The same Disney folks that brought you “Bolt,” “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “The Princess and the Frog” return with “Big Hero 6,” a wildly imaginative action-comedy about super-tech-savvy kids somewhere in the near future.
Set in San Francisco (rechristened San Fransokyo for reasons that are implied but unexplained), “Big Hero 6” centers on Hiro, a preteen genius who earns cash by illegally betting on his small robot in back-alley battlebot matches. His older brother Tadashi is a college student – and also a genius – who urges Hiro to consider going to his school (think of a futuristic Cal Tech) as an alternative to hustling robot battles.
To be accepted, Hiro must come up with a science-fair project that earns him a place in the school. He seems to do exactly that, producing barrels full of microbots, which he controls by transmitting his brain waves. But an explosion that immolates the university center where the science fair is being held seemingly destroys Hiro’s invention and kills both Tadashi and his mentor, leaving Hiro bereft.
But a moment of anger on Hiro’s part brings to life an invention of his brother’s: a large, soft robot named Baymax (Scott Adsit), who looks like a cross between the Michelin Man and a snowman.
This review continues on my website.