8. T2 Trainspotting

Let's start with the truth. I watched the original Trainspotting for the first time a couple of weeks ago, purely in prep for T2. I loved it. I found it dark, funny, and actually really current, despite the fact it's 20 years old. If you've not seen it before, I would completely recommend. The plot is compelling, you get to know the endearing characters through great storytelling, it will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It's truly great, and we've not even started on the soundtrack. There is know doubt that Danny Boyle is a genius (but we knew this already didn't we).

T2 Trainspotting is a more humorous, less dark, and less druggy version of the original Trainspotting. Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Johnny Lee Miller & Robert Carlyle are all fantastic, and I think Boyle was clever to catch up with the boys 20 years later, as we are when we're watching the film. The character development is believable, and they must have all had a great time on set.

As I mentioned, this film is more light-hearted than the last, with more humour, but that doesn't mean there is less drama. The film is still exciting, and yet again, we see Renton and Sick Boy on a money making plot, alongside Begbie hearing about Renton's return, and not being happy. I love Spud's character, and again he is sweet and lovable despite his addiction problems.

The film is filled with flashbacks to the original, and I feel it's imperative to have seen Trainspotting first, as the old footage is so powerful in the storytelling. Again Boyle's use of this footage is a brilliant tool in the making of the film. The footage also helps with realising where the characters are now, and why they may act in certain ways. There are also scenes where the psychedelic way they are filmed just adds so much to the story; not least in the final clip. This film is a credit to him.

The film also introduces a female lead, Veronika, played by Anjela Nedyalkova. I loved her addition to the story, and also I loved the presence of a female in her role, and the sense of justice (NO SPOILERS!). Alongside this, I liked the answers the film gave (NO SPOILERS!).

I feel like the original film was more revolutionary, and as I mentioned, when I watched it the other week, it felt so relevant and current, which I feel this new film may lack slightly. However, the humour it brings is great, alongside the new soundtrack (which had a lot to live up to). The introduction of Born Slippy is so powerful in the scenes where it is used, and I also really appreciated the use of local artists, like Young Fathers, and the support the film has given them. 

Overall, T2 Trainspotting doesn't quite hit the mark of it's predecessor, but that doesn't mean by any stretch of the imagination that it's a bad film. For me, the film is a solid 8.5/10, a great watch for those who love the original, but this time with a little comic relief added to every grim situation, alongside the classic whiff of nostalgia.