DISNEY’S HEROIC CAPER!

I’m a Fulya Kantarmaci and welcome to FRED Watch, where we review everything from the mainstream to the obscure. Today’s film features the most lovable robot anyone has ever seen—Disney’s Big Hero 6…

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

This is the story of a teenager named Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter), a high school graduate and robotics genius. During his free time, Hiro competes in illegal robot battles. His big brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) doesn’t approve and has always been coming to Hiro’s rescue because of these robot fights. One particular night after yet again saving him from trouble, Tadashi decides to take Hiro to his research lab at the Sanfransokyo Institute of Technology, where he meets Tadashi’s friends Go Go (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), and Fred (T.J. Miller), not to mention meeting the head of the university’s robotics program Professor Robert Callaghan (James Cromwell). Tadashi also shows his little brother what he’s been working on and this is where we all meet Baymax (Scott Adsit), the Personal Healthcare Companion. With that, Hiro decides to enrol at the university but in order for him to be considered, he must present a project at the school’s science fair.

After presenting his project on microbots, Alistair Krei of Krei Tech (Alan Tudyk) offers to buy his microbots but Hiro kindly refuses. Professor Callaghan was very impressed as well with his project and hands Hiro an acceptance letter to the robotics program. Cut to later that evening after the science fair has ended and a fire breaks out; the professor is the only person left inside so Tadashi runs in to save him. Moments after he enters, there’s an explosion which kills both of them. We then cut to Tadashi’s and Professor Callaghan’s wake at the Hamada residence where we see Tadashi’s friends together in mourning and Hiro sitting alone at the top of the stairs. Hiro no longer has the passion and interest in going to university, and so he goes back to looking at illegal bot fights around the area when he stubs his toe. The moment he says “ow”, Baymax is activated. Let the adorable humour commence!

From the moment the first scene opens with a spectacular establishing shot of Sanfransokyo (a hybrid name of San Francisco and Tokyo), you immediately discover that the film will have something to do with future technologies. The style of the animation also suggests that this is NOT going to be your average Disney movie. I love this film in its entirety because it talks about relationships, mental health, and of course, futuristic gadgets!

The story is loosely based on a superhero team called Big Hero 6 by Marvel Comics and the film is directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams. From start to finish, Big Hero 6 manages to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions where we meet a young boy who loves his big brother so much that when he realises he won’t be seeing him again, he is devastated to the point of depression. This moment always seems to make me cry as it is quite an emotional scene. I can only imagine how it would feel to lose a family member you are so close to. For a children’s film that talks about human loss, it is done beautifully.

The movie also contains a lot of fun moments, especially the scenes with Baymax! Once you get to know him, you will definitely be wanting your own personal healthcare companion. Baymax is such an amazing character and although robotic, I love how his voice sounds so caring. You may not see the emotions expressed physically or tonally but you understand how much Baymax just wants to help Hiro feel better. Scott Adsit was the perfect choice as the voice of this adorable non-threatening robot.

Did I mention there’s tons of superhero action? Well, there is! During the film, Hiro figures out who set the university on fire that killed Tadashi and Professor Callghan so he is on a mission of justice. There’s a montage scene of Hiro talking to his new-found friends as he creates upgrades for them and Baymax so they can find the arsonist who is out in the city using his microbots. This scene also has a hell of a song that makes you feel really excited for the team! The song is Immortals by Fall Out Boy and it is so appropriate for the scene!

If you are a fan of Disney movies and love a bit of action as well as heart, Big Hero 6 is for you. This is one of my top favourite Disney animated films. And remember, “Those that suffer a loss require support from friends and loved ones.” 5 / 5

Starring: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, James Cromwell, Maya Rudolph, Alan Tudyk.

Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams | Producer: Roy Conli | Writers: Jordan Roberts, Robert L. Baird, Dan Gerson (based on Big Hero 6 by Man of Action) | Music: Henry Jackman | Cinematographers: Rob Dressel (layout), Adolph Lusinsky (lighting) | Editor: Tim Mertens

Available: DVD and stan.

Let us know what you thought of this film in the comments!

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