T2 Trainspotting - movie review

T2 Trainspotting

Plot: A continuation of the Trainspotting saga reuniting the original characters.
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller
Director: Danny Boyle
Certificate: 18 (very strong language, strong sex, drug misuse)
Runtime: 1hr 57 mins
Release Date: Friday 27th January 2017

To quote Simon/Sick Boy and matching my own thoughts (albeit for a significant shorter period of time) "What you been up to? For twenty years?" I would imagine that those who saw Trainspotting back when it was released in 1996, are more than eager to see how these characters have progressed and join them once again in their misadventures. I, however, was more intrigued to see if Danny Boyle's direction was still as unique or frantic and if this sequel seemed warranted or simply made because of the overwhelming demand.

After a significant gap between films, none of the returning actors have lost the ability to fall back into character and their talent has not diminished in the slightest, in fact, with the added experience they've had in this interlude, our leads have only gotten better. Ewan McGregor, yet again, delivers a terrific performance. His return as Mark Renton was full of emotion and passion but what's clear is the love he has for the character that, some could say, made him the star he is today and gave him the role of Obi-Wan. To see him interact with Spud, Sick Boy and eventually Begbie is monumentally rewarding. Despite having not seen them since he stole a hefty sum of money from them all, Renton immediately still has that spark between his friends, especially Spud. Probably my favourite part of both Trainspotting films, more so in this sequel, is the kindred spirit Renton and Spud share and their true friendship blossoming. Out of all the characters McGregor graces the screen with, Ewen Bremner is the most endearing. Spud was a character that I felt for in the first film however, he was definitely much more of a supporting role. In this sequel, Spud is far more utilised and fleshed out. He still has his demons that are tragically portrayed by Bremner but Spud has progressed over this twenty year period. 

As for someone who hasn't really changed, Jonny Lee Miller reprises his role as Sick Boy who still has drug issues (this time with cocaine rather than heroin) but also is an aspiring businessman in an illegal, immoral yet extremely amusing industry. Sick Boy has much more of a focus in this film as his friendship with Renton is highlighted for a large portion. Trainspotting 2's primary focus is on reliving the past and reflecting on memories rather than battling with addiction and Sick Boy is that theme incarnate that wants to live in the past. Miller does not falter in his performance and his desire to almost relive his youth is well executed through Miller's acting and the dynamic script. Robert Carlyle concludes the infamous quartet returning from the initial film as Francis Fucking Begbie and, identical to the first Trainspotting, Carlyle is the star of the show. Begbie hasn't altered at all. Being in prison hasn't calmed him or righted his psychotic tendencies but actually, made his state of mind considerably worse. Significant amounts of this film allow for a greater depth of his character and Carlyle grabs the potential for a second career defining performance with both hands. He has not lost it at all. Unfortunately, there is one weak link in regards to the performances in this film. A newcomer to the bunch is Anjela Nedyalkova as Sick Boy and Renton's love interest as well as business partner. I found her character to have a lot of intrigue but the performance was a bit flat and unimpressive whilst the actors around her are all sensational. She didn't stand out like a sore thumb but instead like an aching pinky.

FACT: Jonny Lee Miller offered to shave his head to look older, but Danny Boyle insisted that Sick Boy retain his iconic blond hair.

I have to say, aside from the look and feel of this film and the returning characters, these are two fundamentally different films in regards to story. The first revolves around adolescence and the horror of addiction. This time round, drugs are still referenced but they are nowhere near the precedence than before. Instead, Trainspotting 2 wants to tell a story of redemption and loyalty. At the core, it's about Renton and Sick Boy reuniting and starting up a brothel, Spud battling his own addiction and getting wrapped up in everyone else's misfortune and Begbie on the hunt for Renton. I loved the 1996 Trainspotting because throughout, I simply watched characters interact and see their lives unfold. In this sequel, Danny Boyle clearly wanted to play it like a typical film with a first, second and third act. I enjoyed each and every plotline from this film but nothing stunned me. Gone are the mind boggling and astounding tripping sequences that make you feel uncomfortable. As an alternative, prostitutes wearing strap-ons and plastic bag suffocations supply that dirty feel. They didn't have the desired effect due to the execution treating it more like a comedy. What made the first Trainspotting the classic that it is, were the characters' personal struggles. The sequel trades that in for fairly far-fetched ideas or a countrywide revenge chase. On the plus side, Danny Boyle's direction has not faltered in the slightest. He's still retains the unique style and bizarre imagery but best of all, the frantic camera-work is just as beautiful as before. The writing may not have been up to the same standard (especially the muddled and uneventful third act), Trainspotting 2 still gives me similar satisfying sensations I experienced when watching the first one. One could say that it's adapted to suit the current generation but honestly, unless you've seen the original, an eighteen year old would be totally uninterested in this film. Speaking of modernising, the soundtrack has also changed. There are a few familiar beats but Trainspotting 2 contains a very techno based score that both aids and hinders the films quality. It's used in the correct moments but then a throwback to the original music was totally missed at the most opportune moments.

It may have felt like a sequel for sequel's sake but that's not to say this isn't a great film. Trainspotting 2 might not reach the level of its predecessor but it's unlikely that anything ever could. All of its stars slide back into their roles without a single issue and Danny Boyle has once again solidified himself as one of the top British directors of all time. On the whole, it's a very, very good film that I wholeheartedly recommend but do yourself a favour and ensure you watch the beauty that is the first.

My Verdict: 7.5/10

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