Why You Should See Big Hero 6

Disney's new animated film, Big Hero 6, directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, left me giddy for the rest of the day after I saw it. Granted, I do tend to love all things Disney and animated films are my weakness, I truly believe this film is one that people of all ages and from all backgrounds would like. It has all the elements of a great animated film: relatable characters, humor, an intriguing plot, and, of course, beautiful animation. It is entertaining but also has a meaningful message.

The healthcare robot, Baymax, is designed by Tadashi, a young man working at a Technical Institute developing new technology. Baymax is programmed to help those who are sick or injured. Looking like a floatation device or balloon that turned into an adorable creature, Baymax is the glue of the entire film. He holds everything together and makes the film special and memorable. He provides comic relief and conveys important themes. One of the most easily lovable Disney characters I've seen in a while, Baymax is kind-hearted and reminds us of good moral values. Who knew a robot could teach us things about how to help people emotionally?


The movie really takes off after a mysterious fire breaks out causing tragic events. The main character, Tadashi's younger brother and a fourteen year old genius, Hiro, uses Baymax to help him figure out the truth. Hiro and Baymax bring together Tadashi's friends, a group of extremely intelligent students, to form a high-tech, ragtag team of heroes. Hiro learns there is a fine line between justice and revenge, and this is a major struggle throughout the movie.

Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune explains another great thing about the film:

"Without making a big deal out of it, "Big Hero 6" features a shrewdly balanced and engaging group of male and female characters of various ethnic backgrounds. It'd be nice to live in a world where this wasn't worth a mention, but it is. And yet the movie belongs to the big guy. While Baymax has his limitations — "I am not fast," he says when urged to run by one of his human pals — somehow his face, delineated by two black dots connected by a straight line, expresses plenty of human emotion."

The beautiful animation is, as some would call, "eye candy." It's stunning and fun to watch, just for the colors and backgrounds. I immediately wanted to watch Big Hero 6 again after it was over (although that may be just my obsession with animated films talking).

Big Hero 6 first appeared as a Marvel Comic book series in 1998. It was unpopular compared to Marvel's other comic book series and was soon forgotten, until now. This is the first animated Disney movie based on a Marvel Comic, and I'm sure it won't be the last. With the lovable characters, humor, exciting story, and breath-taking animation, there are so many reasons why you should see Big Hero 6. Disney and Marvel lovers alike will relish in this heart-warming film.

Oh - and for the Marvel fans out there - you may want to wait until after the credits to leave.

Hayao Miyazaki and Spirited Away

The former editor of Marvel Comics, Carl Potts, talked to Ithaca College on Wednesday night. He briefly mentioned Hayao Miyazaki, referencing his great films. Miyazaki's amazing films include Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and more. I wanted to go further into the specific movie, Spirited Away.

Miyazaki is an amazing Japanese film director, animator, artist, producer, and screenwriter. His animation will take your breath away, just as much as his charming stories will.

Spirited Away (2001) centers around a 10 year old girl, who is sulking about moving to the suburbs. She unknowingly stumbles into a world ruled by gods, witches, monsters. Her parents are turned into pigs while eating an enormous amount of food that they're not sure if they are allowed to eat. Thus begins her journey to find her parents and make them human again. She befriends a boy who brings her to this bathhouse for magical creatures, where she gets a job.

The entire screenplay is masterfully written. The characters and settings, whether they are frightening or endearing, are beautifully drawn. This film, as well as all of his films, is full of adventure, mystery, and wit. He does not write typical "evil" characters; nothing is black and white.


I highly recommend any of his films. Don't expect the animation to be the same as classic Disney, it's a completely different style. Look for the wonderful settings, charming characters, and creative writing. You won't be disappointed.

Marvel & Avenger Fans Will Love This

Fans of the Marvel movies or simply Avenger fans have much in stored! From Josh Whedon, and the Director of Marvels The Avengers, the newly much anticipated series Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D premieres on ABC September 24 at 8/7c. Before the last battle of New York we see agent Coulson die, a tragedy to all fans who loved and supported his character. Well good new he's back from the dead to star in this up coming American television series. From the limited information that has been leaked this show it is not a spin off that is unrelated to the movies! Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D works in current time with the movies. It's in direct continuity with the movies. This show is about a hand selected, "non-super",  group of people that are called upon to see about old and new opposing threats to the Earth. Humans are now aware that people from other planets exists while others with supernatural powers live and breath among them. It shows how, the "extras" from the Marvel superhero movies, are coping and living day to day with this new found realization. It's an exciting new show that doesn't seem to compare to any other show on television so far.