Search - Channels [HD DVD] on HD DVD

An exceptional romantic comedy.

94113Loco | San Francisco, CA USA | 01/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Romantic comedies is a genre which I usually don't go out of my way to see. I like them really funny or really romantic. But generally, this genre is usually too light for me. A friend of mine saw this at a film festival and recommended it.

Well, "Channels" is a romantic comedy, but it is more, or it has a fuller plate. I really enjoyed the romance and the comedic aspects, but I was also very moved. It takes our lead characters to a crossroads where they must decide, logically or instinctually, on what to do.

The writer and director, Nat Christian, wonderfully delivers his vision about a man, who is about to move up in his career, yet is very bored about everything in his life. He does feel alive whenever he watches a character on a TV series. Through a strange event, she meets up wt him at his place. They try to figure it all out and, in the process, fall in love with each other. Then she decides that if she believes deeply enough in their situation, it is indeed "reality." His logic gets in his way. And this is where he approaches another crossroad.

The film stars Kim Oja as "Katherine." Oja, a gifted actress, wonderfully executes the task of playing dual characters. I wish we could see more of her on the big screen. Nat Christian also plays the lead character of "Black." He is a compelling, "organic" actor delivering a highly crafted nuanced performance. I felt like I was watching a regular guy from the street... an "every man." Together, Christian and Oja work very well on the screen.

A funny showbiz agent is wonderfully played by the talented, John Kassir (famous for his "voices"). Also excellent is Taylor Negron. Joan Van Ark brings much sympathy to her character as a TV executive who must stand tough. And Ed Asner is both strong and hilarious as another studio type executive. He is a national treasure.

The look is romantic. The production design by Dolores Piazza contributes to that. Beautiful images were captured by cinematographer Michael Hardwick and was helped along by Visual Effects artist, Duane Condor. A song written by Daryl Orenge (with lyrics by Christian) is very catchy. And the score by Rossano Galante is brilliant.

I found the DVD copy to be a little on the dark side, but I was told that the screening at the festival was not. Hopefully that will be fixed on the next printing.

I loved "Channels." It gave me a wonderful experience."

A love story that snuck up on me

EastCoastSummers | 01/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Channels is not your ordinary romantic comedy. It is sweet, funny and sad. And I felt for the characters a lot.

The excellent cast includes Nat Christian, Kim Oja, Ed Asner, Taylor Negron, Johnn Kassir and Joan Van Ark. All of the minor characters are played by talented actors.

Talented Kim Oja brings a Carol Lombardish quality to the screen.

Nat Christian instills his character with an arc that ranges from cynical to madly in love expressive, to deep sadness.

The chemistry between Oja and Christian is like some of the great old time movie star couples during the screwball era.

One of my favorite lines is when Christian's character tells her (he delivers it like a compliment) that, one day, she will make some very lucky man very unhappy.

John Kassir, always a good actor, brings a cynical agent to life in this movie.

Joan Van Ark is beautiful and quite believable as a tough but courteous producer.

Taylor Negron skillfully plays an idealistic, but very politic person. Ed Asner has a great monologue which he delivers beautifully.

The story telling is first class and doesn't rely on shock elements. The direction keeps it moving and seems to give all of the actors a lot of freedom.

The music by Rossano Galante could have well been made for a mega dollar studio film. Notably, there is a song written by Daryl Orenge and Nat Christian, that is quite catchy.

The DP's "look", the Production Design and VFX are all excellent.

Channels is one of those finds, which takes you by surprise and a subtle journey."