Baymax! fulfills his duties as a personal health care companion in this animated short series! He is a popular character that has spun out of the Big Hero 6 (2014) movie directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams. This in turn led to Big Hero 6: The Series (2017-2021) with most of the original cast returning to voice their characters. It originally started out in Marvel Comics, chronologically with the Sunfire and the Big Hero 6 limited series. The first issue was released on July 1, 1998 was by Scott Lobdell and Guz Vasquez. This was released before the team’s creators produced Alpha Flight #17 (October 14, 1998) by the creative team of Steve Seagle and Duncan Rouleau with assists by Gus Vazquez.
Seagle and Rouleau are part of the group, Man of Action Entertainment along with Joe Kelly and Joe Casey. Man of Action created the Ben 10 show and worked on other animated series. Don Hall is executive producer of Baymax! which debuted on Disney+ on June 29th! There are six episodes of the show and the first episode is directed by Dean Wellins. The first episode, “Cass”, is only 12 minutes long, but is packed with funny moments! It has the series intro with Baymax’s eyes, two dots and a line, showing scenes from the episodes and also Baymax’s distinctive red lollipop treat. He walks past a background scroll of the city of San Fransokyo. It is a perfect fusion city since the comics had Tokyo as a setting, but combines with San Francisco! Then, he steps into his red charging bay that he travels on and also deflates for portability.
The map of San Fransokyo comes up and then tracker moves to the location of the episode. We close in until we get the Lucky Cat Cafe, is a clever nod to the maneki-neko, the white good luck cat with the swinging paw, a setting of the film. It’s a quiet day in San Fransokyo with a line of pink cherry blossom trees. A line of customers patiently wait for the opening, it is seen by Cass (Maya Rudolph) and her chubby cat, Mochi. Cass opens the cafe and serves several customers. She refills cups before being asked while talking to customers about their novel and haircut, knowing all their names, and cleaning up all at the same time. Cass is the superhero of baristas. She carries a tray full of cups and plates while talking to Sayaka. Then, trips over a step stool!
Sayaka runs over to check on her and Cass is on the floor saying, “Ow! My ankle!”, then realizes what is going to happen! She tries to shush Sayaka, but can hear the whirring over head. Cass climbs up to the counter as some squishy, carbon fiber feet walk towards her! Sayaka is confused when Baymax (Scott Adsit) introduces himself. Adsit’s voice is endearingly calm and repetitive. He repeats her painful remark. Baymax scans her and immediately says, “Scan complete.” He holds Cass as she collapses when he gives his diagnosis, a sprained ankle. Baymax has Cass resting on the couch up stairs and gives her ankle a cyro spray from his finger. He recommends that she rest for several days. She worries about her customers and notices that Baymax is downloading data on running a small business!
He says that her worry over the cafe is causing her stress which won’t help her healing. Baymax walks down trying to reassure her. Cass installs a camera on Mochi’s head, a funny moment, and then we see the cat’s perspective, then he batters the camera. Cass resolves to check on the cafe on her own. Baymax slowly pumps caramel creme into a cup. The line of customers are not amused. Then, he tries to put on a lid that keeps popping. I’m rolling in laughter at this point. Cass just wants to serve her customers at any cost, Baymax is well meaning, but just takes his time. We have some dramatic moments with Cass’ promise. I really like in the credits, “Dedicated to all of our healthcare professional heroes.” There is also a fun end credit scene with Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter)! Baymax! works best as a healthcare companion, his purpose, more than a superhero, but there are laughs at other’s reactions and Baymax helping save the day!
Five Lollipops out of Five!
#Baymax, #BigHero6, #DonHall, #ManOfAction, #ScottAdsit, #MayaRudolph, #RyanPotter
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