All those naysayers, (myself included), who thought that Disney was making a big mistake purchasing Marvel, thinking that the two entities would not be able to mix well should be able to relax now. Yes, the traditional Marvel movies bases on Ironman and others have done just fine, but Big Hero 6 is the first creation to be Disney-fied. In fact, the movie is so far removed from its original source, Disney barely even mentions the Marvel tie-in (although, like all Marvel movies, Stan Lee has a cameo in this one too). In theory, it shouldn’t have worked. But it does big time. In fact, expect Big Hero 6 merchandise to be sold out before Christmas.

One of the weirdest marketing promotions for the film is the phrase, “From the team behind Frozen.” Big Hero 6 isn’t remotely like Frozen. It isn’t a musical, isn’t centered on princesses and really is intended for a different audience. However, expect it to be just as big. Boys, girls and their parents will love this movie. The film will surprise viewers in other ways too. It takes more serious themes from comic books (death and revenge) and makes it kid-friendly. Really. It is both “cute and cuddly” and “big adventure.” Disney could really for far with this one. It could be the company’s version of Scooby-Doo.

Inspired by the Marvel comic of the same name, the hugely funny movie takes place in the mythical San Fransokyo (a blend of San Francisco and Tokyo) where a young teenage genius, Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter) would rather spend his time with illegal “bot-fighting” rather than putting his skills to better himself. However, it is his older brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) that shows him a whole new world of geekdom in the form of science and technology starting with his new invention called Baymax (Scott Adsit). Tadashi created Baymax at his college where Hiro meets his friends, Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and school mascot Fred (T.J. Miller).

Baymax starts out as an inflated, soft, medical care robot, but Hiro has bigger plans for the loveable invention. After a tragic situation, Hiro, with the help of his friends, transform themselves into superheroes to right a terrible wrong. The film surprisingly tackles the issue of revenge and how it can never make up for the loss that one feels. It also shows the power of friendship and working together as a team.

Christian parents should take comfort in that fact that despite the film’s dip in dark themes, it handles them extremely well in a way that children can both relate and understand without “talking down” to them. The “bad people” are motivated by bad things in their own lives. Like other Disney films before, it has a mix of happiness and sadness, but ultimately makes you feel good in the end. One of the most touching aspects of the film could be glossed over pretty quickly, but it deserves a mention. When a tragedy happens to Hiro, his friends come to support him numerous times stating that that is what friends do. Hiro is blessed to have such friends take notice of his pain and what to be there to help. In real life, even in the church, many hurting people go unnoticed. This is a great lesson for kids.

To add to the fun, Disney has paired this movie with its newest animated short, Feast,  which has no dialogue and is similar in tone to the studio’s other recent short, Paperman. It is told from a puppy’s point of view and his fascination with food.