Big Hero 6: The Latest Kidult Movie You Should See

Just another animated flick that your kid will drag you to? Not a chance.

Big Hero 6 is the first official “kidult” movie I’m recommending. No, kidult is not a real word. Yes, I made it up (actually, when I googled it, I found it on Urban Dictionary so I’m not as original as I thought). But it’s so appropriate once you hear my definition:

ki·dult

adjective ki – dəlt

: something that is equally suitable for both a child and adult audience

Have you ever been to a kids movie that has you wanting to break all those “no cell phone” rules in the theater because you’d rather play a losing battle with Candy Crush that sit with the boredom that comes with the film? Yes, that’s happened to me. Even though I love movies, there have been a few that had me longing for the end.

And then there are those films that are supposed to be for kids but the cast list is chock full of stars and the movie is full of nudge, nudge, wink, wink humor for the parents? Sometimes it works and sometimes it’s annoying.

A kidult film is neither of these. It’s a movie targeting kids but equally enjoyable by adults. It’s a level playing field.

In fact, here are our thoughts on Big Hero 6 just before and immediately after watching it.

Once we got to the car, we all chatted about who we thought the villain was going to be (we were all wrong) and how we felt about the ending (very happy) and what this film reminded us of. My husband revealed that he thought it was like “Astroboy meets Ironman.” I was thinking more along the lines of “The Iron Giant meets Guardians of the Galaxy.” And Evan, in true kid fashion, simply said it was awesome.

What We Loved

The multicultural feeling in the movie. From the imaginary, futuristic city of San Fransokyo to the broad mix of ethnicities in the characters, this is a movie that’s not confined to a typical moviegoing audience.

The most lovable character ever – Baymax. He’s a programmed healthcare robot designed to do everything to make you feel well and satisfied with his service. He’s intentionally made to look like a large marshmallow so he can deliver his healthcare in the least intimidating way possible. I want to hug him.

You’ll find just as much suspense and action as you might in a live action film like Guardians of the Galaxy but it’s friendly enough for kids while still engaging enough for adults.

Super cool technology is found throughout the film. I mean, sure, it’s imaginary technology but they make it seem like it’s possible thanks to some very brilliant students at the Institute of Technology.

The message that science and technology are cool resonates throughout. I couldn’t tell you how happy I was that my future wannabe inventor sitting beside me was watching the story of a 14 year old learn that education provides him a limitless path with greater rewards than a get rich quick avenue through bot fighting. And they do it in a very unassuming way.

ZOMG – is this really even animated? My mind can’t fathom how some of the animated effects are done but the realism will blow you away. The characters are still cartoonish but pay attention to details like the reflection in the puddle as they’re running through a back alley. This is quality stuff.

The song during the closing credits rocked. And then I found out it was “Immortals” by Fall Out Boy and I thought oh, Fall Out Boy. But honestly, I still like it.

What We Didn’t Love

Before the film started, we see a still of all of the characters in the film. My husband leaned over and said, “can you tell me about those characters?” I knew what he meant. There was the tough girl with the heart of gold, the surfer dude, the kid who’s wise beyond his years, etc. The characters are a little cliched but they’re still certainly entertaining and not as annoying as I might have predicted before the film started.

Evan’s only complaint is that the scene from the teaser that we saw all summer long never actually appeared in the movie!

Overall Recommendation

GO SEE IT! I had heard there were sad parts but there was nothing that made me tear up. I stayed emotional neutral except for the happy parts, which I always like in a movie. Kids – go see it. Adults – go with them. Especially if you need a fun, action-packed, AND feelgood movie.