#REVIEW: “T2 TRAINSPOTTING”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

In 1996, Danny Boyle blessed the world with a Movie about Scottish Junkies called Trainspotting. It also introduced us to four young actors: Johnny Lee Miller (Simon “Sick Boy” Williamson); Robert Carlyle (Francis “Franco” Begbie); Ewen Bremner (Daniel “Spud” Murphy); and Ewan McGregor (Mark Renton). 20 years ago, we saw these four young men feed a heroin habit, and in the effort lose a child, a close friend, and ultimately, their friendship.

It was based off of Irvine Welsh’s Cult Novel set in the crippled corners of Edinburgh. It was accompanied by one of the greatest soundtracks ever (Brian Eno, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, etc.), and was clever in far more ways than one. In this age of franchises and self-loathing fan service one is quickly lead to consider why a classic Film would dare deliver a sequel, because how could it ever be better than the first?

First and foremost this is a Danny Boyle Movie. Plus the boys are back and as capable as ever. It begins with Renton returning from Amsterdam, only to find Edinburgh gentrified, and all but Spud off the junk. Frank is in jail on the edge of escape, and Simon is infatuated with the young Veronika (Anjela Nedyalkova). In time Renton falls for her too. Whereas Spud finds a muse for his memoirs. She grounds the trio in the present while they wax poetic over the past.

Like its predecessor, the Film is an absolute cinematic spectacle. Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire) depicts the boys delusions this round. His rich visuals are accompanied by an impressive soundtrack. With classics including an amazing re-enactment of Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga.” This is done moments before a terrifying chase with a nostalgic wink to the past. There’s several winks throughout, and a lot of brilliance in John Hodge’s script. And though its status as superior to the original will soon become a subject to debate, suffice it to say that this is a great Film, one worthy of your praise and your money.

Sony Pictures Canada release T2 TRAINSPOTTING in select cities Friday, March 17, 2017.