REVIEW/THOUGHTS [MOVIE] -- Big Hero 6

Format Watched: In theatres (November 25, 2014)

Approx. Runtime: 102 minutes (1 hours, 42 minutes)

Language Watched: English

Type of Movie: Superhero, Comedy, Action, Science

Overall Impression: I absolutely loved this movie. Anybody who hasn't watched it, go watch it -- now! :)

SPOILER ALERT WARNING!!

This review will contain some spoilers -- or rather, there will be a "Spoilers" section at the end of the review to go into further detail about certain things. There may still be slight spoilers throughout the review, but I've tried my best to keep them at a minimum.

PERSONAL STANDING (Pre-exposures, thoughts, etc.)

So I wasn't completely sold on the movie at the beginning. From watching the trailer, I thought that it would simply be a superhero movie for kids with a funny, cuddly-looking sidekick. My impression wasn't really wrong, but man... there is just so much more to it!

Here's the trailer I watched:

My sister was hoping the song in this trailer would show up in the movie. It didn't.

Another song from Fall Out Boy shows up, though.

STORY

Big Hero 6 follows Hiro Hamada, a 14-year-old robotics genius, who ends up in care of Baymax (though I think it is more the other way around ;)), a robotic health companion created by Tadashi, Hiro's older brother.

Hiro sees that something evil is happening and bands together with his friends (along with Baymax) to fight it.

Now... just like in the trailer I saw, I'm leaving out a huge part of the story. In most ways, I think it is the story's core. I think mentioning it will lessen its impact if you do decide to watch Big Hero 6, so I won't say it (though I will mention it in the "spoilers" section). If you have seen other trailers, though, you may know what I'm talking about.

I will say this: I deeply enjoyed the story and the issue and idea it addresses (I will mention this in the "spoilers" section).

ANIMATION

I don't think I need to say much here, except that the animation was great. I watched it in 3D and everything felt very natural. Nothing really popped out of the screen, but you could sense / feel that everything was 3-dimensional. It was an immersive experience.

The character designs were also very nicely done. They succeeded in designing Baymax to be a huggable robot -- 'cuz that was all I wanted to do during the whole movie and even after. Even now I still want to hug that cuddly, adorable robot.

VOICE-ACTING/CHARACTERS

The voice-acting was great. Everybody had their own distinct personality and it was well delivered. Extra props to Ryan Potter as Hiro and Scott Adsit as Baymax. I felt so much sincerity and care from them.

CHARACTERS

I enjoyed the characters in Big Hero 6. Even though you don't get much backstory from some of them (like Hiro's friends or Hiro's aunt), you do get personality and a sense of their interests and what they care about. Seeing them express their concerns, I was able to care about them as well. My favourite character is... Baymax (surprise surprise).

BAYMAX

He is funny, cuddly, and adorable. Despite his voice expressing little or no emotion (since he is a robot) and always keeping calm, I could still sense the emotions behind his words and actions. And as he learns about things that weren't initially programmed into him, developing his personality, seeing what he does based on what's important to him... it is so cool.

I totally want my own Baymax, hahaha. <3

MUSIC

The music fits very well with the atmosphere. Most times I didn't notice the music and just let it enhance whatever I was experiencing. One funny thing is that I could tell it was done by the same composer who did Wreck-it Ralph (Henry Jackman). The style of the music felt somewhat similar.

The theme song for Big Hero 6 ("Immortals" by Fall Out Boy) is great. From reading various Youtube comments (because I searched out the song a couple days after watching the movie), opinions are split on whether people liked the song or not. I really enjoyed it. I find that it could have various interpretations (though most often around the same core idea), and my interpretation of the song just really speaks to me about the movie (I'll talk about my interpretation in the "spoilers" section). I want to sing "Immortals" for karaoke one day.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend watching Big Hero 6. There is way more here than just a children's superhero movie. I already have plans myself to go watch it again.

Thanks for reading! If you want some more input about something I didn't cover, feel free to ask. :)

Now I'll do the scrolly thing so you don't see the "Spoilers" section right away. Then I'll add some more scrolly things after the "Spoilers" section in case anybody wants to comment, but not see the spoilers.

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SPOILERS

"In most ways, I think it is the story's core."
"I deeply enjoyed the story and the issue and idea it addresses."

So what I left out about the plot was Tadashi's death, and Hiro trying to come to terms with it. Even though Hiro accepted the fact, I think he was still looking for resolve and trying to move on.

I really like that even though other things happen in the movie, it never strayed far away from this issue of loss and dealing with it, and I think that makes Big Hero 6 very relatable and heartfelt.

This is a little off-topic, but I am glad that there was no romance whatsoever in this movie. Now, I am a hopeless romantic, but... I think it could have been distracting if there was any. I felt it just wasn't the movie's focus so kudos for not including it. If you're wondering where or how that thought came about -- haha -- it's something I've noticed sometimes when watching a movie -- having some "obligatory" romance -- though I guess this could be something to discuss in a future blog.

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"My interpretation of the song just really speaks to me about the movie."
"I deeply enjoyed the story and the issue and idea it addresses."

Well, I can't really talk about the song without sharing the song, can I? So here's the song:

"Immortals" by Fall Out Boy.

In a nutshell, I think the song is about Hiro not being able to move on but instead living out / protecting Tadashi's will to help others. Every time Tadashi's will is expressed, either through Baymax's personality or Hiro adopting the drive / desire to help others, Tadashi is still alive (i.e. immortal). Thinking about the song in that way really touches me and expresses what I think is a key idea in the movie -- that even though somebody may be gone, they're not gone forever... If a part of that person still lives with you, through your memory, through your actions, whatever -- that person will still "be with you".

If you read my spoilers, thank for reading! Now to finish with more scrolly things. If you disagree with anything or just want to say something, feel free to comment :D

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BLOG -- Recap of November

So November was pretty busy -- gaming-wise and non-gaming-wise. Darn me for playing games that just suck away my soul and time (it's not just Final Fantasy XIV that's doing it anymore... though it still does suck a lot of it, hahaha).

One thing I'm happy about though: I blogged again. Finally! ;)

Outings/Events in November:

- Had a Gaming Day with my sister, her fiance, and a friend. 

- Attended the company's Holiday dinner party.

- Hung out with friends x2.

- Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn achievements: I've beaten Ramuh Extreme, Shiva Extreme, Coils Turn 5, Coils Turn 6 (before the patch that nerfed it), Coils Turn 7 -- wooooot!! :D

Exposures:

- (Dessert shop) Bobbette & Belle -- I tried their hazelnut chocolate mousse tart. It was too sweet in the end.

- (Restaurant) Sushi Marché -- The salmon sashimi was good. Everything else I tried was just okay.

- (Restaurant) Tofu Village -- This is a Korean restaurant that has good food.

- (Play) Silver Dagger -- This was an interesting, twisty play. I really enjoyed it.

- (Video Game) Super Smash Bros. (Wii U) -- This is in my "Exposures" section and NOT in my "Currently Playing" section because I actually don't own Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U. I actually don't own the Wii U either. This game was really fun. I tried out The Villager, Rosalina & Luma, Wii Fit Trainer, and many others. Whenever I do get the game, I want to try maining The Villager, Rosalina & Luma, Princess Peach, and, of course, Pit (he looks so cool, hahaha). 

Finished...

Watching:

- (Movie): The Judge -- This was a long but good movie. Robert Downey Jr. was great as usual.

- (Movie): Big Hero 6

- (Movie): Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -- This was sucky and long. In the middle of this movie, I was thinking 'Should I continue watching a movie for the sake of experiencing the whole series even though it sucks?' I ended up watching to the end, but I didn't enjoy it, ha...

- (Movie): Sharknado -- This was... ridiculous. My gosh, some of the lines were so horribly delivered. It's one of those movies to watch and laugh at.

- (Movie): After Earth -- This was... umm, not that good. It was okay. I mainly watched it so I could watch Adam Johnston's video review about it, which I find pretty funny.

- (Movie): Nymphomaniac Part 1 & 2 -- My co-worker told me about this movie series so I checked it out. Part 1 had some interesting ideas. Part 2 was terrible, in my opinion. Both movies have a lot of sexual scenes and content (disclaimer!). It was very hard for me to relate to the main character. I... wouldn't recommend this movie at all.

Playing:

- Nothing this month.

Reading:

- Nothing this month.
 

Currently... 

Playing (not all at once):

- (PS4): Destiny
- (PS3): Borderlands 2  
- (3DS): Bravely Default
- (3DS): Weapon Shop de Omasse
- (3DS): Liberation Maiden
- (3DS): Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale
- (3DS): Theatrhythm: Curtain Call  
- (GBA): The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition  
- (PSP): Persona 
- (PSP): Crush
- (PSVita): Persona 4 Golden  
- (Wii): Fortune Street 
- (PS2): Atelier Iris 2 
- (PC): UnEpic  
- (PC): King's Bounty: The Legend

Watching:

- (TV Show): The Walking Dead (Season 3) 
- (Anime): Yu Yu Hakusho (don't remember)
- (Anime): Shakugan no Shana (Season 1 -- Episode 19)
- (Anime): Log Horizon (episode 3)
- (Anime): Sword Art Online (episode 14)

Reading:

- (Manga): Judge by Yoshiki Tonogai 


That's it for November. Here are some photos I took this month.

 A dish I always like to try out at Korean restaurants.

 My first match against my sister, her fiance, and our friend.
I'm the Villager.

 Another match. This was pretty hilarious.

 Our first match paired up with Amiibos.

 Amiibos I ended up buying after my Game Day -- and I don't even 
have a Wii U nor Super Smash Bros, haha...

Have yourself a wonderful week and thanks for reading! :)

BLOG -- Recap of October

So this is kinda strange. When I think of October, I think of this crazy-busy month where so much of my time was spent on various activities. Now... as I fill out these sections for what I did in October, I see that I really didn't have such a busy month. Why did I feel like I didn't have enough time almost all the time? 

To touch on something else, I'm a little disappointed in myself. I don't like that I did not write any blogs this month. I'm... not happy about that -- especially when there were things I definitely could have blogged about.

In November -- I gotta write about something!! The timestamps of my thoughts... I can't let them slip away! ><''

Outings/Events in October:

- Attended 2 weddings on the same day (neither of them were my weddings, mind you!). 

- Had a karaoke outing with my team mates.

- Hung out with a friend x2.

- I got my Novus weapon on Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, yayyy!!

Exposures:

- (restaurant) Dumpling King -- This place had some really yummy dumplings.

- (Youtubber) Adam Johnston -- I got exposed to this person in a pretty random way. I had this sudden urge one day to listen to reviews / thoughts on the Silent Hill movies. I found his video (under the username YourMovieSucksDOTorg) and listened to it (I couldn't watch it, 'cuz I was at work at the time). I liked what I heard and decided to listen to more of his stuff. Though slightly creepy at times, I generally find his thoughts funny and observant. He also has a music channel anUnkindnessvideo that features music he's created (which is so cool).

- (Play) The Thing Between Us -- This was a play about two girls who become close friends. However, one of the girls is very dependent and clingy, often using their close bond to twist the other girl to comply to her wishes or needs. It was interesting to see the dynamics of their relationship. The acting was very well done, too.

- (Song) "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes -- One of my co-worker friends shared this song with me, and I'm glad that he did. This is hands down one of the best songs I've been exposed to so far this year. It is positive, sweet, but also with a hint of nostalgia and something bittersweet. Listening to this makes me think of so many things, both happy and sad. There is one line in particular that when I listen to it, I often get affected because I can relate (in a way). The line is... "I'm glad I didn't die before I met you."  

Finished...

Watching:

- (Movie): Gone Girl -- This was a very good movie. Great script. Great music. Great acting. Interesting thoughts. But -- what a mindf*ck, hahaha. I've been tempted many times to watch it again.

- (Movie): Divergent -- I had some issues with some of the plot points, and the whole idea was a little weird. But all in all, it was an okay movie. If I was to be placed in a faction, I would be a divergent, lol.

Playing:

- Nothing this month.

Reading:

- Nothing this month.
 

Currently... 

Playing (not all at once):

- (PS4): Destiny
- (PS3): Borderlands 2  
- (3DS): Bravely Default
- (3DS): Weapon Shop de Omasse
- (3DS): Liberation Maiden
- (3DS): Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale
- (3DS): Theatrhythm: Curtain Call  
- (GBA): The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition  
- (PSP): Persona 
- (PSP): Crush
- (PSVita): Persona 4 Golden  
- (Wii): Fortune Street 
- (PS2): Atelier Iris 2 
- (PC): UnEpic  
- (PC): King's Bounty: The Legend

Watching:

- (TV Show): The Walking Dead (Season 3) 
- (Anime): Yu Yu Hakusho (don't remember)
- (Anime): Shakugan no Shana (Season 1 -- Episode 19)
- (Anime): Log Horizon (episode 3)
- (Anime): Sword Art Online (episode 14)

Reading:

- (Manga): Judge by Yoshiki Tonogai 


That's it for October. Here's one photo I took this month and a few Youtube videos.

 The table display for my friend's wedding reception.
That wedding reception was really very magical and sweet.

 "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes.
There's just no way to talk about the song and not share it, too.

"Fragments" by An Unkindness (Adam Johnston):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-vtKmtr7U0

One of Adam Johnston's songs that I really like. He's got some 
really nice piano-playing skills.

"I Won't Care" by An Unkindness (Adam Johnston):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL26mo-75mc

This is my favourite song from Adam Johnston. I wish 

it was available to buy somewhere. A couple disclaimers: 

1. This song is darkish with what I consider to be intense, heavy lyrics in the second half.

2. This song is about a person thinking about suicide and going through with it in the end.

Now... in case you are wondering... the song doesn't portray going through suicide as a positive act. I know I've had such thoughts in the past, so I can really relate.

Thanks for reading! Happy late Halloween!

You all have a good weekend! Don't let the vampires bite! :)