Search - Channels on DVD

This is what I look for in an "independent" movie!

CityLights291 | 03/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I think of an independent movie, the operative word for me is "independent."

The movie, CHANNELS, is just that. And it is imaginatively very good. Watching a movie with an original voice, while observing some very fine actors such as our leads, Nat Christian and Kim Oja, along with Ed Asner, Taylor Negron, John Kassir and Joan Van Ark, is truly a joy.

Christian and Oja are a great pair. He is so compellingly real and natural, that you think the camera just peeked in on him. She is engaging as well with a delightfully reserved charm.

Christian is also the writer and director of CHANNELS. He brews poignant thoughts and some laughs, beautifully and skillfully wrapped to open for an enjoyable watch.

The romantic look of the movie is helped by cinematography (Michael Hardwick). production design (Dolores Piazza) and visual effects (Duane Condor).

There are several very funny scenes in the movie.
I hope to see more from Christian."

A beautiful intelligent romantic comedy

FilmCynic | NYC, NY | 12/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love triple threat movies. Meaning written, directed by and acted in movies. I do because I can see witness an artist's voice. That is why I prefer to watch independent films. I can at least hear a voice. A "voice" is what I am looking for in a painting, a song or a movie, even if I'm not crazy about the subject matter.

CHANNELS feels like the best of the old-fashioned films. Which means, when made today it is wonderfully crafted and sophisticated. A passionate, charming, witty, romantic story about a love transcending space and time.

In the imaginatively 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 hi life. He meets "Katherine", played by the beautiful Kim Oja, and together their chemistry keeps you glued to the screen.

Christian, with great skill, 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. You immediately connect with his character.

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

The whole cast plays every role with precision.

Ed Asner is always wonderful. And here is tough as well as funny. He also has one wonderful monologue.

Joan Van Ark is looking better as she ages. Beautiful and smart. She comes of sympathetic as a smart but vulnerable TV executive.

Taylor Negron is refreshingly sincere.

John Kassir delivers a memorable performance as a cocky (and funny) talent agent.

The beautiful photography by Michael Hardwick never gets in the way of the characters.

Rossanno Galante's score is sweeping.

This movie's budget is listed as being at around 200 thousand dollars. Christian and the crew got a big bang for their money

Lots to think about in this unusual love story. Maybe even a little bit of quantum physics!"

A terrific love story

Film Speed 000 | Chicago | 01/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Loved the feel of this movie. Romantic, yet very thoughtful. I thought about it a lot after seeing it.

All of the actors did a very fine job. This is an intelligent movie. Not your typical genre type. I kind of wished the ending would be different, but I respect the writer/director's vision.

Actors, Nat Christian, Kim Oja, Ed Asner, John Kassir, Taylor Negron, Joan Van Ark give it their all. They are real and truthful in a comedy, which is what makes the comedy work.

The direction is superb, slowly involving us in a man's state of being, then having us get caught up in the romance, and then his decision on what to do next. The music, look and FX were great too.

If you're looking for something unique, then this may be for you.

I hope that, in today's climate, more films like this are made."

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."