The new Disney animated film Big Hero 6 – released in cinemas today – is the anticipated effort from directors Don Hall and Chris Williams, inspired by an obscure Marvel comic of the same name. Though Marvel were not involved in the film directly, a cameo from a certain Marvel patriarch keeps at least one tradition in check… This makes it the first Disney animated feature film to include the iconic brand in its repertoire (and is unlikely to be the last).
In a recent visit to Australia (read more about it HERE), Producer Roy Conli said that the obscurity of the comic gave the filmmakers “ultimate freedom” to create a cinematic universe and story that was deeply entrenched in the “Disney animated universe… not Marvel’s”. And though he maintains the heart and “spirit” of the comic remains intact (I personally haven’t read any of the 12 editions), there are a lot of major changes, from the very city it’s set (they replaced Tokyo with the East meets West city San Fransokyo) to the role of the robot at the centre of the film, Baymax, who was not a “Health Care Robot” in the comics.
Though Baymax is what you’d consider the heart of the film – a big, white fluffy heart – our protagonist is Hiro Hamada, a young robotics expert who we first meet fighting robots in back alleys for some extra cash. His older brother Tadashi studies in the field of robotics at the local University and takes Hiro to his laboratory to try and push him towards education, rather than wasting his time fighting robots in back alleys (a cheeky reference to the average Real Steel perhaps? But I digress…). It’s here we meet Baymax, Tadashi’s invention – a robot whose sole purpose is to heal – as well as the team who eventually become our six “Heroes”.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be a Disney movie without a moment of tragedy designed to spur characters onto greatness (The Lion King or Bambi anyone?), and in the case of Big Hero 6, we have the Tadashi taken from us. As the film progresses, and the heros are assembled (using their robotics genius and access to 3D printing as their “superpower”), so to speak, to find out why Hiro’s brother died and solve a mystery involving a masked villain, Hiro goes through all the emotions of a loss. From sadness and denial, all the way to anger – there are a few moments here you would not expect to see in a typical Disney film, and though it’s far from anything that would upset children (unless they themselves lost their brother in an inferno, I suppose), it definitely creates a unique reality in the midst of robots and fantasy. Much credit goes to the filmmakers to giving their plot these extra dimensions, making it impossible not to care about our lead characters as a byproduct.
The adventure this group of misfits goes on is enthralling, and beautiful to look at, with 3D used to fantastic effect – especially during the flying sequences. The detail in this make believe city, combining the madness of Tokyo with the hills of San Francisco, is astounding. There’s so much colour in all of it – from the streets of the city to their outfits – it’s impossible not to get sucked into the world. The characters themselves could be best compared to another Disney/Marvel effort this year, Guardians of the Galaxy, a group of makeshift superheroes who come together under unexpected circumstances and work together to bring a situation to an resolution. There are a lot of similarities between the two films (as well as to the classic <I>The Iron Giant</i> and Pixar’s own<I>The Incredibles</i>), though one is of course designed to be consumed by a younger demographic alongside the older.
Under this argument, playing the role of Groot is Baymax, an absolutely loveable robot who is designed to love rather than fight – which is ultimately what Hiro wants from him, creating many of the film’s most memorable scenes. Baymax is responsible for most of the humour in the film… from general comments about his slow, friendly nature in the midst of an action sequence, to the scene where his power starts running out and we meet what is essentially a drunk robot. You can see here how much fun the filmmakers had in adding some more adult charm into the production. Indeed, the film is full of jokes for young and old, and there are plenty of comic and film references (Star Wars etc.) that older super hero fans will appreciate.
The voices are well cast, though free from any major names, as seems to be traditional for Disney (compared to the Pixar trend to employ the likes of Tom Hanks to add gravitas to their ensemble). Fans of 30 Rock will know Scott Adsit, though his voice is almost unrecognisable as Baymax, and T.J. Miller is a voice some will know from Silicon Valley, who is often hilarious as Fred. Babe’s James Cromwell (currently performing in Australia in the stage production of Rupert) performs strongly as Professor Robert Callaghan, as does Damon Wayans, Jr as Wasabi and Maya Rudolph as Hero’s aunt and guardian.
The score from English composer Henry Jackman (no relation to Real Steel‘s Hugh, though coincidentally he did score X-Men: First Class) holds the film together well, delighting in moments of wonder, highlighting pain and/or anger and increasing the suspense. Interesting, there are more than a few musical cues in there from Toy Story composer Randy Newman and the film holds similar charm.
This in mind, as enjoyable as Wreck It-Ralph was and as successful as Frozen turned out to be, Big Hero 6 is the first computer generated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios – under the guidance of Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter (the man may as well be called “Pixar”) – to have the feel of a Pixar film. It’s hard to put into words what that means. I think Roy Conli put it best though that under Lasseter’s creative vision, the emphasis has returned to “never underestimating kids”. It is after all the very reason that Pixar films have been (for the most part) critical and commercial sensations: they’re films that children fall in love with and adults can’t look away from. There’s great voice acting, strong scripts and as many jokes for the adults as there are for the kids. And there is a heart that pulses through every scene that makes it irresistible.
Though not free from some typically corny Disney moments – and do try to ignore the totally unnecessary Fall Out Boy song – this is one of the finest and most entertaining animated films I’ve seen in years.
Review Score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
In true animated Disney tradition, the film is preceeded by a beautifully animated short called Feast, which takes us on the journey of a food loving dog and the life of his owner as seen through his (or her) eyes. It’s a typical Disney or Pixar short, with little to no talking, letting the sounds and the image speak for themselves. They really have perfected this, and though Feast isn’t the best of them, it’s a wholly entertaining way to start your experience in the theatre. I wish more films gave you a short before them to be honest, it’s a nice way to slip into the experience… If you do bring your child to see this film though, I’d probably remind them that eating this much food would probably create diabetes and they’re not dogs so why are you even having that conversation? Be quiet and enjoy the feature film.
Review Score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Big Hero 6 with the short Feast is in Australian cinemas now.
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