The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan 2: England Away

The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan 2: England Away is a 2013 British crime drama film written and directed by Paul Tanter, who is known for his detailed storytelling and riveting plot elements. The film is a compelling sequel to the 2012 film, The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan, and continues its tradition of thrillingly showcasing the dark side of the white-collar world. This sequel brings back the hard-hitting and gripping narrative from the first film, and extends it further into the dangerous underbelly of hardcore football hooliganism and criminality.

Nick Nevern reprises his role as Mike Jacobs, an ex-hooligan turned white-collar criminal, lending his dynamic and credible performances to the movie. Like in the first film, Mike Jacobs remains the protagonist, keeping audiences hooked with his intense on-screen presence. Simon Phillips returns as Eddie Hill, Mike’s arch-enemy, and their antagonistic chemistry continues to add significant depth to the story. Rita Ramnani also returns as Katie, Mike’s love interest, thus setting up an emotional subplot that adds further layers to Mike Jacobs’ character.

The narrative displays a reformed Mike Jacobs who, after escaping the chaotic world of credit card fraud and petty crime, is living a peaceful life in Spain under a new identity. However, his equilibrium is disrupted when he is entrapped in a sophisticated plot involving international criminals and ruthless killers. The film masterfully portrays Mike’s tumultuous journey as he is once again thrust into a world of violence, crime, and hooliganism, and is forced to put everything on the line to safeguard his freedom and life.

The film extends beyond the British borders, vitally expanding its narrative from the backdrops of London to sun-drenched Spain and back, hence the subtitle, 'England Away'. With this shift in scenario, the story now includes elements of international crime, incorporating ruthless mafias, cold-blooded hitmen, and high-stakes situations.

While the first film had significant focus on white-collar crimes revolving around identity theft, credit card frauds, and hooliganism, the sequel delves deeper to explore the international dimensions of these criminal networks. It unfolds the grim tale of how the criminal underworld operates on a global scale, and displays the dire consequences that individuals like Mike Jacobs face when caught up in its web.

The narrative elements of the film are finely balanced with remarkable action sequences, making for an adrenaline-pumping viewing experience. Director Paul Tanter successfully paints a vivid picture of a high-stakes world of crime and deceit, juxtaposing peaceful locales with violent confrontations. The film is intelligently paced, maintaining an even balance between tense, hushed moments of plotting and sequences of rapid, blistering action.

Nick Nevern delivers a convincing performance, effectively capturing the torment and desperation of his character. His acting prowess shines as he balances his tough-guy exterior with his underlying vulnerability and fear. His relationship with the character played by Ramnani ties an emotional knot to the story, injecting moments of heartfelt interactions amid the high adrenaline rush of the main plot. Simon Phillips continues to excel in his antagonistic role, delicately balancing sinister intentions with refined poise, and keeping the audience on edge.

The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan 2: England Away is as much an exploration of character as it is a high-octane thriller. The film delves into the psyche of its protagonist, revealing the torments of a man who can’t escape his past and must endure the fatal repercussions of his past actions. It is an intriguing mesh of crime, action, and drama, cleverly narrated and beautifully executed. The pressure-packed predicaments and tightly-knit plot twist make the movie an engaging watch, offering the audience more than just a regular crime saga.

In conclusion, The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan 2: England Away is a well-crafted crime thriller that takes audiences on a nerve-wracking ride through a world of international crime, high-stakes deceit, and danger, all while maintaining a poignant exploration of its main character's inner turmoil. For lovers of intense crime films, this British crime drama indeed packs a punch.