Big Hero 6

We saw Big Hero 6 this weekend. It was really good.

Sadly, the most interesting and most fleshed out character dies early in the film (or does he?). The villain has the coolest costume.

It has a couple of plot twists that should shock most kids under 10 and be mind numbing my obvious to anyone over 12 who has seen a film in the last 30 years. In this case, it doesn't really take away from enjoying the film. It's not about the destination. It's about the journey. I would have liked to have had Godzilla appear but there will likely be a sequel so there is hope.

There is lots of cool science in it. Tons of near future tech too. One review I read said the reviewer's daughter said she wanted to go to college to study science after watching it.

The main lead is mopey and angst ridden for much of the film. He's likeable but very much like a younger brother. The rest of the team while not completely flat are 2 dimensional overall.

The Stan Lee cameo is funny. There is one post credit scene. It doesn't really set anything up but it's funny. Think the shawarma scene after the credits in The Avengers.

Overall, I'm looking forward to the DVD when I can watch it again.

3.5/4 Stars

Quick Post On The Avengers Movie Part II

A question came in on the original post. I'll paraphrase: "Do I need to see any of the previous films to enjoy The Avengers?".

I would suggest seeing Thor. Loki is the main villain and Thor is really the setup for The Avengers. Thor sets up Loki's motivation for his actions in The Avengers. With that said, if you haven't seen Thor, they explain enough to bring you up to speed.

The Ed Norton Incredible Hulk is referenced, but if you've ever seen an episode of the show or red any issues of The Incredible Hulk, you're good. The one line that definitely ties it into the continuity is one about what Hulk did to Harlem.

As for Captain America, it's technically the lead in, but all you really need to know is that he is a government created super soldier that the government hasn't been able to replicate and he was frozen for 70ish years.

If you haven't seen one Iron Man film, you'd be fine. They're barely referenced and what references there are are explained.

Nuff Said!

Quick Post On The Avengers Movie

If you haven't seen The Avengers (aka Avengers Assemble) yet. Run, don't walk, to the nearest theater and see it.

You won't gain much by watching it in 3D, but I would love to have seen it in IMAX. The Helicarrier scenes (most of the film) and the final battle scene all look like they were really meant to be seen in IMAX.

The only aspect that took me out of the film was that they had Scarlett Johansson's best assets featured on the screen every chance they could. I'm not complaining, but it pulled me out of the story a couple of times.

Mark Ruffalo, as much as I don't really like him, brought his A Game and killed it as Bruce Banner. I am actually looking forward to him playing Banner in further Avengers and Hulk films. Really, really good job.

It was Robert Downey, Jr., as Tony Stark/Iron Man who "stole the show", except he didn't have to. It was his show to own.

It is a little long at 2:20, so be sure to hit the restroom before the previews. And it is a Marvel movie, so you will need to sit through the credits. There are two extra scenes. The first is after the flashy, pretty credits and the second is after the complete, boring credits. The second one doesn't add much to the story or continuity...and yet it says a lot about what was going on.

My wife, my 8 year old daughter, my 5 year old son, and I all loved it for a variety of reasons.