Channels
Channels
| 01 January 2008 (USA)
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A writer/producer is about to make a big career jump and has a lot of activity going on in his life. But, emotionally, he's dead. Through a fantastical event, he meets someone. They fall in love. She wants to defy logic and hop on the passing train of time with him. He lets his mind rationalize and hesitates. She is gone and he finds himself in a desperate race to get her back. Will the magic that brought them together be strong enough to reunite them, or is it too long?

Reviews
Dotbankey A lot of fun.
Kodie Bird True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.
Wyatt There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
CelluloidTape Channels gives us an artist's point of view about what constitutes "reality." Covered in the frilly dressing of a romantic comedy. It really provokes some thought. The director and writer, Nat Christian cleverly seduces us into having fun and rooting for our two main characters. Then we suddenly realize that something serious, something big is happening.Christian demonstrates a confidence in carrying out his vision. This is his piece of work and he paints it the way he wants it to flow. It works very effectively. He also utilizes an alluring romantic look, helped by cinematographer Michael Hardwick, production designer Dolores Piazza and visual effects person Duane Condor.The actors give us impeccable performances. Ed Asner is always good, but here we also see several sides to him (and he has an outstanding monologue). Taylor Negron comes across sincere and is still funny at times. John Kassir is funny as a cynical character. Joan Van Ark looks hot and brings much strength to her role. The two leads are played by Christian and actress Kim Oja. Christian is a "natural" actor. Very real as though we were getting telescopic glimpses of this guy on the street. His honesty is appealing as well as compelling. Oja too is very interesting to watch. She has a lot of vulnerability under her beautiful facade. Both create a defining romantic chemistry.Special note should be given to Daryl Orenge who wrote a catchy tune with Christian and Cynthia Hasson. And to actors Christopher Shiffrin (in a very funny silent bit), Amber Barretto, Chloe Hunter and Gil Glasgow.It's a different kind of story. Not formula. But this formula worked real well for me.
LindaKirshnerNY CHANNELS affirms that love is a force to which the laws of space and time do not apply. The screenplay brings our characters together and holds on to them, while subtly exploring what is "real", or what makes something real, or rather how we define what is "real."Nat Christian performs the triple task of writing, directing and acting with great virtuosity. As an actor, he is compelling to watch, always honest. Kim Oja shows a feisty side along with a sweetness that would melt anyone's heart. In a cameo appearance, Joan Van Ark sobers you up with her fine acting ability. The multi-talented Ed Asner can only be real. The scenes with him and Christian are funny and tense. Rounding out the main cast, Taylor Negron and John Kassir are consummate actors.Director, Christian, handles his actors masterfully, giving them a healthy amount of screen time. They all deliver real performances. As a storyteller, Christian captivates us from point A to point Z. Not just going there, but taking us there. The production design was utterly romantic. The score by Rossanno Gallante was moving.I'll probably watch this movie once a year (maybe once every two years).
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!
Gordon-11 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.