I know this is out of character for the blog: reviewing something so new, but this show is so good must be enjoyed...NOW!
Gravity Falls is a new half-hour animated show from the Disney Channel. Beautifully drawn and cleverly written, it is easily my favorite show of this year.
The show follows the misadventures of Dipper and Mabel Pines while they spend the summer with their eccentric Grunkle (Great Uncle) Stan. Grunkle Stan owns the Mystery Shack, a touristy roadside attraction filled with various obscurities which often lead to supernatural shenanigans.
Unlike other shows like Adventure Time, which seems to revel in its being weird for the sake of weird, Gravity Falls has a more guided weirdness about its writing. Usually only one element of each episode has a tinge of paranormal all the while sprinkling the background with objects that refer to previous episodes. Almost like Arrested Development in that way.
Also what stands Gravity Falls out from other shows of its ilk is that each show is one story. Most cartoons are broken up into two 15 minute short stories. I'm not sure if it really needs to be that long but this format does allow for deeper exploration of minor characters and story. It is also pretty formulaic and each episode ends like Scooby-Doo with a villain swearing revenge on the two heroes.
If you are a fan of animation then all you have to see is the opening theme from the show.
The frame work is amazing. It has become really hard to watch an episode of Family Guy after seeing how good this is drawn.
If you can only catch one episode make it #4 'The Hand that Rocks the Mabel.' It has singing, adorable characters and an over-the-top story.
If I haven't sold you, I know that just did! Go DVR it now!
No comments:
Post a Comment