Overrated and overhyped

Best movie ever!

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

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.

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.

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!

This kind of film is a wonderful mix of a contemporary love story and some old fashioned comedy. There is a real sincerity here which promotes a really nice feel all along the way.At first I wondered if the kids of today would like it as much. And I though, yes. We may be at a time where people of all ages are getting more reflective about our time here.The cast is superb. The lead guy,played by Nat Christian, underplays the character of Black just right. He brings out what he needs to with a subtlety that only true artists can do. Kim Oja, the female lead, is sweet and fun in the role of Katherine. As always, Ed Asner, the consummate actor is compelling to watch. Taylor Negron, John Kassir and Joan Van Arc balance out the cast with impressive skill and talent.The direction and the writing (also by Nat Christian) walks a fine line between comedy, philosophy and drama and I feel that Mr. Christian executed the incredible task beautifully.I was left thinking about the movie hours later and even after I went out and I came home. It just stayed on my mind. CHANNELS truly comes form an artist's point of view. An original voice. And I sure do feel we need more original voices.