Carstea’s Cartoon Corner: Stop by a little town in Oregon

By: Bella Carstea

Image credits: https://images.app.goo.gl/32kikU2oSFJXCafg6

Gravity Falls’ loveable and unique characters, paired with its light hearted plot laced with mysteries viewers can solve for themselves, make this show a must watch for any lover of fantasy, puzzles, cryptids and a loveable story of a family’s bond withstanding any interdimensional evils! 

​Gravity Falls follows Mabel and Dipper, a pair of twins, sent away for the summer to the small, strange town of Gravity Falls, Oregon to live with their Grunkle (Great Uncle) Stan. While working at their Grunkle’s tourist trap gift shop, Dipper finds a mysterious journal in the woods filled with detailed research of the oddities of the town. With his sister by his side, the self proclaimed Mystery Twins set out to uncover each and every secret of the town which may have them end up closer to home than expected. 

Jason Ritter expertly voices the anxious and ever curious Dipper Pines. Kristen Shall portrays the boy crazy, sugar high Mabel Pines. And Alex Hirsh, the show's creator voices gruff Grunkle Stan, the often confused but goodhearted handy man Soos, among many other strange and varying characters, including the all knowing all powerful villain, Bill Cipher.

The animation style is incredibly clean while still capturing the childlike wonder one should feel when taking a glimpse into this odd town. Although there is a lot of action and some violence, there is no gore or excessive blood. Hirsh also found ways to incorporate out-of-the-box animation styles into his cartoon through an episode heavily featuring (and poking fun at) claymation.

He also brings in interesting art through the incredible villain of the story, Bill, constantly shifting form and bringing in loads of “weirdness” to the quaint town. Along with the visuals, the background music is so unique to Gravity Falls - whether it's elevating the dred of a long, hot, empty summer day or invoking the feeling of just falling short after working so hard to accomplish your goal. These scene change melodies and background songs pair perfectly with the occasional musical numbers usually popping up with Mabel’s shenanigans. The delightful whimsical theme song also charms the viewer while simultaneously keeping them on edge with the eye catching strange visuals sneaking in frame by frame.

​Although it’s a cartoon for children I would recommend it to kids, teens and adults alike. This coming of age mystery is a must see for any cartoon addict! If you’d like to catch a glimpse of Gravity Falls it can be found on Disney Plus. 

Animation:★★★★★
Comedy:★★★★☆
Story:★★★★★
Overall:★★★★★