The Critic's Corner: Big Hero 6 is A Hit

by Matt Schaefer

Ever since the advent of feature length computer animation, it seems like each year there is a new film released specifically to push the boundaries of the medium. Some fail while others succeed. And, Big Hero 6 is an example that really succeeds.

Inspired by the series of Marvel comics by the same name, the story is that of Hiro Hamada (voiced by Ryan Potter), a 14-year-old super genius who is offered a chance to attend the same robotics school as his older brother Tadashi (voiced by Daniel Henney). However, when tragedy strikes, Hiro enlists the help of fellow inventors at the school and utilizes the lovable medical robot Tadashi created, called Baymax, to find answers. This is a very bare bones synopsis of the story, but to say any more would spoil a large portion of the movie. Believe me when I say it is best going into Big Hero 6 knowing as little as possible.

The voice work in the film is phenomenal and truly elevates the characters from animated actors to living, breathing, feeling characters. Potter is truly believable in his role as Hiro, giving him a range of emotions you would expect from an adolescent. TJ Miller is hillarious as Fred, one of the laid-back inventors at the school, and Scott Adsit’s voice work for Baymax is delivered with such a lighthearted drone it becomes entrancing to listen to.

The story to Big Hero 6 is well developed and well paced. There are times in the film that will have you laughing at loud, and later, you’ll be tearing up due to the drama on screen. The script is framed beautifully by the universe of San Fransokyo (exactly what it sounds like), which is a cool environment to begin with, but is backed up by amazing animation and stunning action segments.

To put it bluntly, Big Hero 6 deserves all the praise (if not more) that Frozen received this time last year. It’s an animated film that’s full of heart, lovable characters, and wonderful visuals. And, at the center of it all is a goofy marshmallow-like robot that steals the show and earns my love of the film.