One word: Baymax. As the heart, soul, and spirit of the animated film Big Hero 6, this roly-poly, endearing robot may resemble a blown-up balloon with buttons eyes, but he never fails to display true heroism and companionship in this vibrant gem of a movie.

Set in a futuristic city called San Fransokyo, Big Hero 6 is based on a Marvel comic that focuses on two orphaned brothers: Hiro (Ryan Potter) and Tadashi (Daniel Henney). Hiro starts out as a cheeky but extremely intelligent teen who has chosen to spend his days testing out his creations in bot fights, while Tadashi acts as a father figure as he tries to design a robot that can help save lives.

Just as Tadashi’s convinced Hiro to attend his nerdy, state-of-the-art university, disaster strikes, Disney-style. Hiro thinks he’s alone, but his brother left behind a guardian to take care of him in his place: Baymax, a lovable, walking Obamacare system, who offers medical advice to everyone he meets. But the villains responsible for the disaster are still out there – and with a few upgrades, help from Tadashi’s friends, and a few flashy superhero suits, Baymax may be exactly what Hiro needs.

Hiro and Baymax go on the typical hero and sidekick’s journey, albeit with a substantial amount of humor and “aww” moments for the audience. Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams chose to place their confidence in the emotional appeal Hiro and his inflatable sidekick bring as they bond over secret handshakes and winged suits, rather than what could have been an action-filled plotline. The honest, genuine grief Hiro feels for his brother’s death throughout the movie is treated with respect and is acknowledged–an impressive achievement for a Disney film.

Although the plot wasn’t the most engaging part of the movie, Big Hero 6 is unmatched in its comedy and humanity. Joining the ranks of great Disney characters like Frozen’s Olaf and Aladdin’s Genie, Baymax is on his way to becoming a celebrity. Watching this movie was like “spooning a warm marshmallow,” in the words of Hiro’s friend, Fred; a must-see for animated movie lovers of all ages.

Rating: 4/5