Review of T2 Trainspotting (2017) by Erik B — 29 Dec 2017

**.

A sequel to the original 'Trainspotting' is one that certainly has potential. Enough was left open at the end of that movie to warrant a follow up, and the prospect of seeing how time has affected this group of friends is a surely enticing one. So, it is with great shame that the sequel, 'T2 Trainspotting', directed and written by those who made the original, doesn't quite take advantage of this idea. It answers some of the questions left from the original, and technically this sequel is far superior; with gorgeous cinematography and vibrant, bright colours laced throughout. The performances too are excellent, with all the actors capturing their characters effortlessly. Despite all this, I couldn't help but feel that the whole venture was rather pointless. After all, despite 20 years having passed, none of the characters have changed whatsoever. Even Renton, who seemed to be on a different path by the end of the first movie, appears to have learnt nothing, and ends up regressing backwards; and immaturity still runs wild. Even the music cues feel out of place, where they worked so wondrously in the original. Unfortunately, the movie appears to have its foot placed firmly in nostalgia, resulting in it being an entertaining, but ultimately empty endeavour.