Disney does it again

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2014)

I don't think there is any question that Disney is the undisputed King of Animated. In many ways they always have been but in modern day they have taken that to a whole new level. They don't make cartoons for kids anymore but rather films that are animated that everyone can love. They've made animation a completely viable form of film making. The trailer for Big Hero 6 absolutely had me hooked. It reminded of Wall-E (one of the most brilliant animated films of all time) but also had that super-hero/Marvel vibe so I was intrigued. Big Hero 6 does not disappoint for a single second. The characters are as vibrant and fun and full of life as you can expect, the action is non-stop, the story is solid and they lay a foundation for future films though that seems unlikely given the time and effort and money they put into each one of their animated films. The only truly "successful" franchise of Disney/Pixar Animation seems to be Toy Story which gets better and better each time around. Big Hero 6 is fresh and unique and a little bit dark but not dark enough to ruin it for older children. It has moments of intensity and some violence but nothing ten and up can't handle. Its a story of bravery, grief and loss and acceptance.
Ryan Potter voices our hero...Hiro. One of the best things about Disney/Pixar films is their casting. Somehow they almost always absolutely nail these characters with their voices and Hiro is no exception. We become attached to this young genius and he's the perfect hero and leader for the Big Hero 6. Scott Adsit is the adorable, hilarious and heroic Baymax. He was simply amazing as I knew the character would be and Adsit captures it perfectly. TJ Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr, Genesis Rodriguez all play significant parts and you completely lose yourself in their quirky and fun characters. Much like The Incredibles, Big Hero 6 gives you the opportunity to find your favourite hero and gravitate to them. The only downside is that we don't get to see a lot of them because there are so many characters. Regardless you will have your favourite and you'll want to see more of them. James Cromwell, Alan Tudyk and Maya Rudolph are just stupendous in their perspective roles as the adults in the film. Rudolph in particular has a small role that is just really terrific.
The animation is nothing short of stunning. I saw the film in 3D which made no difference at all of course (yes I'm a 3D hater but wasn't given the option) but regardless of that the special effects and animation are excellent. The car chase scene when they are being pursued by the mask villain is just brilliant, edge of your seat stuff. The villain himself is a brilliant piece of work. He is memorable and visually very effective and yet never utters a word when he is in costume. He reminds me of a Disney classic Villain and a Sith Lord all rolled into one. If you think The Avengers is perhaps a little too intense for your youngster then Big Hero 6 is just as effective. They aren't well known heroes but that only adds to the originality of this story. I still wouldn't let my young youngsters watch it due to some intensity but that's your call. My major beef with the film (and its not really major) is the ending felt a little too neat and tidy. It was an okay ending on a truly great film. It felt a little hurried and a little too easy and perhaps they could have drawn on that a little more. Regardless Big Hero 6 is everything I expected from the studio and their latest entry. This is a must see for children, adults, superhero fans and anyone wanting a great time at the movies. 9/10