In Corsicana, we meet escaped slave and the first black deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves. He was a marksman with rifle and pistol, spoke multiple languages, had a nearly photographic memory, and was responsible for over 3,000 arrests over his 32-year career. Moreover, he did all this without being able to read and never once being wounded, despite having his hat and belt shot off on two separate occasions. He was a bad@$$ among bad@$$es.

Corsicana

Isaiah Washington, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Preston Burke in Grey’s Anatomy, takes on the challenging role of bringing the enigmatic Bass Reeves to life in Corsicana, a film that also marks his directorial debut. Set against a backdrop of a Western wilderness, Corsicana delves into the fictional exploits of the historical figure Reeves, as he relentlessly pursues a dangerous gang of rapists and murderers, led by his fictional former partner, Jack Donner.

1 Vacation

2 Shop

3 Amazon

Washington, who also directs and co-writes the film, faces some challenges stemming from his limited experience in these roles. It is a shame because his performance as Reeves is truly captivating, paying homage to the incredible persona of the real-life Reeves. With additional short film projects and further training, Washington could have successfully executed this ambitious endeavor. While he displays commendable instincts, they are occasionally overshadowed by a lack of restraint and an inclination towards artistic expression, sometimes detracting from the storytelling. Consequently, there are instances of questionable camerawork, lingering slow-motion scenes that disrupt the flow, and an initial peak in pacing that is never recaptured.

Another significant drawback lies in the film’s dialogue, which, though not outright schlocky, comes across as amateurish, clichéd, and overly obvious. It often evokes memories of George Lucas’s strained attempts in the Star Wars prequels. Moreover, the script relies excessively on exposition when the power of silence could have had a more profound impact.

Furthermore, apart from Washington’s commendable performance, the rest of the cast struggles to meet the demands of their roles. While they may not reach the depths of the infamous Spider from Avatar, their lackluster performances offer little promise for future endeavors.

Collectively, these factors culminate in a disappointingly unsatisfying conclusion. Although the villains receive their due, the film fails to fully engage the audience, leaving them disconnected.

WOKE ELEMENTS

None