Review of T2 Trainspotting (2017) by Calum R — 03 Oct 2017

"Nostalgia, that's why we're here.".

Danny Boyle actually did it! The madman actually recreated the magic of Trainspotting. T2 Trainspotting might be the best film of 2017. Just because you have not heard of it and it has not blown up should not discourage you from watching this film. See Trainspotting first, then watch this mature and often reflective sequel.

Boyle is focusing on how these friends have changed, and in many ways, how they remain the same boys at heart. It's a nostalgia trip that offers new insights on old issues with such a wise and mature sense that you are compelled to listen. It's satirizes the audience's desire for the original and old things we love, while also simultaneously lovingly referencing, alluding, and recreating Trainspotting.

One of the only good sequel films ever. It has the fun with the boys type of moments like the first, but you must remember they are all older. T2 has to be more mature and a progression from the original. These are middle aged addicts whose lives have fallen apart. Revenge and sorrow are their motivations. As they say repeatedly in Trainspotting, "First there's an opportunity, then a betrayal." Boyle follows his own format with parallels and references to the original, somehow not cringe worthy or forced, but timeless and effortless extensions of his old metaphors.

It's a delightful return to form for Danny Boyle. Quality in a succinct film. It does not drag and managed to enlighten the audience into not only where our protagonists from Trainspotting ended up, but how they matured (or not) into the manhood. It's symbolic with gorgeous innovative and extremely refreshing cinematography the likes you have not seen in a mainstream film in ages. I was truly stunned that Boyle kept growing in his caliber of film making while also playing on old moments. There are visions from the past that merge into new moments and epiphanies. There are long pans and quick cuts to faces and areas that are angled just perfectly to convey a new emotion. It's all immaculately filmed on a technical level.

One of the most exciting and pleasing aspects to T2 Trainspotting is, of course, the cast! Ewan McGregor's Mark Renton is more sad and confused with where his life ended up than ever. McGregor delivers an inspired speech on "Choose Life." He's awe inspiring. All his disappointments are reflected in his friends.

Sick Boy has devolved into a depraved cocaine addict running a brothel and Jonny Lee Miller is perfect as this broken and desperate man. Ewen Bremner is the most changed as Spud is not so cheery, but clearly scarred from the events of Trainspotting. He morphs into our narrator and the most reflective and pensive character. I was only disappointed by Kelly Macdonald's short cameo, but the lines she delivers are so excellent and biting, her role is just enough to be memorable. Her parting line to McGregor's character will leave you reflecting on Diane and Renton's entire brief relationship. She sums up their feelings and one of Renton's key problems.

Robert Carlyle as Begbie is actually the stand out performance through as his rage and temper inflamed and tempered by Carlyle's transformation into the most heinously violent and yet subtly acted madman. He is terrifying and has some hilarious lines. His face is burned into my memory.

So I ask you to "Choose Life" and experience this post modern deconstruction of Trainspotting in Danny Boyle's excellent T2 Trainspotting!