User Reviews

I saw the premier of this film last summer at the Billy Holiday Theater in Brooklyn. It is currently making the rounds at both national and international film festivals. It's the story of a nice kid from Brooklyn who turns into a murderous thug. Charlie shows no remorse in his path of destruction. His family and associates are sucked into a spiral of drug-related violence as money and power drive Charlie to the shocking final scenes of this film.

Shot on video with a cast of real New York people, don't expect to see a lot of fancy effects and pretty Hollywood faces here. Its just a great action movie with excellent martial arts sequences choreographed by Writer, Director and Actor Kenya Cagle. Cagle and is co-director Gail Rorant follow in the footsteps of John Cassavettes in a latter day "true cinema." Based on a true story, Goodnite Charlie is a compelling depiction of a youth gone bad in the modern urban environment.

The actors did a great job in emotional and realistic portrayals, with stand out performances by Nafeesha Pasha as Charlie's mother, and James Anthony Jackson as his uncle Leon. The dynamic between Charlie played by Ernest Dancy and his uncle Kenneth played by Kenya Cagle who lays everything on the line for him tells the tragic and classical story a youth who thinks he can conquer the world by breaking all the rules.

I played the Lawyer in this film and it was a truly enjoyable experience being part of it. Seeing the film brought to the big screen was the greatest pleasure since so many true indies either never even get finished or never make it to DVD. Bigtime Hollywood actor and producer Bill Duke was at the premier and expressed congratulations and thanks to all those involved. I truly hope to see a limited theatrical release or at the very least a DVD release. There is an audience for this film out there, and I am confident that it will find it eventually.

The remarkable casting of previously undiscovered talent by Anisha Gennario was both realistic and fresh. The sound track was notably original, featuring memorable Hip Hop tracks by Pop Gaskins including the title track "Goodnite Charlie" and some great R&B by Ayanna Gabriel who also sang live at the Premier. The script by Cagle was very authentic and a pleasure, but the third act was maybe a bit too long for its own good. The sound of the film was pretty good on the whole, with a couple of small scenes that could benefit from overdubbing to be heard. Another round of unbiased editing and some more post-production would make this film an indie 10! Oh, and don't forget that Lawyer!!

Independent Films has changed a bit over the last couple of years with films like Fahrenheit 9/11 and The Passion of the Christ. Both of these big-budget, well known directed movies with millions are calling themselves Independent? I don't understand how they're considered to be Independent. I think not. It is truly refreshing to find a well told story like Goodnite Charlie that is truly Independent without the glimpse and glam. It is a real story set in an environment that so many can relate to. The movie was shot in 7 days and edited in 7 days. The wonderful fresh talent that was discovered in this urban tale is phenomenal!!!! Kenya Cagle is a genius. His visions are right on the button. He started his company, CagleVision, Inc. back in 2001 with investments and encouragement from family and friends. I would definitely be on the lookout for this and upcoming CagleVision's projects. They are truly works that we Must See!!!!!!

This is my first time seeing a Independent movie and I must say it was EXCELLENT. The actors are unbelievable. Everyone can relate to this movie. It shows us the consequences for the decisions we make in life. The part that touch me was when Uncle Kenneth had to choose between helping his nephew or honoring his wife wishes. We all have to makes those choices in our lives.I can understand how a mother can love their child so much that they can not see when that child is doing wrong. My Aunt is going through that right now with her son. I strongly recommend this movie especially to young black men. Kenya Cagle, My hat is off to you for doing a magnificent job. I look forward to seeing more of your movies. Can't wait to see Undercover Brother.

A very honest and entertaining film. I especially appreciate the very crucial issue in the African American Community- Black men giving more honor and respect to their families rather to their new families which is their wives. Please see! It is a testament to Black Urban Culture! This movie showcases love, struggles, forgiveness, resentment, comedy, action, and suspense. It shows how big families can be your biggest asset and a huge obstacle to achieving your highest goals. It also, displays the effect of drugs in our community. It showcases emerging and very talented actors that deserve more opportunities to express their unique contributions. It is quite an amazing film!

I just saw and loved Kenya Cagle's other film too - The Undercover Man. My friend and I were talking and we have come to the conclusion that he is the next Steven Spielberg. Something about his films is different. If you are from an urban area, you can hear the language and the honesty in his films. No his films are not perfect but in perspective, his stories are dynamite. Stories mixed with good acting/directing makes for a perfect film in my mind.

That kid Charlie (Ernest Dancy) is a terrible little monster. It just amazes me how his mother (Nafeesha Pasha) protects him at every turn. No matter what he does, even when he kills someone, she refers to him as her baby and is always willing to testify that he is a "goodboy". I've seen this happen over and over. A mother's love blinds them from recognizing their child as the terror they really are. When the Uncle (Kenya Cagle) finally put up bail, I knew the deal. I had a family member like that too. Luckily for me, my answer was 'hell no'. When my family did get the money. The little smut left town just like Charlie did. That made me angry in the film. I wanted to go after that kid myself.

All in all. Very identifiable. The movie is great.

Goodnite Charlie Is One of the greatest independent films I have ever seen. The scene that touched me was when Kenneth, Leon , And Charlie were fighting. It had A lot of action. The timing seemed quite realistic.

The sad part that really go to me was when Mary (Kenneth's wife) said '' It's Over'' for their marriage. That was really sad and depressing, But otherwise the action and sadness it is really a touching, action, and a Little bit of romance. Kenya Cagle Is a really talented actor. But Uncle Leon (Anthony Jackson) is sooooo sexy!!! Other acting nods should go to Nafeesha pasha who played the sister. She had me laughing. She reminded me of a lot of mothers who just turn their heads when their child does something wrong.

All in all, it had a good mix of drama, action and comedy. It is certainly worth viewing.

this movie was a joy to watch. I was able to identify with every bit of the story. I would recommend everyone to watch this movie. There was a lot of love in this movie. The way family interacted with each other was wonderful. They understood each other even with all the problems that were going on. At one point you almost feel sorry for each of them as Charlie continue to lie and request their support. It appears that his uncle may be on to his lies but is in too deep to turn and walk away. Every part of this movie was interested. I really hope that this company continues to make more movies. I would support them. They seem to speak directly to the people. I would recommend everyone around the world to support their work.

Goodnite Charlie is a master piece. It speaks about a good boy turning bad and how his family went out on a limb to try to help him. It shows that family can be there for each other in times of need which is very important. When Charlie went to jail his mother did every that she could in her power to help him get out. She was in his corner regardless of anyone else did or how they felt. It is definitely a movie that everyone of all ages will enjoy. Once I watched this movie, I kept watching it non stop. It is just that type of movie. There is a combination of both action packed and heart felt scenes in this movie. Kenya Cagle has really out done himself on this one!

I must say i a haven't seen a movie this good in such a long time. This movie is filled with a little bit of everything i must have cried and laughed within the same breath. There are not many movies today filled with a good story line. Mr. Kenya Cagle is an excellent writer. the passion that was put into the writing and acting is unbelievable. This movie made me remember what it feels like to stand by your family when your family needs you. I highly recommend this movie to all families. goodnite charlie is truly a must see..... There should be more writers out there with the same passion that Mr. Kenya Cagle has. The martial arts was phenomenal i have never seen a movie based in Brooklyn where young teenager knew martial arts and was truly good at what he did. The music that was played in the movie was really really good. I recommend this movie

What is Hollywood waiting for? Their next great filmmaker is here! His name is Kenya Cagle. This movie is hot. It is raw. It is exciting. The characters speak to you as if they know you. Before long you find yourself rooting for that family and often bringing out feelings about your own family. Who doesn't know someone that's been arrested. Who doesn't know someone who needed help. Everybody knows somebody who knows somebody. And if you don't know somebody, meet the Jeffersons. A humble family. A real family. I related to the mom (Mildred Davis). She is just like my moms. She cared but seemed trapped in the cycle of her wayward kids. A lot of people I know would never make the decision that uncle Kenneth (Kenya Cagle) did but a lot of people I know would and some did. In one case the consequences ran in the line of this gritty, raw hip true story.

There are no great stunts here. It is a low budget film, that's obvious, but because of how it speaks to us. How it touches us (my girl cried at several points. She hasn't cried in years!), I could only give it a ten. I Loved this film! I look forward to Cagle's next film!