Big Hero 6
This is a fantastic movie dealing with love, friendship and the true meaning of life. See it.
Let me go out on an early limb and say that Big Hero 6 will duke it out with The Lego Movie for this year’s best animated Oscar winner. Without describing the plot, this is an adult film wrapped in a children’s story much like Disney’s historic Bambi (1942) and Finding Nemo (2003). It also joins Wall-E (2008) and Up (2009) as animated films that touch an emotional vein that transcends the enjoyment of children.
As an example, I went to see Big 6 Hero with my son and his two children, Connor and Calin. I am 67, Chris is in his 40’s and the kids are 16 and 13. We all loved the film, and that covers generations spanning over 50 years. Rejecting the possibility that my family completely lacks artistic merit, that should tell you something about the film itself.
The movie centers on a robot named Baymax, and he looks like a giant Pillsbury Doughboy. Designed by an inventive lad to analyze illnesses in humans and then provide the best medication, he has a heart of pure gold.
When his young creator, Tadashi, dies suddenly in a tragic fire, his brother, Hiro, becomes Baymax’ companion. The story focuses on Hiro’s attempt to find those responsible for his brother’s death, and he is joined by a team of high-tech friends who you will find as endearing as those in The Incredibles (2004).
Hiro’s friends go by the names of Go Go, Wasabi and Honey Lemon, and they are one immensely likeable crew. Teaming with Baymax, they become involved in a dangerous adventure, and be prepared for an ending that will cause you to have the same reaction as when Bambi lost his mother.
It is also worth noting that Big Hero 6 confines its action to the San Francisco area, and the cinematography is spectacular. The City of San Fran has been recreated to near perfection, and the animation reflects everything from Chinatown to views of Alcatraz.
Finally, do yourself a favor and get to the movie on time. There is a completely delightful short animated lead-in called Feast, which describes a man’s life seen through the eyes of his loveable little dog, Winston. Everything focuses on the young canine’s eating habits, and it is doubtful that anyone has ever had a pet of any size that was a more voracious eater.
