Big Hero 6

Grade: B

I am unable to put my finger on exactly why Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t do it for me, but Big Hero 6 has in spades whatever GotG lacks. The title may seem inexplicable at first (it took me a while, but I get it now), but I found BH6 to be delightful, refreshing, touching, exciting, and funny without being pandering, and I will welcome any sequel with open arms, Baymax style. The quirky sense of humor I enjoy so much is very present here. When three movie conventions that I grew tired of years ago rear their ugly heads [Why does there always have to be microphone feedback to signify a public speaker is nervous, why is it always raining at funerals, and how do characters seem to know exactly when, why, and where to arrive on the scene?], I feel this film, as smart as it was, could have taken some golden opportunities to find a way to poke fun at these cliches. Even if there will be a sequel, we are left, unforgivably, with a gaping plot point left unanswered. I don’t think I’m giving away too much – after all, how can you spoil something that doesn’t happen – but I’d appreciate knowing what happens to a villain at the end of a movie.

Grade: B