Big Hero 6
Dir: Chris Williams, Don Hall
2014
****
Disney bought Marvel Entertainment in 2009 and have been 'exploring' Marvel's back-catalog for properties to adapt ever since. Marvel's original Big Hero 6 is completely different to Chris Williams and Don Hall's animation, and while I'm not too sure how big the fan base is of the original, I'm probably going to upset them both by stating that it is a vast improvement. What was Marvel's attempt to tap into the MANGA market was turned into something quite unique that covers many styles and genres. Disney animation bosses have commented that the film not only helped them look at adaptions in a different light but it also helped them embrace some of the Pixar DNA they had acquired. It's a cute robot, MANGA style, superhero, mystery adventure with a little bit of Scooby-Doo thrown in for good measure. It's certainly feels like something new. The story is intelligent, the animation astonishing (although I don't love the movement of the human characters) and it is exciting throughout. However, the best part of the whole production is arguably the character of Baymax. The worlds first huggable Robot. The superhero element is okay, the super-flash animation is great etc but the simplicity and beauty of Baymax's movements and persona are exceptional. It's miles away from what the original character was like, it may have its origins in Marvel and it even has a Stan Lee cameo but Baymax is undoubtedly Pixar. Pixar doing Studio Ghibli that is. It's almost a shame that Baymax can't be part of the Avengers films, seriously though, it's great to see a charming, clever and heartfelt character come out of what is essentially the result of a profit motivated multi-conglomerate takeover. Good Robot.