking a hands-off approach. Shepherded by producer Kevin Feige, Marvel's film division has become a powerhouse at the worldwide box office while their publishing arm has remained unchanged despite initial fears that the market would be flooded with "Hannah Montana" comics. Of course, it was only a matter of time before Disney began to utilize their acquisition for potential ideas for new animated films, which has arrived in the form of "Big Hero 6." The follow-up to last year's critically-acclaimed and wildly popular "Frozen" from Walt Disney Animation Studios, "Big Hero 6" is loosely inspired by the 1998 Marvel mini-series of the same name, which featured one-time X-Men member Sunfire and former Wolverine villain Silver Samurai. Obviously, those two characters don't appear in the film since 20th Century Fox owns the rights to them. Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios were also not involved in the production, which I feel is a missed opportunity. Who wouldn't want to see an animated Robert Downey Jr. in a cameo voice role? It's disappointing that "Big Hero 6" plays it so safe with its superhero origin story but Disney's latest remains a big-hearted and visually exciting animated film that's packed with plenty of action, memorable characters, and one of the most adorable robots since Pixar's Wall-E.

"Big Hero 6" is preceded by "Feast," a short film that proves that dogs really are Man's best friend. Living in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo with his Aunt Cass (Maya Rudolph), fourteen-year-old high school graduate Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) is a tech prodigy who spends his free time hustling in underground robot-fighting competitions in the city's dirty back alleys. Not wanting to see his little brother waste his potential, Tadashi (Daniel Henney) takes Hiro on an impromptu tour of his university's advanced robotics lab. While there, he introduces him to his friends and fellow lab partners: tough-as-nails engineer GoGo Tomago (Jamie Chung), neurotic laser specialist Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), easily excited chemist Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), and laid-back school mascot/science enthusiast Fred (T.J. Miller). Amazed at all the cool inventions they're making—which include a cuddly, robotic 'Healthcare Companion' named Baymax (Scott Adsit) created by Tadashi—Hiro decides he wants to attend 'Nerd School' with his older brother. In order to be accepted, he has to create something that will impress Tadashi's professor, Robert Callaghan (James Cromwell). After a lengthy brainstorming process, Hiro invents a new form of nanotechnology dubbed 'microbots,' which can take any shape or form with the use of a neurotransmitter headband. At a tech fair held by the university, Hiro demonstrates his invention to an impressed audience and is immediately accepted into the school, but his triumph is short-lived. A large fire breaks out in the lab and Tadashi, who rushes in to save Callaghan, is killed in the resulting explosion. As he mourns the loss of his brother, Hiro takes comfort in the companionship provided by Baymax. He soon learns that the fire was no accident, leading him into a deadly confrontation with a mysterious, kabuki-masked villain named Yokai (Charles Adler).

"Big Hero 6" represents gender and racial diversity done right.

There's a scene where Hiro excitedly puts a newly armored Baymax through his paces, whose programming has just been upgraded with a new martial arts protocol. A satisfied Hiro asks Baymax for a fist bump but the robot remarks that such a move doesn't exist in his fighting database. Hiro then attempts to show him a cool handshake followed by an exploding fist bump. However, Baymax gives it his own little twist. Instead of doing the explosion sound effect that Hiro makes, he goes, 'Tralalalala!' Its charming moments like these that make "Big Hero 6" so enjoyable to watch. Directed by Don Hall (2011's "Winnie the Pooh") and Chris Williams (2008's "Bolt"), "Big Hero 6" is a superhero origin story and as such, the overall narrative isn't terribly ambitious. However, the film makes up for it with its rich visuals, thrilling action sequences, and silly, eccentric characters. The shimmering, high-tech neon city of San Fransokyo may just be the product of the animators' imagination but on-screen, it feels like a place that can actually exist. The mixture of Western and Eastern architecture never comes across as haphazard at all. It's a brilliantly conceived and perfectly cohesive world, one the film is proud to show off in a fantastic flying sequence. The aforementioned action sequences are indeed impressive and one of the highlights is a second act-car chase that deftly blends a sense of escalating danger with slapstick humor. Unfortunately, the 3D diminishes the picture's vibrant cinematography. While it could've been a projector issue, I still suggest sticking with good ol' 2D.

The supporting characters—GoGo Tomago, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred—aren't given as much screen-time as I would've liked but their chemistry is infectious thanks to the top-notch voice cast. Everyone, especially T.J. Miller, seems to genuinely enjoy the work they're doing here and that enthusiasm carries over to their vocal performances. Of course, the one character that will leave the biggest impression on the audience is Baymax. Inspired by Carnegie Mellon University's pioneering work in 'soft robotics' in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Baymax is an inflatable medical robot that watches over Hiro when his older brother tragically dies. Wonderfully voiced by Scott Adsit (from NBC's "30 Rock"), the sweet, gentle automaton is immediately endearing and flat-out hilarious. Watching him carefully navigate around furniture or waddle after Hiro brought a smile to my face. In fact, just the mere presence of him would make me smile and it made me wish that I had my own cuddly, robot companion. Baymax is guaranteed to be a big icon this coming holiday season so parents, better save up that cash!

He's a bit one-note but Yokai remains a visually dynamic villain.

"Big Hero 6" delivers plenty of laughs but it does find time to explore some pretty heavy themes about overcoming grief and the futility of vengeance. There's a scene where Hiro, consumed with rage, removes Baymax's medical protocol (thereby turning the robot into an emotionless killing machine) and orders him to kill Yokai. It's actually upsetting to watch and I applaud the film for not sugarcoating the anger that Hiro feels in regards to his older brother's death. The way he eventually overcomes his loss will strike a chord with children and pre-teens that have unfortunately experienced something similar. Another great aspect about "Big Hero 6" is its celebration of being a nerd and it's embracement of diversity without overdoing it or being self-congratulatory. It makes me proud to see not only a positive representation of Asians but also female characters that are treated as equals and not love interests or damsels-in-distress. All of this is accomplished so matter-of-factly. This is the type of gender/racial diversity that all Hollywood films should strive for.

To be released on November 7, 2014, the early reviews for "Big Hero 6" have been overwhelmingly positive and it currently stands at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Given the audience's enthusiastic response at the advance screening, the film is pretty much a guaranteed box office hit despite competition from Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated "Interstellar." Fortunately, both films are being marketed toward different audiences so I don't see them cannibalizing each other on opening weekend. Conventional storytelling aside, "Big Hero 6" represents another animated triumph for Walt Disney but what makes it such a great film is encapsulated in the following scene: after flying through the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro and Baymax sit atop a hot-air balloon to watch the sunset together. Hiro twists his feet back and forth in the breeze and Baymax, noticing this, starts twisting his feet as well. It's a beautiful moment that captures the power of friendships, whether it's between two people or a person and his robot.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5

"This may undermine my non-threatening, huggable design."

Make sure to stay after the end credits for a very special scene featuring a very special cameo!