Making a sequel decades after an initial installment is
fraught with peril. Attempting to re-capture what was so popular at a
given moment runs the risk of simply re-hashing what came before. Films
such as ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ and ‘Zoolander 2’ have discovered this
out at their cost. ‘T2: Trainspotting’ successfully manages to avoid this
trap. A worthy continuation rather than remake, it grasps the original’s
flavour whilst making a new one. With the original cast and director
returning, it proves sequels can be relevant if crafted with care and
intelligence.
Twenty years after stealing the proceeds of a heist from his
friends, Mark (Ewan McGregor) returns to face the music. Finally back on
home soil, he reunites with his former allies Spud (Ewen Bremmer), Sick Boy
(Jonny Lee Miller) and Begbie (Robert Carlye). Old grievances and regrets
surface as the quartet grapple with past actions. New allegiances are
forged as they look toward an uncertain future.
Director Danny Boyle’s track record speaks for itself in
telling compelling stories. The years since the first ‘Trainspotting’
have seen him conjure diverse movies like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and zombie
flick ’28 Days Later’. ‘T2: Trainspotting’ sees his talents in full
display. Backed by an ensemble effortlessly slipping back into their
famous roles, Boyle successfully charts a story about shattered friendships and
family ties. Re-connecting and accepting the past are things the
characters must do in order to fully move on.
Whilst full of creative energy marking the first instalment,
‘T2: Trainspotting’ occasionally meanders. The loss of narrative focus
decreases the level of urgency the script tries to convey. On its own
merits, it’s still a solid movie with genuine emotional depth. Boyle
remembers to not craft a ‘greatest hits’ of memorable scenes but makes new ones
fully utilising the talents of all involved. The pulsating soundtrack and
quirky moments are still in place with the strong performances smoothing over
any slow sections.
‘T2: Trainspotting’ manages to easily walk the tight-rope of
nostalgia. Maybe not as instantly captivating as its forebear, its’
ageing protagonists ring true with their actions. Good sequels take time
to develop with the overall attention to its screenplay hopefully inspiring
others will take note.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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