Bass Reeves

As opposed to the whiny, spoiled brats who want only Transformers, GI Joe, and HUGE budget films devoid of heart and message other than "OH, LOOK at the BIG explosions and big boobs", I can see the true beauty and merit in this production. It is a low budget film, but the story is important, the actors are sincere, and we can see a vision of a man fighting for what he believes is right. The fact that this man is black is unimportant to the message, but important to the genre. When has anyone other than Mel Brooks shown a Western with a main character who is black? A man who ACTUALLY tore his shackles and went on to greatness...a man surging forward against prejudice, hatred, and bigotry in a time when his skin color relegated him to life as a second class citizen. Ponderous' film may lack a huge budget, but it does not lack in honesty, heart, and the ability to tell a story that has been FAR TOO LONG relegated to the same second class status as it's main character. This was a story that needed to be told, and apparently Ponderous was the only one with the courage to tell it. Bravo...and please tell us more.

Ponderous Productions did an excellent job exploring a part of American history which unfortunately has been glossed over. The movie isn't so much a history lesson as it is an introspective into an individuals' personal narrative. It was a story that I was unfamiliar with and am grateful to get the insight into such an influential and interesting individual.

This movie isn't about the technical aspects or about throwing money at a subject to do it 'justice'. This movie is about telling the story of a true American hero. This movie is about finding a diamond uncut, and slicing away the excess to tell a tight story.

Yes, I gave it a ten. I gave it a ten for heart. I gave it a ten because Ponderous Productions is one of the most thoughtful, courteous indie film production companies I've worked for. I gave it a ten because the story is good. I gave it a ten because I've watched so many SyFy channel films on Saturday that I can honestly say Bass Reeves outshines a lot of them. The story is factual and Brett did a lot of research before setting ink to paper.

Indie films these days can have enormous budgets and name actors and still be flops. Bass Reeves is not a flop. Keep in mind the extremely low budget, overlook the costumes and focus on the story and you'll enjoy Bass Reeves.

Reviews that cast stones in anonymity can usually be discounted for whatever personal bias they have with the production company.

Personally I think it was a pretty good movie for the extreme low budget it was made on. I think Craig and House did a fantastic job acting the roles. It was entertaining and even more so being based on an actually historical character. I think the natural lighting from the fire and sunsets where quite nice and didn't over do it so the viewer wasn't sitting there wondering how this person is perfectly lit at night time by a fire.

Now of course true independent film cannot be compared to Hollywood $300 million dollar budget films. So to be fair you compare with similarly budgeted films of its class. Which is what I do with all independent films.....judge based on its merit.

It pulled off a good entertaining film, with a few areas that need improving, but over all a great film experience.

Most reviews I ignore all together because they are usually based on a persons likes and dislikes which may be no where near my taste. Just read the synopsis and if it sounds interesting try it out. If you don't like it move on ....if you do.. well its always nice to find gems among the back alleys of the film industry.

James A. House's portrayal of the legendary lawman, Bass Reeves was truly outstanding. His look, demeanor and presence made me feel like I was watching the real Bass. This is a true credit to the casting director of this film. Additionally, the role of Bob Dozier played by the talented Craig Rainey was inspirational and indeed the work of a true professional. One of my favorite performances in the film was delivered by Loki D. Wolf. His rendition of the great Bass Reeves' son, Bennie was riveting. I found that the comedic spots in the film added to the liveliness of the story. From the research I did on Bass Reeves, this film seems to be very historically accurate. So if your looking for a cool western to kick back and watch I believe that "Bass Reeves" is a great choice!