Review of Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 (2014)
7/10
Disney's Latest is possibly its Greatest
5 January 2015
It has been a good year for animated flicks. Lego had a crack at it, a dragon breathed fire once more and now Disney is back to put the competition to shame. There was once a time when PIXAR overshadowed Disney, now that process has been reversed with the likes of quality films from 'Tangled' to 'Frozen' and now 'Big Hero 6'.

In a world where superhero films have become its own genre, the market recently has been flooded – with well too much of everything. Have these marketing executives over at Marvel ever heard that less is more? I doubt it. Although 'Big Hero 6' is a Disney film, it was actually adapted from a Marvel comic. The real question is that do these two existing franchises work well together? You can bet everything that you own they do! All the key hallmarks of Disney are there – minus the music numbers, with added wise cracks and wit surely helped by being brothers with Marvel.

Our hero is a 14 year old boy called Hiro Hamada resident of fictional city San Fransokyo who teams up with his friends and lovable, caring and unintentionally funny robot Baymax. Their bond is one of loyalty, friendship and full of heart. No bond has been stronger since that of Andy and Woody in 'Toy Story'. The six heroes – hence the title – realise their city is in danger and must become their own brand of funky superheroes in order to fight this mysterious new force.

'Big Hero 6', like most Disney films is daring, be prepared to be put through the emotions frequently. This film will undoubtedly draw comparisons to other superhero ensembles that we have been treated to like –'The Incredibles', 'The Avengers' and 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'. Consider this the icing on the cake.

Of course the film has visual flair, so much so that I initially thought PIXAR were the ones responsible. The voice acting without question is stellar and the characters therefore feel fully formed, had I not known it was animated I would have sworn that the characters and their relationships with others are real.

'Big Hero 6', really hit hard for me how animation is rivalling that of live-action. Many superhero films were released this year, four, yes four others! But this one stood out and had me crying like a little baby. Consider that a compliment, I don't think that live-action films even had half as much feeling as this film – ironic considering that the characters are computer animated! Many of the sceptical among us will shout and cry no musical numbers from the rooftops! Does this mean that the score from Henry Jackman is worthless? No! It is energetic and vibrant providing some of the best superhero themes ever produced! Just wait until you hear the new Fallout Boy song; 'Immortals', it works seamlessly into the film. If this is what it cost to not have musical numbers them I'm all the more happy for it.

How could I call this anything less than spectacular? I can't! Anyone in need of a great animated film step right up! It never panders to the kids, always thrills and most importantly understands key human emotion, particularly loss and how to deal with it. I've honestly never felt so happy that animation exists within cinema since 'Beauty and the Beast'! Anyone in question of my belief should see it for themselves; this is truly an opportunity you cannot afford to miss!
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