Director Billy Corben struck gold with 'Cocaine Cowboys' so naturally he followed up with a sequel 'Hustlin' With the Godmother' two years later and ... it's a big step down. We all know horrible characters make for the best true crime so once again top dog Griselda Blanco's tale gets explored. The problem is when it's not recycling facts, interviews from the original doc, the focus goes to Charles Cosby and his involvement with the infamous lady. Much of it is either unverified, bragging or mundane.
After things fall apart in Miami, Griselda relocates to California but the DEA catch up to her. After a trial in 1985 she's sentenced to 15 years and it's front page news. Small time Oakland drug dealer Charles Cosby sees this, starts idolizing her and in the early 90's ends up writing to her behind bars. It leaves an impression on the woman and they strike up a relationship. Even incarcerated she's calling the shots and her empire is still doing $40 million worth of drug business a year and now Cosby works for, sexes the lady he once only knew by reputation.
It can't be downplayed how much is filler. Listening to her #1 hitman "Rivi" Ayala from the same interview taken behind bars again. Same snippets with Blanco's former lawyer Luis Casuso, DEA Agent Bob Palombo, Miami police officers Al Singleton & Nelson Andreu. Then you have some silly animated cutscenes and words from some of Cosby's associates to fill the air. There's no denying Charles knew Griselda, was involved with her but there's an eager energy here to feel more important, bigger than I suspect he actually was. It's always Cosby talking about himself. Lots of vintage pics, camcorder vids hyping his own exploits.
'Hustlin' With the Godmother' remains passably because of Blanco and Rivi. Plus the whole thing is only 90 minutes long. Cosby's tale doesn't add anything new, real substance to Blanco's tale and running thru his life story, filling in blanks about the women herself is up for question. He's also not the smartest cat if you believe what he has to say. Stick with the original 'Cocaine Cowboys' particularly the 'Reloaded' cut.
After things fall apart in Miami, Griselda relocates to California but the DEA catch up to her. After a trial in 1985 she's sentenced to 15 years and it's front page news. Small time Oakland drug dealer Charles Cosby sees this, starts idolizing her and in the early 90's ends up writing to her behind bars. It leaves an impression on the woman and they strike up a relationship. Even incarcerated she's calling the shots and her empire is still doing $40 million worth of drug business a year and now Cosby works for, sexes the lady he once only knew by reputation.
It can't be downplayed how much is filler. Listening to her #1 hitman "Rivi" Ayala from the same interview taken behind bars again. Same snippets with Blanco's former lawyer Luis Casuso, DEA Agent Bob Palombo, Miami police officers Al Singleton & Nelson Andreu. Then you have some silly animated cutscenes and words from some of Cosby's associates to fill the air. There's no denying Charles knew Griselda, was involved with her but there's an eager energy here to feel more important, bigger than I suspect he actually was. It's always Cosby talking about himself. Lots of vintage pics, camcorder vids hyping his own exploits.
'Hustlin' With the Godmother' remains passably because of Blanco and Rivi. Plus the whole thing is only 90 minutes long. Cosby's tale doesn't add anything new, real substance to Blanco's tale and running thru his life story, filling in blanks about the women herself is up for question. He's also not the smartest cat if you believe what he has to say. Stick with the original 'Cocaine Cowboys' particularly the 'Reloaded' cut.