A Giant Marshmallow Saves The World! - 'Big Hero Six' takes you hugging your way to heroism!

 Introduction

Let's take a trip into the future, shall we?! Imagine you get hurt, be it a minor scratch or a burn, as soon as you say the word, "Ouch!" out comes a huge squishy giant marshmallow robot thingy to access your injury and treat you! Awesome, right?! That's Baymax, your personal healthcare companion who doesn't leave your side until you're satisfied by his treatment!

Set in the futuristic, visually stunning city of San Fransokyo (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds), The story revolves around a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada, a typical rule breaking teenager with a brilliant mind, much like his elder brother, Tadashi Hamada. The difference is Tadashi isn't much the rule breaker and is a genius working with his team to help develop and improve lives, on the other hand Hiro is a rebel using his brain to win underground illegal robot battles!

Tadashi tries to help pursue Hiro to mend his way and use his abilities for a better cause and eventually succeeds when he takes Hiro to work one day where Hiro meets his team: adrenaline junkie GoGo Tomago, neat-freak Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon, and fanboy Fred and finally Tadashi's own invention, our lovable hero; Baymax!

This experience inspires Hiro and he decides to use his robotic aptitude to contribute to the society as well and actually nails it! However a tragedy follows which becomes a low point in Hiro's life but Baymax and Tadashi's team come together with Hiro to unravel the mysteries and save the world

A classic story of inspiration, heartbreak, emotion, betrayal and heroism mixed with tons of humour.

As they navigate their grief and the dangers of their mission, this ragtag group evolves into a family, showcasing themes of friendship, innovation, and the importance of healing. "Big Hero 6" seamlessly blends action, humor, and heart, making it a must-watch adventure for all ages.

Story

"Big Hero 6" deftly explores classic themes of loss, friendship, and the journey from pain to purpose. Hiro, who's only aim was to win the robot battles aspires something much bigger after being inspired by his brother Tadashi, his team and his invention Baymax, Tadashi is mentored by none other than Prof. Robert Callaghan, a genius in robotics, a world-renowned scientist praised for his innovations on the foundations of robotics, as well as creation of Callaghan's Laws of Robotics.  Hiro enters a competition hoping to be noticed and picked as a mentee by Callaghan. Hiro comes up with 'Microbots', A bunch of diamond shape small robots which come together and form whatever your brain designs. Hiro wins with his phenomenal design and gets noticed by Callaghan but then there's a fire and SPOILER ALERT everyone except Callaghan makes it out, Tadashi goes back in to search for him but unfortunately, They both don't make it.

This loss leaves Hiro devastated, but eventually Baymax and Tadashi's team cheer him up.

The heart of the story lies in Hiro's bond with Baymax, Tadashi's creation—an inflatable, huggable healthcare robot designed to heal both physically and emotionally. The plot thickens when Hiro discovers a sinister scheme involving his own advanced microbots being used by a masked villian Yokai, which leads them to believe that the fire was not accidental. Hiro, Baymax and his motley crew team up, use their inventions to become superheroes to unravel this mystery and possibly save the world! Hiro transforms from a grieving teen into a high-tech hero. Together, they confront the villain, uncovering truths about innovation, loss, and resilience

Cast and Characters

Hiro Hamada (Voiced by Ryan Potter) starts as a teen prodigy with a penchant for bot-fighting in San Fransokyo's back alleys. Ryan Potter brings a mix of youthful exuberance and emotional depth to Hiro, whose journey from grief-stricken brother to courageous leader is central to the film. His development is driven by his brother Tadashi's legacy, as Hiro learns to channel his intelligence for the greater good rather than quick thrills. His transformation is heartfelt and inspiring, as he evolves from a reckless genius into a responsible hero. The film beautifully captures the way a teen handles his grief and in the process of avenging it, his rage.

Baymax (Voiced by Scott Adsit), the inflatable robot healthcare companion, steals the show with his earnest, deadpan humor and gentle demeanor. Scott Adsit’s soothing voice perfectly encapsulates Baymax's role as both a caregiver and an unexpected superhero. Baymax's character development is less about change and more about how he helps others evolve. From a healthcare bot to a key member of the superhero squad, his unwavering commitment to "satisfy your care" provides both comic relief and emotional support, making him the cuddliest crusader ever.

GoGo Tomago (Voiced by Jamie Chung), Jamie Chung brings a no-nonsense, tough-as-nails attitude to GoGo Tomago, the team's speedster. Initially a laconic, adrenaline junkie, GoGo’s character grows as she learns to trust and collaborate with her teammates. Her development is subtle but significant, shifting from a solo act to a key player in the ensemble. She maintains her edge and fierce independence while showing a softer side as she bonds with Hiro and the others. This development of a solo independent character turning into a team player can be seen across various movies and shows as well (e.g. Detective Rosa Diaz in B99), despite this, Big Hero 6 brings its unique twist to this character and makes it memorable

Wasabi (Voiced by Damon Wayans Jr.) is the team’s meticulous and slightly neurotic clean-freak. His journey from a cautious, rule-following lab tech to a laser-wielding warrior is both humorous and endearing. Wayans Jr. brings a perfect blend of anxiety and bravery to the role, making Wasabi's moments of courage stand out. His character is a testament to overcoming fears and stepping out of one’s comfort zone, even if that comfort zone is meticulously organized and spotless. The typical rule follower who for his team bends them and even goes as far to break them, the Dad of the group. Wasabi is just adorable

Honey Lemon (portrayed by Genesis Rodriguez), is the team's bubbly and brilliant chemistry whiz. With an infectious optimism and a penchant for pink, Honey Lemon’s character is a delightful contrast to the more serious team members. Her growth is seen in her increasing confidence and tactical prowess, proving that brains and a positive attitude can be just as powerful as brawn. Rodriguez’s effervescent performance ensures Honey Lemon is both lovable and formidable. A brave transformation from an introverted lab nerd to a literal superhero. Honey has her own glittering uniqueness that will leave you wanting for more

Fred (Voiced by T.J. Miller, who you might know from Deadpool or Silicon Valley), the team’s resident fanboy and self-proclaimed mascot, is brought to life by T.J. Miller's energetic and quirky voice acting. A comic book enthusiast with a heart of gold, Fred’s character adds a layer of meta-humor and enthusiasm to the group. His evolution from a laid-back slacker to a fire-breathing hero (thanks to his monster suit) is hilariously improbable yet deeply satisfying. Fred embodies the idea that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they wear monster costumes. Though with no distinct superpower or ability, he's rich and keeps the group together, so basically the Batman of the group! The very talented Miller nails the voice and you'll fall in love with the jolly character faster than you can say Fred!

Tadashi Hamada (Voiced by Daniel Henney) is Hiro’s older brother and the creator of Baymax. Though his time in the film is brief, Tadashi's impact is profound. Henney’s portrayal of Tadashi is warm, wise, and inspiring, serving as the emotional anchor for Hiro’s transformation. Tadashi’s legacy and his belief in the potential for technology to help people drive the entire plot, highlighting the enduring influence of his character. He's the smartest on-screen character created, even the viewers are left fascinated by him and start looking up to him. He didn't deserve what he got and his death hits the hardest, no one would judge you if you shed a tear watching his funeral because Tadashi is one of the most beautiful characters ever created 

Last and definitely no the least, Aunt Cass, doesn't have a major role other than being a single guardian of Hiro and Tadashi all while managing her own cafe which makes her constantly stress over is she parenting Hiro correctly, but let's leave it aside for now, Disney went overboard with her animation and made her absolutely gorgeous, the animators deserve a raise just for Aunt Cass

The "Big Hero 6" cast is a delightful medley of quirks and heart, like a recipe for superhero success mixed in a lab gone hilariously right. Hiro Hamada, our pint-sized Tony Stark, pairs perfectly with Baymax, the world's most lovable walking marshmallow. GoGo Tomago zips around like a caffeine-fueled speed demon, while Wasabi tries to keep everything neat amidst the chaos, a heroic neat freak if ever there was one. Honey Lemon's bubbly brilliance adds a splash of color to the team, and Fred’s monster-fueled antics ensure there's never a dull moment. Together, they form a team that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious, proving that even the quirkiest of heroes can save the day.

Writing, Originality  and Production

"Big Hero 6" is a standout film due to its blend of heart, humor, and innovative storytelling. The writing excels in balancing a heartfelt narrative with light-hearted moments, ensuring a family-friendly yet emotionally resonant experience. The dialogue is sharp and often humorous, with each character's unique voice shining through, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic ensemble cast.

The film's originality is particularly evident in its setting, San Fransokyo, a visually captivating blend of San Francisco and Tokyo. This unique backdrop not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also complements the film's futuristic and tech-driven plot. Additionally, the character of Baymax—a healthcare robot turned superhero—adds a fresh twist to the genre, providing both comic relief and emotional depth. The viewers connect with Baymax on a personal level and wish he was with them in real life, something that animated movies struggle to do and what "Big Hero 6" does so well

One could draw a few parallels between similar themes where the death of a close person fuels the protagonist's motive as seen in various Spiderman movies, particularly 'into the spiderverse' as we have a young protagonist in both the cases; Both "Big Hero 6" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" explore the theme of a young protagonist dealing with loss and stepping into a hero's role. In "Spider-Verse," Miles Morales grapples with the death of his uncle and the expectations of being a new Spider-Man. Similar to Hiro, Miles starts as a reluctant hero, uncertain of his abilities. Both films emphasize the importance of mentorship (Tadashi for Hiro and various Spider-mentors for Miles) and the transformative power of tragedy, pushing the young heroes to rise to the occasion

We can also see similarities in the 'How to train your Dragon' series when Hiccup's father dies but his group of friends and toothless help him pick himself back up and fulfill the prophecy. The movie also mimics 'The Lion King' and the 2 most heartbreaking deaths can be seen across these movies, one of Mufasa and the other Tadashi, Simba and Hiro are much alike, rebellious who after the loss are helped by their friends

Production wise the animation is something you don't normally see, the brilliant futuristic tech world, microbots. Our cute and cuddly Baymax and the villain Yokai who can strike fear in the viewers just by a glance, the production quality is superb and while you might be hesitant to watch it at first, this movie will absolutely make it into your favorites

A special appreciation to the music, the featured theme 'Immortals' is absolutely magnificient and Fall Out Boy went berzerk with it giving this movie a permanent feature in my playlist!

Overall Evaluation and Appeal

"Big Hero 6" is a beautiful journey. It can get a bit predictable at times but the writing and the screenplay more than make up for it, even if you know what's going to happen you still wanna watch it because its damn funny and well written

And here's the beautiful thing about animated movies, there are no sad endings, so whenever you're down or want to have a light watch, go for it and i promise you won't regret it 

The animation is stunning, the storyline is touching, and the humor is on point. "Big Hero 6" is a beautiful blend of action, heart, and laughs. It’s a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, even squishy ones who ask, “Are you satisfied with your care?” If you’re not, watch "Big Hero 6," and you will be!

Being an animated movie, it appeals to kids, but the variety of emotions it explores with and the characters with their cute animation make it a recommended watch for all ages  

Scintillating Score

Based on the story, animation and writing; and if you're looking to watch an animated flick, i personally would give this a score of

8/10 making it one of the best animated movies I've ever seen

Conclusion

In the end, "Big Hero 6" proves that even the most unlikely heroes—like a giant, inflatable healthcare robot who waddles like a marshmallow penguin and a bunch of lovable nerds—can save the day with brains, heart, and a whole lot of laughs. You'll marvel at GoGo Tomago's speed, cheer on Wasabi as he battles both villains and his OCD, and giggle at Fred’s monster-suited antics. Honey Lemon’s chemistry skills might make you wish your high school science class was this cool, and Baymax's well-meaning but hilariously literal approach to healthcare will have you in stitches—figuratively, of course.

So, if you’re in need of a good chuckle, a few tears, and a hefty dose of superhero inspiration, let Baymax and his crew take you on the most huggable adventure of your life. Just remember, when you find yourself asking, "Why don’t we have Baymax in real life?" and "How do I get my hands on some microbots?" you’ve officially been enchanted by the magic of "Big Hero 6." Trust me, by the end, you'll be feeling "satisfied with your care" and wishing for a personal Baymax to call your own.

Goodbye for now, just like Baymax, this review won't be accomplished unless you're satisfied!

Don't forget to be Awesome!

Yours scintillatingly.

@sarcastically_scintillating