Back in the Hood: Gang War 2

Having watched the original documentary (Gang War: Bangin' in Little Rock), I somewhat anticipated the same quality and straightforward reporting in this 'sequel'. I wasn't disappointed but I was not too impressed either.

Marc Levin returns to Little Rock, Arkansas to once again experience the culture of street gangs which have grown and expanded their dominance at an alarming rate in the last ten years when the first documentary was released. He delivers quite admirably and stops at almost nothing to expose how street gangs have created a dangerous impact on the community.

Unlike the original film, this one does not outline the nature and origins of street gangs but is told in a retrospective and more mature light by former gang members or remorseful gang leaders. It also deals with the tremendous loss of life and how too many of the youths these days live a fragile life enveloped in fear and terror.

Levin also shows us the social and cultural damage gangs have brought upon this town by interviewing families who've suffered a loss due to gang-related incidents. It is truly saddening to see mothers break down into tears while relating their child's death yet remain thoroughly resolute in coping with it.

By no means is this a grade-A blockbuster documentary as it is meant to promote awareness or serve as a wake-up call to control gang-related crimes without utilizing any fancy cinematics or visual invigorations. The endless onslaught of facts a viewer can acquire makes this documentary an extremely informative one so I would recommend this to any knowledge junkie out there.

A fine piece of work, I must say.