#CocaineGodmother, #DeadlyInn, and more – TV Review

Table of Reviews

Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story – Review

Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 32 minutes

catherine-zeta-cocaine-godmother

In Columbia 1954, young Griselda was on the receiving end of a harsh slap from her mother who pimped her out to grown men.  The young girl did not return with the money promised.  So she went back to the man, shot him several times, and got the money she owed.  Now, as a married mother of three boys, Griselda is known for her magnificent passport forgeries.  But Alberto believes she has the potential to be so much more.   Then as she was getting undressed she had a revelation.  Hide small pockets of drugs in inside cute women’s underwear and shoes because they wouldn’t get search.  The officers will be to busy checking them out.  She presented her idea to Alberto. Griselda becomes the biggest drug dealer of all time and Alberto’s wife.  She has amassed an empire that makes $8 million a week.  The bigger her empire grows so does her drug addiction, her killing rate, and her effect on her children’s life.

Told through the eyes of DEA Jimmy, Griselda is marveled for her mind and tenacity in a male-dominated industry.  She was able to stay ahead of the law and her enemies.  She prided herself on being a mother but never cared about the children’s lives she stole.  She followed the rule of “don’t leave the seeds”.  She never left a witness and quickly disposed of all snitches.  Her name was synonymous with fear.  It only leaves you to wonder, what kind of impact could Griselda have made on a legitimate business.  While there are several stellar performances, often the clothing, music, or ambiance is too modern.   Also, the lead’s accent sometimes slips from Columbia to American and back.  It can distract from the film.  However, this is a good watch.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Mules are quiet and dumb. You don’t exactly fit the bill – Alberto

I’m in charge of this family. Now get me a beer. Please – Carlos

I’ll always take care of you. You know that right? – Griselda

A woman? – DEA Jimmy

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Deadly Inn – Review

Deadly Inn – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Deadly Inn

Robyn has bought a large home with the hopes of renting out rooms on a B&B website.  As an interior designer, she knows she will need help fixing it up.  So she hires Drew to make the home repairs.  She worries that she isn’t spending enough time with her newly adopted, goddaughter Ava.  Just as Robyn is getting a handle on everything, she gets her first guest Beth.  She is taken aback by the guest because she hasn’t advertised on the website.  However, when Beth presents a large wad of cash, Robyn allows her to stay.   Soon, Robyn is infested with spiders, has a dead body in her home, and chased with an electrical saw.  Robyn has no idea how her life spun out of control until she looks at her will to find a large change that turns her Inn deadly.

It’s not the worst but it’s not the best either.  It does provide a few shocking moments with Beth attacking the guests and others; however, the plot isn’t new for Lifetime.  It does throw in a “complicated” love story to try to keep the viewer interested but it’s not enough.  The ending is predictable.  You just sit and wonder how long it will take Robyn to “get it”.  So, root for Beth in this story and turn a horror/suspense into a comedy.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

But I just feel like I belong here – Iris

She thought you were my mom. Why didn’t you tell her – Ava

I’m sorry. We all have our own ways of coping – Erica

No thank you for letting me be a part of your family – Drew

You’re crazy – Robyn

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Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery – Review

Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery – HMM – 2 hours and 2 minutes

Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery

While unveiling her latest discovery, Emma is approached by her old friend Adele.  Adele wants Emma to oversee Prof. Thomas Webster’s work.  Adele will be handling items going up for sale that need to be appraised before a home is sold.  Webster believes he has found huge discovery in the family crypts.  While Webster is smart, his reputation is spotty.  Adele wants an archaeologist she trusts, like Emma, to double check the find.  Emma arrives at a house filled with tension and secrets.  She finds Webster and he is all abuzz about his new discovery.  When Emma enquires to see it, he tells her its not ready yet.  But it will be first thing tomorrow.  The next day, Emma goes to find Webster.  She with the help of FBI Agent Jim Connor, find Webster’s dead body inside a secret room in the crypt.  Now Emma is determined to find out who killed Webster but first they have to find a way into the secret room without destroying the evidence or the artifacts.

Based on the novel Past Malice by Dana Cameron, this mystery has plenty of suspects but not a lot of in-depth motives fans are accustomed to in this series (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  This movie is missing some of the magic of the previous movies.  On the other hand, it offers more into the developing relationship between Jim and Emma.  Jim is treading lightly while getting advice from Emma’s friends.  He wants to take their friendship further without ruining it.  You start to feel for his plight as he attempts to express himself while remaining professional.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

An iron fist with manicured nails – Emma

That’s a nice word for what he is – Adele

I prefer to think of it as leverage – Thomas

I don’t think anything. I’m just the house manager – Sherman

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Frozen In Love – Review

Frozen In Love – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Frozen In Love

Mary his the proud owner of her family’s bookstore On the Same Page but the bookstore is suffering from a steady decline in sales.  Mary’s brother Tyler wants her to become more modern but Mary hopes 40 years of being a community staple is enough to keep it going.  With her brother’s constant urging, Mary decides to go to her friend Janet, a PR specialist.  Adam is an embattled hockey player that has been suspended for the next 10 games.  The team manager wants him off the team because he conflicts with the team’s wholesome image.  She wants him to have an image makeover and suggest a PR firm, Janet’s.  Janet believes Mary and Adam should work together.  Adam’s celebrity will drive in new business and Mary can soften Adam’s image while working in the bookstore.  However, Janet doesn’t know that the two have had a bad interaction with each other.  She considers Adam arrogant and he considers Mary to be uptight.  With apprehension, these two must work together to succeed but soon love is in the air.

Sigh.  As soon as you realize the two are headed to the same PR firm, you know what will happen and start to check out.  With a story that follows the Hallmark template, it must rely on humor or strike an emotional cord to keep a viewer captivated.  This movie just falls short.  Now Hallmark fans will find comfort in the plot’s simplicity but no real depth.  You will only watch this movie and wonder about your favorite book and the start of chocolate chip cookies.  Nothing more.  If you are not a true fan of Hallmark movies, this one can be skipped.

I give it 2 out of 5 stars

So, we’re competitive with 10 years ago – Tyler

Is this the part where you are taking things more seriously – Mary

It is too early for a lecture – Adam

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