Big Hero 6

We have now come to the finale of this year’s “Disney Month,” where I will take a look at the studio’s latest installment, “Big Hero 6,” which came out last month. My brother and I went and saw this in the theaters, and it didn't disappoint. It was No. 1 in theaters I believe on its opening weekend, and many of you have probably already seen it. If not, you must see it if it’s still playing in theaters near you because you do not want to miss out on this action-packed adventure that is meant for both children and adults.

Angie Campbell said in her review, “"Big Hero 6" is based on an obscure Marvel comic book of which I personally had no previous knowledge, so I can't compare the two.” I have to agree with her because I have never read a comic book either…except for maybe like two comics. Taking place in the fictional city of San Fransokyo, which does look like a combination of Tokyo and San Francisco, the story is about a teenage troublemaker Hiro Hamada, a 14-year-old genius who graduated high school early, voiced by Ryan Potter. His older brother Tadashi, voiced by Daniel Henney, advises Hiro to attend college at the same University Tadashi attends, a “nerd school” where these ingenious minds make new technology to improve humanity.

Tadashi’s project is Baymax, an inflatable robot who is also a doctor that loves asking, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain?” voiced by Scott Adsit. After meeting Baymax’s and Tadashi’s classmates (T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, comedian Damon Waynes Jr, and Génesis Rodríguez), Hiro decides that he wants to invent his own creation in order to get admission into this college, but after sharing it at the college’s convention, Tadashi dies in the college fire, leaving Hiro grief-stricken and secluded. Baymax senses Hiro’s pain, both physical and emotional, and comes to his aid, wanting to help heal this young kid, even as Hiro changes himself, the robot and the four classmates become six superheroes, just what the title reveals.

“Big Hero 6” is clearly meant for boys just like “Frozen” was meant for little girls, a huge hit that will have a line of merchandise, and it succeeds very well as one of the best kids’ superhero flicks. Action-packed with lots of legitimate laughs, “Big Hero 6” also gives some deep philosophical questions and issues. It’s main themes deals with grief and loss, and how children learn to cope in the middle of their emotions. Best part of it all, of course, is Baymax. He looks like he’s related to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man but he’s big, huggable and downright funny, but also tough when he needs to be. He’s a true friend and a great role model for kids, especially compared to some of the superheroes that appeared in theaters recently. Baymax’s main mission is to heal, not harm.

Campbell said in her review, “What surprised me most about "Big Hero 6" was the audience in the theater with me. It was mostly male between the ages of 15 and 25, with a few families thrown into the mix. Best I could tell, no one left the theater unhappy.”

Doesn’t matter because should parents know before taking their kids to see this film?

The biggest problem parents might have with this movie (spoilers) is that Hiro has to go through losing a loved one, not once but twice, and each loss feels so weighted, it will pull on your heartstrings with anyone who at least feels. There are also scenes early on of misbehavior with gambling, sneaking out, throwing a cat up the stairs and even being locked up in prison. Not to mention when Hiro practices revenge, he risks his own life and the lives of his friends. In the end, he learns a valuable lesson about letting go of these hurtful emotions, thanks to Baymax.

Campbell ended her review by saying, “Overall, the PG-rated "Big Hero 6" won't cause much concern for parents and offers a clean, fun and emotional outing to the theater that every member of the family will likely enjoy. It's easily one of the best-for-all-ages movies I've seen in a long time.”

I would have to agree with her completely because this is Disney’s first take on a superhero movie, and for their first attempt, they succeeded. This is easily one of my favorite superhero movies, and one of my favorite Disney movies. I like the path that Disney has been taking recently with their movies. The princesses in their movies are not the typical damsel in distresses like before, but are now hardworking women that also know how to defend themselves. Also, they are making some sci-fi, action-packed, adventurous movies that are meant for the whole family to see. Let’s see how they will do in the future with their next films that will be made.

Well, thank you for joining in on my first year of “Disney Month.” Have a nice New Year’s Eve, and I’ll see you all next year for more exciting reviews. Take care.