tonytu-1 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.

CerebralInTheCity "Channels" is very affecting movie, a romantic comedy with a mix of some profoundly sincere thought.A character named "Black" (appropriate for his mood in the beginning) is a movie producer on the rise, who is having a hard time dealing with a movie that he is producing. The head of the studio feels that Black is messing up with his creative personnel. With all that is going on, the only place Black finds any solace, is when he goes home and routinely channels surfs, not really watching what is on the TV. He does, however, take note of a certain character, "Katherine", who appears on a specific TV series that comes on regularly. He is enchanted by her. Then one night, through an odd, unexplainable circumstance, the character appears in his apartment.They decide to figure out what is going on, but instead, eventually fall in love with each other. At a certain point, Katherine says that she simply doesn't care about making sense out of it all, and that they should just believe in their love and that is what matters, and that is what is "real." Black hesitates. And in that hesitation, he may have lost her. There is an interesting symbolism of a train passing by in his dreams. The train, representing time passing, fits in with his not taking advantage of the opportunity that appeared to him at a moment in time. The moment he hesitated. So, he tries very hard to get her backChannels stars Nat Christian, a completely honest actor, who is very interesting to watch. He imbues his characterization with a kind of poetic philosophical artistic stroke. Projecting a character's philosophy is an interesting place to go for an actor. And, in a restrained characterization, he makes it look simple ."Katherine" is played by Kim Oja, whose terrific talent matches her endearing nature. Oja seems very comfortable playing both comedy and drama, and she pulls it off.There are other marvelous actors, such as Ed Asner, John Kassir, Joan Van Ark and Taylor Negron. They were cast well, because each brings specific characterizations to this piece. The score by Rossano Galante is stirring and fits in with the poetic nature of "Channels."The writing and directing also had Nat Christian at the helm. He blends his thematic and cinematic vision with a commanding skill, allowing us to laugh at times, feel the romance, and still ponder the central question – With two lovers in a strange situation, if one believes strongly enough in the "love" could that make the situation real?

AtlantaRocks Contributions to works of art in the medium of motion pictures have always been collaborative. Yet, at the helm of a project, navigating all of the many talents is the director, who is attributed with having the vision to carry out and complete such a work. One often wonders if the completed work carries more of the writer's or the director's vision. Or in some cases the leading actor's.In a situation where the writer, director, actor and co-editor (and producer) are embodied in one person, there is little doubt that the vision belongs to that individual. In rarer situations, such an individual chooses to express his/her original "voice" against the seductive pull of playing it safe or trying to be more commercial.I discovered "Channels" to be such a rarity.The voice belongs to writer, director, actor, Nat Christian, who engrosses the viewer with the story of a man who arrives at a crossroads where he must choose between what his logic and his heart are telling him simultaneously. As the writer/director, Christian focuses on the emotional subtext and visuals, and he does so with great artistry. The talented director of photography, Michael Hardwick, helps carry out the vision with confidence. The romantic production design by Dolores Piazza expertly lends itself to the vision. Duane Condor creatively whips up Special Visual Effects, which are organic to the story. And, very moving, is the powerful score by Rossano Galante, a talent that I feel we'll be hearing about a lot. The acting talent is outstanding. Kim Oja as the female lead is bewitching, with a natural honesty. In the comedic portions, she has a willingness to play, reminiscent of one of the ballsy actresses (Carole Lombard?) during Hollywood's heyday.Nat Christian, in the lead role, is spontaneous and powerfully moving. A fascinating actor to watch, he acts with great economy, never hitting an untrue note. His acting choices are unconventional and seem to be derived from the core in the writing. John Kassir, a gifted performer, is wonderful to watch as a self-serving talent agent.Taylor Negron resists going for the easy laughs and is very touching.Joan Van Ark allows her vulnerability to seep through as a tough TV executive (and she looks great).Ed Asner, a true artist, convincingly walks the fine line of being a tough guy and humorous at the same time. Some of the supporting roles: Chloe Hunter is perfect as a an actress who plays small roles. Gil Glaskow is honest and appealing. Richard Partlow plays it convincingly tough and believable as a television network executive. Ellyn Lindsay and Herman Poppe are very funny as a late night comedy soap opera couple.I think of other movies such as Wings of Desire (Wim Wnders), The Conversation Francis Ford Coppola), Midnight Cowboy (John Schlesinger) and many others where the one strong common denominator is that an artist's voice is expressed. Channels allowed me an experience, which I thought of long after the movie was over.

Virginia-Ms 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!