Big Hero 6: The BRWC Review

22nd January 2015

When teenage robotics genius Hiro is thrust into an unlikely partnership with his older brother’s medbot invention Baymax, friendships are forged and heroes are born. Along with newfound friends Fred, Wasabi, Honey-Lemon and GoGo Tomago they must foil the schemes of a mysterious techno-terrorist who wears a Kabuki mask and uses Hiro’s greatest invention against him.

As with Wreck-It Ralph and Frozen before it Disney Animation Studios has excelled with both outstanding digital animation and storytelling. There are obvious comparisons to be had with Pixar’s own superhero outing The Incredibles and while Big Hero 6 may lack Brad Bird’s stylized spy caper coolness the hybrid San Fransokyo setting and cultural aesthetic are an interesting choice. The colour palette is rich and vibrant and the visuals are often breathtaking. Honestly, it’s astounding to see how far liquid and particle effects have come along since Toy Story or any live action Hollywood blockbuster for that matter.

The heart of Big Hero 6 comes from the relationship between Hiro and Baymax, with the latter helping his patient through grief and loss. This isn’t handled in a hand-holdy, schmaltz, nor do we suffer as we once did watching Simba’s father die in The Lion King. Their dynamic provides the emotional center of the movie and also delivers the bulk of the belly laughs.

The plot moves briskly, zipping through the 90 minute running time. We’re spared a bloated origin story for all of the titular heroes but the characters never feel short changed in support of Hiro and Baymax. This is a solid, slick summer adventure movie being dished out during a windy UK January. There’s the added bonus of the animated short Feast prior to the main feature. Similar in style to the excellent Paperman short it may have you reaching for your hankie before Big Hero 6 even begins.

Big Hero 6 is released in the UK on January 30^th.

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