Channels

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!

A movie like this is rare and wonderful. This sweet whimsical movie that is entertainment the way I like it. it makes you, forgive my cliché, laugh, cry and think. I thought about how little actual time we have here to enjoy what is "real" to us. And not to let little things get in our way.

The acting was real. Nat Christian, as the main character, never hits a false note. This actor couldn't lie if he had to. Kim Oja graces the movie with her charm. John Kassir, a terrific actor, is very funny as an agent. It was a joy to see Taylor Negron not camp it up and still be funny, but in a real way. Ed Asner plays it gruff with a skillful mix of comedy and drama. A scene with Joan Van Arc and Nat Christian is very moving. Both are consummate actors.

The direction is crisp with a sure hand by writer-director, Christian. The score by Rossano Galante is extremely moving. I recommend it to anyone of all ages.

I just started writing comments on movies. I watched three recently. Two I loved. One I didn't. I'll get around to writing about the movie I didn't like. But the two I loved were "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Channels."

"Channels" is a very special piece of work. it is funny, romantic and beautifully quite profound. Questions were posed that I suppose I've had passing thoughts about, but "Channels" brought them to the surface for me by pulling me in to the story.

It was directed and written by Nat Christian, who did quite an artistic job of putting all of these moments together. His vision imbued the movie with a poetry, or maybe a lyrical quality that was quite appealing.

The cinematography by Michael Hardwick very much helped capture this vision as did the nice production design by Dolores Piazza. Duane Condor gave the movie some haunting Visual Effects. The musical score by Rossano Galante is quite marvelous. And there is a cool song written by Daryl Orenge, with Christian providing the lyrics.

The actors all were wonderful. Ed Asner is fantastic in a cameo appearance and is funny at times. John Kassir, famous for his character roles and "voices", gives his very fine talents as a manager. Taylor Negron, who normally plays goofy characters, does a really nice job and comes off quite sincere in this. Joan Van Ark is also sincere and appealing while keeping her character tough.

The lead character is played by wonderfully talented Kim Oja. She's really fun to watch and, in the moments when she loosens up, she sort of reminds of an old movie actress, Carole Lombard.

Christian plays the lead character with a powerfully nuanced performance. In his subtle looks and gestures, we know what is going on with him. I would like to see more of this compelling actor.

And I would like to see more movies like "Channels", and that's what the energy out there feels like.

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.

CHANNELS feels like the best of the old-fashioned films. But is was made recently and it is wonderfully crafted and sophisticated. A passionate, charming, witty, romantic story about a love transcending space and time. In the finely written screenplay by writer/director Nat Christian, the lead character, "Black", also played by Christian, is a busy producer on the rise. But he really doesn't have a spark in his life. He meets "Katherine", played by the beautiful Kim Oja, and together their chemistry keeps you glued to the screen.

Christian, a mesmerizing talent, gives the character of Black charm and cynicism, and is deliciously romantic when he meets Oja. He is fun and tragic at the same time. One immediately connects with his character.

Oja, displays great skill in playing comedy, coupled with moving scenes of reflective sadness. The two of them captivate the screen.

The whole cast - John Kassir, Taylor Negron, Joan Van Ark and the wonderful Edward Asner - plays every role with precision.

The beautiful photography by Michael Hardwick never gets in the way of the characters. Visual FX sequences by Duane Condor add mood. Rossanno Galante's score is sweeping.

I was quite moved. Lots to think about in this unusual love story. Maybe even a little bit of quantum physics!