Channels
Channels
| 01 January 2008 (USA)
Channels Trailers

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
Greenes

Please don't spend money on this.

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Protraph

Lack of good storyline.

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Allison Davies

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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Lachlan Coulson

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

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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?

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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.

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GoodFilmRapper

It's not often that I can feel an authentic expression. In art it is sometimes referred to as a "voice." Often times, I would rather hear a "voice" than see a formula well done.In CHANNELS, a filmmaker's voice is heard. He doesn't shout it, but sort of lays it out like prose. The filmmaker is Nat Christian, who wrote and directed this movie with a lot of passion and a keen vision. The central question in the movie is whether or not we can make our own "realities."Christian's actors are also keen and very talented. Kim Oja plays two roles with real confidence and a lot of skill. It was hard to do, but she pulls it off beautifully. In the lead role, Christian gives a fiercely truthful performance, with subtle nuanced layers piling on as his character grows from being almost motionless to being in love. An honest actor, I felt like he just walked off of the street as his character. Ed Asner plays a supporting role with a subtle humor. He is one of those actors who can play it very straight, while being funny. Taylor Negron comes of sympathetic. John Kassir brings his experience and talents and delivers some funny moments as a frustrated agent. The music is irresistible. The look and feel of the whole movie is seductively romantic. The movie hits with a one-two punch of thoughtful poignancy towards the end.

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rosen-brosen-bob

Yeah! A movie that not only entertains with chuckles here and there, but really moves you with some knockout punches. The main characters played by Nat Christian and Kim Oja have a marvelous chemistry. You WANT these two to be together. Christian has the magnetism and sex appeal of some of the old time male movie stars. Oja fits right in with the sweet yet sexy clan. Both are great actors. Christian never hits a false note and allows us to journey with him throughout the movie. As the director of the movie too, Christian selflessly gives a lot of screen time to all of his co-stars. Oja is able too show us a comedic style that hasn't been shown before. Joan Van Ark, still hot at her age, is able to project a vulnerability under her character's hard shell. Ed Asner has a great monologue which made me nearly fall over laughing. John Kassir and Taylor Negron are perfect matches for these actors and are always interesting to watch. It was great to see Amber Barretto on the screen, along with Chloe Hunter. Both are beauties who could grace any movie. Gil Glaskow is a standout in a supporting role.The director takes us on an emotional journey step by step with our main characters and mixes it up with some great imagery. The composer, Rossano Galante, delivers an emotional score. Wow!

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