Channels

This kind of film is a wonderful mix of a contemporary love story and some old fashioned comedy. There is a real sincerity here which promotes a really nice feel all along the way.

At first I wondered if the kids of today would like it as much. And I though, yes. We may be at a time where people of all ages are getting more reflective about our time here.

The cast is superb. The lead guy,played by Nat Christian, underplays the character of Black just right. He brings out what he needs to with a subtlety that only true artists can do. Kim Oja, the female lead, is sweet and fun in the role of Katherine. As always, Ed Asner, the consummate actor is compelling to watch. Taylor Negron, John Kassir and Joan Van Arc balance out the cast with impressive skill and talent.

The direction and the writing (also by Nat Christian) walks a fine line between comedy, philosophy and drama and I feel that Mr. Christian executed the incredible task beautifully.

I was left thinking about the movie hours later and even after I went out and I came home. It just stayed on my mind. CHANNELS truly comes form an artist's point of view. An original voice. And I sure do feel we need more original voices.

I've been watching a lot of romantic comedies lately. Don't know why, but maybe because the advertising offers a refreshing change form all of the ultra-high special effects movies out there. Nothing negative about them I just wish that they put a little more into character relationships.

Which brings me to CHANNELS. Didn't really know what I was getting into. So, initially I thought "okay, another romantic comedy on the lighter side." I was kind of on track with the "lighter side." Then the story takes a turn and I was drawn into what was being said and the value of time in regard to the people we become intimate with.

This seemed like a very personal movie for writer, director and star, Nat Christian. And he delivers from his heart. As the main character, he gives a truthful performance, natural and he delivers his lines with great ease. Kim Oja as the female co-star makes for a great match with him. I cared about them. They don't play down to the audience.

John Kassir, Taylor Negeron, Ed Asner and Jan Van Ark round out a superb cast of high caliber actors who are in this movie.

CHANNELS is a romantic comedy that reaches higher and in a subtle and seductive way manages to do so.

Channels arrives with a somber mood, and a cynical attitude, but then does a fantastic job of creating a romantic atmosphere in which we can believe in.

Actor, Nat Christian, gives a powerful, truthful and passionate performance as Black, a man so emotionally not alive, that when he comes home after a very busy day at work (he's a producer on a film shoot), he needs to just sit back and channel surf. His cynicism is delivered straightforward and not for show. He then starts to loosen up when he meets Katherine, played by the adorable Kim Oja. Christian, a masterful actor, doesn't immediately do a complete turnaround, but he does more of a gradual awakening, wonderfully playing these different moods. There is a lot of kissing and romance between Christian and Oja and the two of them burn up the screen (And there is no nudity). I've seen Nat Christian on TV when he started out doing soaps, and he was always engaging to watch.

Kim Oja was a very pleasant surprise as a comedienne. Taylor Negron gives a vulnerable performance. John Kassir is perfect as a cynical talent agent. Ed Asner rules. Joan Van Ark is also great and should be doing more movies.

Christian equals his acting talents as the director of Channels. Storytelling is the operative word. Done with artistry and sureness, he takes us to another place and we are there.

The music by Rossanno Galante was enchanting. The cinematography by Michael Hardwick was alluring as well as the set design. There is a song written by Daryl Orenge and Nat Christian, that is quite catchy.

Wonderful!

CHANNELS makes you realize that the time to act is now. Before it is too late.

Within the context of a love story, we are made to laugh, to enjoy and to cry as we begin to realize how precious it is to seize the moment.

I read that the budget was something like 200,000.00. I can only imagine that, if the movie was made for 60 million, how it could have been a box office success and even an Oscar contender.

Writer-director-actor, Nat Christian's film works on so different levels - as a love story; as a philosophical introspective; and as a comedy. Most importantly as one person's true realization that time has passed. The cast works beautifully under Christian's direction. So does the music (Rossano Galante) and the camera work (Michael Hardwick).

As an actor, Christian is one of those very rare talents who is incredibly fascinating to watch, only using honest, subtle, nuances. Hopefully he'll act in more features. John Kassir as a selfish agent is very funny. Kim Oja is sincere and real, and beautiful. Taylor Negron is also very real both in the serious scenes as well as the comedic ones. Ed Asner and Joan Van Ark make special appearances and contribute great talents to the movie.

Is the film right for everyone? Probably not. But if you like romance and would like to think about things after the movie, CHANNELS may be right for you.

This is a supernatural romantic comedy, that a beautiful TV character comes out of the TV screen into a producer's life.

Initially the plot is a little slow, but it becomes sweet and romantic. Katherine is sweet and charming. Her constant saccharine smile melts the hearts of the viewers. She reminds me of Reese Witherspoon. The lead guy, Black Racklin, on the other hand, is rather disappointing. He is wooden and uninteresting. he is unable to convey emotions and feelings, especially of live and passion. Though he frequently kisses with Katherine, I still am not convinced by his passion for Katherine.

It's a very watchable film, and I am sure it would have been a blockbuster if it had top A List actors and actresses in the lead roles.