As a person that lives in North Texas and a huge Bass Reeves fan, I really wanted to like this film. I was truly disappointed. But first the good stuff. The villains were truly bad men and did not make excuses for their evil behavior. Isaiah Washongton was excellent as Bass Reeves. He looked the part and acted the part. The photography was beautiful. So why did I give it a mediocre rating? Two reasons. First the writing was high school level. Robert Johnson needs to stick to his day job. The second reason was writing. More specifically the use of geography in the writing. The action takes place around Corsicana, Texas. While hunting for the fugitives Bass and his posse chase them from Corsicana to Liberty to Val Verde to Eagle Pass, all the while, never leaving the North Texas area. Surely Robert Johnson, a native Texan that grew up less than half an hour from Corsicana knows that Liberty is 200 miles from Corsicana and Eagle Pass is nearly 400. There is no town called Val Verde but Val Verde County, again, is 400 miles away. Why would anybody write such blatant errors in a script when a simple search of Google Maps would help you out. They may as well used names like Pecos or Mule Shoe. Am I being petty? I don't think so. When your making a fictional film based on history is asking for accuracy too much. I will give credit for placing Bass in Paris, Texas at the beginning, because that was correct. After watching this and Hell on the Border (another Bass Reeves movie) I can only hope that the Taylor Sheridan series does a better job. Bass Reeves is a true American hero and icon, he deserves a better effort. As for all the 9 and 10 reviews, please send me some of what you were smoking when you watched Corsicana.
22 Reviews
Not what I expected...
silverton-3795917 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
...after reading the reviews. This isn't really an engrossing western. The production values are pretty good, but the writing keeps hitting snags. After the opening scenes which show some awfully violent crimes involving the murder of almost a whole family, and a weirdly shot scene of two men, one hiring a killer to kill the family and the other demanding more money because Bass reeves is supposed to be killed as well, the story bogs down and spins its wheels for a while.
There are flashbacks and some other jumping around by the writer, and then a former partner of Reeves is dragged into the story by Reeves finding the survivor of the family, a boy, who Reeves takes to his former partner because...? The former partner isn't a doctor, he's a preacher and also a fugitive.
The story becomes more muddled and leads to a diversion into the preacher's skill at throwing knives, which doesn't really fit into the story, but it then turns into an introduction to a former union sharpshooter who knows Bass from the Confederate army... and somehow, the sharpshooter wound up shooting for the Union.
The writing spoils this film. It just isn't good writing. There's a long, pointless chase of the killers, leading to a long, pointless gunfight in which it turns out that the sharpshooter can't really shoot all that well, but it's OK because nobody else can, either. OK, I won't beat on the writing any further.
Y'all can watch it yourselves and see how you like it. I'm going to check back from time to time to read the goofs section, which is bound to grow unless nobody else watches this film.
There are flashbacks and some other jumping around by the writer, and then a former partner of Reeves is dragged into the story by Reeves finding the survivor of the family, a boy, who Reeves takes to his former partner because...? The former partner isn't a doctor, he's a preacher and also a fugitive.
The story becomes more muddled and leads to a diversion into the preacher's skill at throwing knives, which doesn't really fit into the story, but it then turns into an introduction to a former union sharpshooter who knows Bass from the Confederate army... and somehow, the sharpshooter wound up shooting for the Union.
The writing spoils this film. It just isn't good writing. There's a long, pointless chase of the killers, leading to a long, pointless gunfight in which it turns out that the sharpshooter can't really shoot all that well, but it's OK because nobody else can, either. OK, I won't beat on the writing any further.
Y'all can watch it yourselves and see how you like it. I'm going to check back from time to time to read the goofs section, which is bound to grow unless nobody else watches this film.
Where do I start?......
morrisdentith8 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The basic storyline being based on a real person and real events was OK. It was in my opinion quite good for a low budget movie. But, the flaws were in the acting (some characters over acted whilst others under acted). I guess this is down to the director as much as the actors.
Some of the scenic photography was OK whilst the action scenes were somewhat thwarted and lacked fluidity. The end "shoot out" was apalling. Again no fluidity, no direction and rather scenes just did not work. As an example the "taking out" of the sharp shooter "California" was pathetic and unplaisible with a single shot from the protagonist taking him out whilst completely hidden whilst hundreds of simple shots with targets in plain sight failed to hit their mark. So whether it was director or editor to blame it just did not work.
Last of all the research was very flawed with one of the "baddies" pulling doemwn his zipper. Baring in mind that the zipper was only invented in 1893, and the movie was set in 1893 but the zipper did not go into production until 1913!
Result poor show on many fronts.
Some of the scenic photography was OK whilst the action scenes were somewhat thwarted and lacked fluidity. The end "shoot out" was apalling. Again no fluidity, no direction and rather scenes just did not work. As an example the "taking out" of the sharp shooter "California" was pathetic and unplaisible with a single shot from the protagonist taking him out whilst completely hidden whilst hundreds of simple shots with targets in plain sight failed to hit their mark. So whether it was director or editor to blame it just did not work.
Last of all the research was very flawed with one of the "baddies" pulling doemwn his zipper. Baring in mind that the zipper was only invented in 1893, and the movie was set in 1893 but the zipper did not go into production until 1913!
Result poor show on many fronts.
Not the Bass Reeves film I've been waiting for
rjduke-935-42773625 September 2023
I have really wondered for years why someone hasn't done a great movie about Mr. Bass Reeves. Oh, there have been some movies made, but they have all been disappointments thus far. Add this one to that heap. I got excited by the reviews I read here and thought perhaps it would be a hidden gem, but no. In fact I would've given this a 4 star review for their effort but I felt I really needed to off set the false positives here. I feel Mr. Washington and the movie would've benefited from a seasoned director or at least better storyboarding before they began shooting. Oh, well. Fingers crossed for the new series.
That was painful...
Obi-Doug8 May 2023
Cinema is subjective but I'm not entirely convinced I saw the same movie that all these 9/10-star reviews saw.
I really wanted to like this film but it was simply a disappointment. Painful pacing, amateur acting, laughable writing, and distracting continuity errors are among the failures that kept pulling me out of the movie and left me shaking my head at the production team from beginning to end. The lone highlight for me was the cinematography where there seemed to be an effort to spotlight the landscape of Corsicana and capture it's beauty, but even then it was overplayed and drawn out as if they knew that was all they had going for it.
Washington's directorial debut fell flat in my opinion and we are left with a hollow, even if well-intentioned, attempt at telling the worthy story of Bass Reeves.
I really wanted to like this film but it was simply a disappointment. Painful pacing, amateur acting, laughable writing, and distracting continuity errors are among the failures that kept pulling me out of the movie and left me shaking my head at the production team from beginning to end. The lone highlight for me was the cinematography where there seemed to be an effort to spotlight the landscape of Corsicana and capture it's beauty, but even then it was overplayed and drawn out as if they knew that was all they had going for it.
Washington's directorial debut fell flat in my opinion and we are left with a hollow, even if well-intentioned, attempt at telling the worthy story of Bass Reeves.
Excellent Historical Fiction
robertjessiejohnson1 September 2022
Finally a believable western that dares to stay away from the tropes of saloons and tumbleweeds. This film is beautiful on the big screen as Isaiah Washington brings a forgotten hero to life. It is refreshing to see a western detective story that concentrates on the journey and pays homage to the real life US Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. It's funny how the left hates conservative film makers. As the "Epoch Times" said, "First-time director Isaiah Washington's mesmerizing, mythical film is the best revisionist Western since Eastwood's "Unforgiven" from 1992. As of this writing, it is also my favorite movie of 2022." This is indeed a smart, "Thinking Mans" western. Well done and beautifully shot.
A bad attempt at honoring a Texan hero
fgparker-9285921 December 2023
This show lacked the quality in writing, acting, and historical accuracy. It was nothing but a sorry attempt at right winged propaganda for actors who
rightfully been off screen for years. Save some time and watch the actual Bass Reeves mini series instead of this sorry attempt. Isiah Washington, man I've been watching him since the early 2000's and I was rooting for a redemption but he truly has gone off the deep end with this. I'm a generational Texan who was looking forward to some true Texan heroics and was severely let down. To take such an iconic story line and butcher it so badly takes a lot of skill, not good skill but just skill in the worst
of ways.
Soulless
CJWar14 October 2023
I can only assume the reviews giving this 9 and 10 are paid for, or know the cast/crew. I realise it's a subjective matter, but I don't know how anyone could give this film more than a 5.
As it stands, it's the first western I haven't been able to finish. The writing is awful, the direction is all over the place and the music feels like it was added by someone who hasn't watched movies since the 80s and 90s. It's soulless.
The only thing that saves it from getting a 1 from me is opening 20 minutes, which made me think I was going to be watching a darkly engaging, if basic, western. It was a strong opening. I'm really not sure what went wrong. Perhaps the team thought they were making a statement piece, when they should have been concentrating on the entertaining the viewer.
I'll keep waiting patiently for a film that does justice to Bass Reeves.
As it stands, it's the first western I haven't been able to finish. The writing is awful, the direction is all over the place and the music feels like it was added by someone who hasn't watched movies since the 80s and 90s. It's soulless.
The only thing that saves it from getting a 1 from me is opening 20 minutes, which made me think I was going to be watching a darkly engaging, if basic, western. It was a strong opening. I'm really not sure what went wrong. Perhaps the team thought they were making a statement piece, when they should have been concentrating on the entertaining the viewer.
I'll keep waiting patiently for a film that does justice to Bass Reeves.
Greatest American lawman gets a weak movie
Gagarr29 October 2023
I looked forward to seeing the story of Bass Reeves told, but not in such a lame way. Washington did a good job as Bass, but should have stayed in front of the camera. His directorial choices made it tedious and nonsensical, except creating truly heinous villains.
I admire the lack of dialogue as that was realistic, but when they did speak the words were stunted and flaccid. I can only hope that someone will actually do Bass Reeves justice by assembling a good team of writers and a quality director.
This movies actors were OK for the budget, the scenery and set were excellent, and wardrobe was well done.
I admire the lack of dialogue as that was realistic, but when they did speak the words were stunted and flaccid. I can only hope that someone will actually do Bass Reeves justice by assembling a good team of writers and a quality director.
This movies actors were OK for the budget, the scenery and set were excellent, and wardrobe was well done.
A solid independent action Western
dfbailey29 January 2023
Has a bit of a shocking to the senses beginning, but a really good storyline. It's all about the hunt with some interesting characters. Great job Robert Johnson in the wedding. Includes the historical character Marshal Bass Reeves. I was glad to see the end wrapped you the characters nicely, at least the ones the survived. Isaiah Washington did an excellent job as Deputy U. S. Marshal Bass Reeves, including capturing his appearance.
A good all-around independent movie with quality cinematography, music, locations, and character development. Great to see a movie shot in Texas with local support.
Certainly worth your time, but definitely an R rating so not good for the little ones.
A good all-around independent movie with quality cinematography, music, locations, and character development. Great to see a movie shot in Texas with local support.
Certainly worth your time, but definitely an R rating so not good for the little ones.
Excellent film talking about forgotten American History
mikeandsabrina7 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Just finished watching the movie and it gives you a brief but interesting history of old Texas. Isaiah Washington's portrayal of U. S. Marshall Bass Reeves was a good class on "method acting". I can understand now who they choose him as the motif for "The Lone Ranger". His emotions without speaking made the film.
The character of Sam Tanner was someone I never heard of but have an extra layer to Bass' character. I liked the touch of going back to Bass' days as a slave as well. It helps understand his persistent nature and will to never die. The antagonists hooked me in and had me wanting to see their eventual demise all movie long, which is always a positive (credit to the actors).
Mr. Washington has a great film here and one that all Black Americans should watch. Thank you.
The character of Sam Tanner was someone I never heard of but have an extra layer to Bass' character. I liked the touch of going back to Bass' days as a slave as well. It helps understand his persistent nature and will to never die. The antagonists hooked me in and had me wanting to see their eventual demise all movie long, which is always a positive (credit to the actors).
Mr. Washington has a great film here and one that all Black Americans should watch. Thank you.
Solid Western Movie
conjohns21 February 2023
The gratuitous brutality at the start of the movie makes it something that we cannot let children watch. However, if the introductory storyline had been depicted with more innuendo, it is a good movie to share with all family members. The story line was relevant. The satisfaction of retribution was fulfilling. The acting was plausible and generally appropriate in emotional depiction. The scenery was quite astute and beautiful. Jason Johnson's knife throwing ability was phenomenal. It is good to see a movie where actual ability outranks the obviousness of a gun. This movie depicts a "fight" versus "flight" outcome that is a fundamental tenet of how men and women protect civilization.
Corsicana film directed by Isaiah Washington
ythomas-0309514 February 2023
"Corsicana" A magnificent film inspired by the real life of Federal US Marshall Bass Reeves during 1875 - 1907.
Thank you Isaiah Washington! Finally seeing a quality film of a great lawman in a full feature film is a true pleasure! The writing, directing, acting and pacing of the scenes are perfect. We need the series now of Bass in his younger years and the growth.
As a kid I watched all these over the top white cowboys pictures with my grandfather. We always wanted to see the Black cowboys represented on the screen too and not relegated to stereotypes. My hometowns in Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland were full of Black cowboys. We knew the real life stories of the famous Black cowboys Bass Reeves, Bill Pickett...and the fact that Black cowboys made up 1/3 of West in North America.
Thank you Isaiah Washington! Finally seeing a quality film of a great lawman in a full feature film is a true pleasure! The writing, directing, acting and pacing of the scenes are perfect. We need the series now of Bass in his younger years and the growth.
As a kid I watched all these over the top white cowboys pictures with my grandfather. We always wanted to see the Black cowboys represented on the screen too and not relegated to stereotypes. My hometowns in Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland were full of Black cowboys. We knew the real life stories of the famous Black cowboys Bass Reeves, Bill Pickett...and the fact that Black cowboys made up 1/3 of West in North America.
Very well done!
iammillymixon6 May 2023
This is a great story about a true American who fought against all odds and became a legend of a man. It's well acted and well directed. You won't find any of the usual western tropes or unnecessary fillers in this film. It's all action packed with enough suspense to keep you in your seat and enough drama to keep you entertained. The film pays homage to Marshall Bass Reeves who was indeed the real life basis for the "Lone Ranger" we all know and love. With Isaiah Washington directing and playing the lead role, and with Stacey Dash as his co-star, it is one powerhouse of a show that will not disappoint. I have to give this 2 thumbs up and highly recommend!
An outstanding movie!
christophercorey-316445 March 2023
Have to say, this movie was over, above, and beyond, all expectations...Isaiah Washington was epic in this and the directing was on point. I dont think anyone else can bring Bass Reaves to screen and tell the stories of this famous law man, any better than Isaiah. The supporting cast is well placed and the tense moments in the movie, and simple use of wider camera angles and the raw beauty of the untamed west, make this an instant classic. I cant wait for this to be on DVD to add to my western movie collection! If you havent heard, go to his Twitter page and find the gofundme for him to independently create a second helping of the tales of Bass Reaves!
Gritty western
Prachar-Lara26 April 2023
I was unfamiliar with Bass Reeves prior to this, but I truly hope Isaiah Washington makes more movies about this incredible lawman. The movie was intense, and sometimes was even horrifying. It definitely does not offer a glamorized view of life in the Wild West. It was very suspenseful and had some truly evil characters. Beautiful scenery throughout and the cinematographer did a wonderful job. Makes me miss my home state of Texas. Well done to the cast and crew. I hope Mr Washington will direct more movies. He certainly has a knack for it. And his portrayal of Bass Reeves was authentic and thoughtful.
Excellent Movie
airforcemom-124-95587914 March 2023
This was an amazing movie and was brilliantly done. Congratulations to Isaiah Washington on this wonderful crowning achievement. It was authentic, riveting, intense, thoughtful and at times a real nail biter. Corsicana was extremely well written, performed and directed as a traditional American western, very true to the genre. Bass Reeves was truly an important part of the post civil war American West, and was a very dedicated lawman and his story needed to be told. Corsicana is the latest edition to my movie collection on Vudu. I highly recommend this movie. It's a great story that needed to be told.
Infuriatingly accurate
exec_psd26 March 2023
It shows the filth that roamed the west. I hope that anyone watching this can feel that this stuff still goes on today. We need more Bass Reeves to deal with crimes like the ones portrayed. If you're looking for flashy, shoot-from-the-hip, westerns then this aint your movie. It is accurate and enlightening. The best part, it's accurate. There couldn't have been a more deserving depiction than to have someone like Isaiah Washington playing the role of Bass Reeves. Convictions can't be replicated or cast as a role. If you know Bass and know Isaiah, there's no imagination needed to connect them to the same person. Bravo, Isaiah.
Intense and heartfelt
StephanieEve13 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is about courage, morals, justice, integrity, loyalty, greed, mixed with a little faith ( Stacey Dash). Very intense and fantastic actors that made me feel outrageous feelings. I've never seen Isaiah Washington play a character like this before. He was phenomenal! The whole storyline was very interesting for a Western. They need to make it into a series or a part two. There is still so much more that I'm sure happened to these characters lives (especially with now owning oil fields) all these actors were beyond outstanding. The actors characters who were part of the gang were unique crazies and I really enjoyed the film!!!!!
Pleasantly Surprised.
nrzvsdypx5 March 2023
I paid to watch this on Amazon, and was happy to do so. I've admired Mr Washington's acting over the years and took a chance on this. I was rewarded by doing so.
This was a gritty, dirty, and a realistic feeling Western. The history of Bass Reeves is a story trove waiting to be exposed, and Mr Washington did a fine job doing so.
We have been conditioned to believe Westerns to be a slick affair. This movie reflected the grime of living back then. It's a much needed realistic move reflecting the times.
My only regret is that Mr Washington didn't start out earlier in Bass Reeve's life. The potential for sequels is ripe with this subject.
I encourage anyone to watch it. It's worth it.
This was a gritty, dirty, and a realistic feeling Western. The history of Bass Reeves is a story trove waiting to be exposed, and Mr Washington did a fine job doing so.
We have been conditioned to believe Westerns to be a slick affair. This movie reflected the grime of living back then. It's a much needed realistic move reflecting the times.
My only regret is that Mr Washington didn't start out earlier in Bass Reeve's life. The potential for sequels is ripe with this subject.
I encourage anyone to watch it. It's worth it.
Just a good movie with no preaching, great content
brandyelizabeth-066564 March 2023
My husband and I don't usually watch Westerns together because I am not usually a big fan, save Cormac McCarthy. I was playing on steam as he decided to watch this and I kept overhearing it, so thirty minutes later, I ask him to start over and we watched it together. I was captivated. The plot line was great, American history was involved, there were no uncomfortable moments where I had to fast forward through an obvious moral being pushed. It was just a good old (new?) Fashioned film with good writing, good casting, good pace, and surprisingly captivating as a Western for me. We bought it. GJ.
Different But Enjoyable
mmdaytontexas25 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
For a low budget movie, I thought it was well done and well acted. I approve of the cinematography. They didn't show the sex scenes or the gore, but you knew it was happening by the way they showed it. All writers, directors, and cinematography need to learn this lesson. That stuff doesn't help a movie, it just dirties it up. The bad guys were really bad and they did a good job of showing that. I also enjoyed the on location scenes in Texas. The scenes of the family that was murdered in Liberty, Texas, looked just like the land around Liberty. I live 10 miles from Liberty. I thought Isaiah did a good job of portraying Marshall Bass Reeves. So, unless you are expecting a Clint Eastwood level production and acting, I think you might enjoy the movie. Nonsensical expectations can ruin a movie for most people.
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