Big Hero 6

⭐ 9.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

Um, does Disney make bad animated movies? I remember watching this in theatres and holding back tears, but as a more secure adult now the tears were flowing during this one. It is able to do the hero movie thing in a hero-saturated movie world, and still stands out. The setup is devastating, with family death like always, and Baymax as a surrogate brother whose design is to heal is so touching I feel like the writers were probably crying when the movie was pitched.

I'll start with Baymax, because this is classic Disney and reminded me a ton of Wall-e on the rewatch. So little dialog, even less significant body language to show emotion, but he is completely loveable and instantly leapt in the ranks of memorable animated characters. Genius idea for a robot, in the physical design, voice, purpose, just everything. It reminded me of The Iron Giant as well, people trying to push him to be something he's not. So many great ideas in this movie, all around this loveable, slow, quiet robot.

The story is pretty predictable, with moments that are cute but not entirely original. San-Fransokyo as a setting is a very cool way for animators to flex their creativity, giving us something familiar but original. Family and friendship and grief and redemption and love - what more can you ask for in a movie!

I am satisfied with my care.