Oregon Movies, A to Z

When Peter Ames Carlin wrote about Avatar at the Roseway Theater for the Sunday Oregonian, he cited Bobby “Fatboy” Roberts‘ high opinion of the popcorn. He identifies Roberts as a “film critic”, a convenient  shorthand for “film critic whose online reviews are read by hundreds of thousands around the world.” He identifies himself as a television critic,  eliminating the “and author of full length biographies of leading 20th century pop stars” part. This is the kind of talent we have reviewing movie popcorn in Portland. One reason people like living here.

This principle of willed innocence, when it comes to Portland’s awesome factor, applies to Avatar itself.

When Will Vinton opened his studio here in the 70’s, animation was largely for children. His success pushed animation/special effects out of that ghetto forever. Would James Cameron have been able to make Avatar without Vinton’s game changing contribution? Would he have had the tools to deploy?

These are the questions which keep the Oregon Cartoon Institute up at night.

Photo credit: flickr