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.

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.

AtlantaRocks Contributions to works of art in the medium of motion pictures have always been collaborative. Yet, at the helm of a project, navigating all of the many talents is the director, who is attributed with having the vision to carry out and complete such a work. One often wonders if the completed work carries more of the writer's or the director's vision. Or in some cases the leading actor's.In a situation where the writer, director, actor and co-editor (and producer) are embodied in one person, there is little doubt that the vision belongs to that individual. In rarer situations, such an individual chooses to express his/her original "voice" against the seductive pull of playing it safe or trying to be more commercial.I discovered "Channels" to be such a rarity.The voice belongs to writer, director, actor, Nat Christian, who engrosses the viewer with the story of a man who arrives at a crossroads where he must choose between what his logic and his heart are telling him simultaneously. As the writer/director, Christian focuses on the emotional subtext and visuals, and he does so with great artistry. The talented director of photography, Michael Hardwick, helps carry out the vision with confidence. The romantic production design by Dolores Piazza expertly lends itself to the vision. Duane Condor creatively whips up Special Visual Effects, which are organic to the story. And, very moving, is the powerful score by Rossano Galante, a talent that I feel we'll be hearing about a lot. The acting talent is outstanding. Kim Oja as the female lead is bewitching, with a natural honesty. In the comedic portions, she has a willingness to play, reminiscent of one of the ballsy actresses (Carole Lombard?) during Hollywood's heyday.Nat Christian, in the lead role, is spontaneous and powerfully moving. A fascinating actor to watch, he acts with great economy, never hitting an untrue note. His acting choices are unconventional and seem to be derived from the core in the writing. John Kassir, a gifted performer, is wonderful to watch as a self-serving talent agent.Taylor Negron resists going for the easy laughs and is very touching.Joan Van Ark allows her vulnerability to seep through as a tough TV executive (and she looks great).Ed Asner, a true artist, convincingly walks the fine line of being a tough guy and humorous at the same time. Some of the supporting roles: Chloe Hunter is perfect as a an actress who plays small roles. Gil Glaskow is honest and appealing. Richard Partlow plays it convincingly tough and believable as a television network executive. Ellyn Lindsay and Herman Poppe are very funny as a late night comedy soap opera couple.I think of other movies such as Wings of Desire (Wim Wnders), The Conversation Francis Ford Coppola), Midnight Cowboy (John Schlesinger) and many others where the one strong common denominator is that an artist's voice is expressed. Channels allowed me an experience, which I thought of long after the movie was over.

jrichx123 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.