Big Hero 6
This review of Big Hero 6 is spoiler-free!
So sometimes there's a great movie that comes from a studio that's not the common tentpole of the genre. Pixar is commonly known to be the kings of animation and without question, they have created the majority of the beloved films in this area of movies. In other cases, we have movies coming from filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Travis Knight that shake the genre to its core. But, sometimes we just get great stories that don't come from the usual places. Sure Disney isn't exactly the most unexpected of sources for a great animated story, but they are without a doubt second to Pixar in the world of animation now. Big Hero 6 was a chance for them to step back into the spotlight of animated films and tackle a story that touches the heart.
Big Hero 6 is the story if the prodigal robotics genius Hiro. At the onset of the film, Hiro is living in San Fransokyo with his older brother, Tadashi. Outside of him though, Hiro keeps to himself beside his one robotic companion that his brother gave him: Baymax. With his sole purpose to take of Hiro and others, Baymax travels along with Hiro almost everywhere. When things go awry and his brother is caught in an accident, Hiro is forced into a sinister plot involving a technology he created. Using Baymax and Tadashi's old friends, Hero creates a group of high-tech superheroes to fight off the threat to San Fransokyo. I'll acknowledge up front that this story doesn't feel like it's something super unique, and I understand that. What it does do though is create an enjoyable narrative focusing on technology. There are no powers, it's a least in a slight way realistic in that it's all technologically based.
Hiro is the star of this story. Voiced by Ryan Potter, Hiro is transitioning from the life of a young boy, to a teenager. At the start of the film he's trying to keep himself from exhibiting his full potential, but after Tadashi (Daniel Henney) shows him his work he has a new lease on life. Potter's range is on display throughout this film, but I never really felt like there was a ton of range given to this performance besides in the third act. The true star of the show though is Scott Adsit as Baymax. His robotic but caring performance is powerful and hilarious at times. His only goal is protecting Hiro, and that means he will do whatever is possible to improve the mental state of his only goal: this young boy. Their dynamic is stellar and without question the best part of the movie as a whole.
What Big Hero 6 does better than anything though is examine the nature of friendship and grieving with loss. When Tadashi is unexpectedly taken from us at the beginning of the film we're distraught by the potential ramifications it will have on Hiro (and we see it play out on screen). What makes the moment that much better though is seeing how Tadashi's friends come to Hiro's aid in this sad time and help him to return to his true self. It's a great notion and reminds us that we can help eachother recover from loss. And attached to this is the idea that firendship can come from anywhere and even though it may come from dark places, that friendship can be just as beautiful and fruitful as one born from happiness and joy.
As a whole, Big Hero 6 is a great movie that touches on some very serious themes. The focus on loss and the capability of friendship to be both a coping mechanism and a means to rebuild is powerful and important for all audiences. Sure Hiro doesn't really feel like anything special on his own as a protagonist, but it's his relationship with Baymax that makes the movie special. Baymax's connection to his older brother makes him much more important to Hiro in multiple aspects. Big Hero 6 was a surprise hit for me and I believe this is a movie for all people in different areas. For children, it reminds them of the power of friendship, and for the parents it helps them remember that loss can always be recovered from. And that's the magic of this movie.
