A Very British Gangster 2 is the follow up feature-length documentary directed by investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre and this film has the edge of MacIntyre’s better investigative work as he returns to guide us through the life of criminal boss Dominic Noonan.

In this documentary sequel viewers get another in depth look at the life of gangster Noonan after his release from prison and how his son Bugsy is affected. At times Noonan is shown as oddly warm and welcoming but the disturbing life of crime obviously and rightly remains the focus of MacIntyre’s work.

The social and family issues of Noonan’s world are also a prominent feature throughout and the harsh conditions of Manchester are never far away from when the crimes of Noonan and his family are examined. More importantly the sequel to A Very British Gangster interestingly focuses on Bugsy and whether he chooses or even has the choice to follow in his father’s footsteps.

The film is at times disturbingly open about Noonan’s life but the danger that surrounds his world means that the audience is often aware that you are being kept at arms length.

Its documentary style means that A Very British Gangster 2 would probably be better suited to the television rather than the big screen or DVD. The added gloss and narrative techniques tries to make the project look more like a film but this often doesn’t work despite MacIntyre’s best efforts.

But for those interested in the world of criminality A Very British Gangster 2 is worth a watch even if it only serves as a means of debate over what you see and possibly what you don’t.