Big Hero 6- *slight spoilers*

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With Big Hero 6, it really is a case of weighing up the great elements with the not-so-great elements -whilst Disney’s superhero themed hit is far from perfect, on the whole the film’s weaknesses are overridden by its many strengths. 

For example, it has been argued that Gogo, Honey Lemon, Wasabi and Fred, four of the five members of the superhero team ‘Big Hero 6’ are all severely lacking in development and to a certain extent this is true. They are all pretty one note, with one defining character trait and they do not really develop or change much over the course of the film, as there really isn’t enough screen time given to them, compared to the film’s true protagonists, Hiro and Baymax. Really and truly, a good film should give development to all of its characters, especially if the focus of the plot is the team that they form and this does mean that the ‘superhero’ parts of the film are its least entertaining segments, which could be seen by some as a major problem.

On the other hand, this does mean that a lot of time can be spent fleshing out the character of Hiro, (who is a fantastic lead, wonderfully played by Ryan Potter), as well as building up his heart-warming relationship with Baymax, which, along with the lovable healthcare companion himself,  is the film’s greatest strength. The friendship between these two characters is so well-done and it is also helped by how lovable Baymax is- from his cuddly design to his best comedic moments, he is one of the greatest Disney characters of recent years. Another one of the films major strengths is one that is unfortunately rare in animation due to its traditionally younger audience and that is its ability to effectively show mature themes without talking down to or patronizing its audience, showing that when making an animated film you don’t have to treat the audience like it is entirely made up of children. A final overriding factor that allows ‘Big Hero 6’ shine is the animation, which looks spectacular, especially on the big screen.

The only other negative that I would add is the reveal of the villain. Whilst a Frozen-style twist is attempted (for the third Disney film in a row!), this time they attempt to throw a massive, awkwardly-placed red herring in the audience’s face, which just ends up feeling incredibly clumsy. Having said this, I do like that there are interesting parallels between the protagonist and the character who is eventually revealed to be the villain- in fact, they explore the idea of the hero almost becoming a villain effectively but subtly, which does work really well.

Overall, in spite of some issues with characterization, Big Hero 6 is well animated and entertaining film, which deserves all of the praise it is currently getting.