This is a spoiler free promotion of T2 Trainspotting, which has just been released for digital downloads, as we’re aware those outside of the UK might be unaware of the sequel to one of the best films of the 1990s. The original was released in 1996 and is about a bunch of young heroin addicts scraping by in life up in Scotland – a goddamn masterpiece, it stunned the movie world and it will forever be a classic.

We reviewed Catfight last week and suggested it was the best film we’ve seen in 2017 so far, having forgotten we’ve seen T2 Trainspotting. This is the best one we’ve seen this year – it’s a genuinely excellent sequel (although not everyone will agree) which doesn’t quite match its predecessor, but is a well observed, funny, and just bloody good fun film which furthers the stories of the popular characters Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, and the psychotic Begbie.

T2 Trainspotting

Advancing the story by 20 years, the film catches up with Renton (ultra-handsome Ewan McGregor reprising his role) as he returns to Edinburgh and deals with the consequences of a betrayal he committed in his youth. Now, we’re going to lay off the synopsis here and let you discover for yourselves what happens, as today’s post is simply about highlighting this awesome film exists.

Although a huge deal in the UK, it’s been drowned out by other blockbuster releases and the chances are, if you’re further afield, you may have missed it. For those who do know of it, Danny Boyle has put together an intelligent script which doesn’t try and replicate Trainspotting’s thunderous, youthfully hedonistic pace. T2 is older, although the cast of characters certainly isn’t wiser, and the introspective look at ageing is mixed with humour, making for one of the best films of ’17.

Trainspotting

If you’ve not seen the first one (what the Hell have you been doing?) then it’s recommended you do before turning to the sequel. It’ll make a lot more sense, believe us. However, it’s a classic film in its own right; the heroin taking which was so controversial in the original seems rather tame now (we’ve all seen Breaking Bad), but the brilliant script, characterisation, and Robert Carlyle as the deranged madman Begbie still keep it a memorable watch.

Robert Caryle Interview

If you’re interested, you can also check out this revealing interview with the lovely Robert Carlyle about his involvement in the original film. This interview with the BBC (for the Church of Wittertainment – Kermode and Mayo Film Review Show, get it added to your podcasts, wretched sinner!) was in 2013 when T2 was rumbling in pre-production, but his views on Begbie are interesting. Enjoy!