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T2 Trainspotting


Director: Danny Boyle.
Screenplay: John Hodge.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Anjela Nedyalkova, James Cosmo, Kelly Macdonald, Shirley Henderson, Irvine Welsh, Gordon Kennedy, Scot Greenan, Steven Robertson, Simon Weir, Bradley Welsh, Atta Yaqub, Tom Urie.

“You’re a tourist in your own youth”

When Hollywood decide on doing sequels they tend to green-light them as soon as they see the box office receipts. The majority of the time it’s a financial decision and they don’t want to miss out on turning another coin. The same can’t be said for Danny Boyle. He’s waited 20 years to put this sequel together. The time had to be right, the actors had to naturally age and the script had to have substance. This wasn’t just about cashing in. This was about doing justice to its predecessor. Many had reservations on this sequel even happening at all, such is the love for the first one, but T2 is still a meaningful journey and takes the lives of it’s characters in a satisfying direction. 


Plot: Twenty years have passed since Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) stole £16,000 from his friends and disappeared to live in Amsterdam. After a health scare, though, he returns home to Edinburgh where he has to face up to his old pals and, somehow, come to terms with his choices in life. Getting around Sickboy (Jonny Lee Miller) and Spud (Ewen Bremner) is one thing but Begbie (Robert Carlyle) is less forgiving and still has murderous intent.


I’m a recent interview, Danny Boyle related a story about his time making T2 whereby an Edinburgh local (who witnessed and realised what they were filming) bluntly called out to the director: “This better no be shite, Danny!”. I think it’s fair to say that this person managed to convey the sentiments of everyone in a simple (but necessary) comment. This was always the worry when it was announced that Trainspotting 2 was going ahead. That said, the wait is over and Danny Boyle has now delivered his vision on the middle-aged lives of these much loved characters. This man’s comment can now be answered and, thankfully, T2 is not shite. In fact, it’s rather good.


Back in 1996, Trainspotting spoke to a generation. A generation that suffered at the hands of a Thatcherite government that turned its back on the working classes who, steeped in poverty and desperation, succumbed to a drug epidemic that permeated their neighbourhoods. It had such a vibrant and passionate approach that it resonated deeply with audiences. It was hailed as a modern masterpiece of British cinema and, to this day, still remains one of my all time favourite films. Attempting to recreate that magic was always going to be an extremely difficult task. In fact, it’s an impossible task. The original was never going to be surpassed. If you can accept that then you’ll be more open to what T2 does deliver. It certainly won’t appeal to everyone and those expecting the vibrancy and ‘lust for life’ attitude of the original will be sorely disappointed. It’s a wise move from Boyle, though. He doesn’t tread the same ground and pitches the tone with a melancholy sadness. But it feels authentic and John Hodge’s script is fitting for the passage of time. The youthful enthusiasm of these characters is now gone and in their place is a more mature and jaded view. Like life itself, it’s abundant with reflection.


However, despite the protagonists being 20 years older, they’re still stuck with the same characteristics; Renton is still morally questionable, Sickboy is still wheeling and dealing, Begbie is still a deranged psychopath and, most tragically of all, Spud still struggles with addiction and recovery.

Once again, the performances are excellent. All of the actors step back into their respective roles with absolute ease and the standout’s are similar to the previous outing; Ewen Bremner’s Spud brings the heart and soul while Robert Carlyle’s Begbie brings the dangerous edge and gleefully dark entertainment. If one isn’t attempting suicide by putting a plastic bag over his head, the other is popping copious amounts of Viagra and getting a hard-on for violence. Despite it’s downbeat tone, though, it still has the ability to provide the laughs and hasn’t lost touch with Irvine Welsh’s black humour. Added to which, are welcome flashbacks and referential nods to T1 – which include cameos from Kelly Macdonald, Shirley Henderson, James Cosmo and Welsh himself.


There are a couple of missed opportunities, though. In Welsh’s follow-up novel, Porno, Sickboy, in his twisted nature, would anonymously send Begbie gay porn magazine’s when he was in jail. Naturally, it drove Begbie mad and he was determined to find the culprit – believing it to be Renton and adding fuel to his fire. I thought this to be one the novels most hilarious narrative strands but, sadly, it’s completely omitted here. The other thing is that John Hodge doesn’t touch upon the Scottish Independence referendum of 2014. Considering Renton’s rant from the first film about how “It’s shite being Scottish” and “we’re colonised by wankers” it’s slightly disappointing that it was ignored. It does, however, do a clever and genuinely hilarious sketch on the ignorance of British Nationalism and the knuckle-dragging Orange order. It’s probably the closest the film gets to any form of a political commentary. That said, politics are not the main focus here. It’s about life and choices, it’s about despondency and facing your demons. It’s actually more in tune with Sickboy’s world view from the first “You’ve got it, and then you lose it, and it’s gone forever.” T2 is not concerned with chasing the high’s anymore, it’s about accepting and living with the low’s.


It may lack the kinetic energy that made it’s predecessor so entertaining but in its place is a maturity and a wisdom that can only come with age. In many respects, it’s the ideal sequel. Danny Boyle employs his usual visual flourishes but he’s more restrained and that’s what the material demands. This is a nostalgic companion piece and there’s not much more you can ask for. It doesn’t match the first but, at the very least, it compliments it.


Mark Walker

Trivia: This is the first time since 1997 that Ewan McGregor and Danny Boyle have worked together (since A Life Less Ordinary (1997)). The two had a falling out when McGregor was passed over for the lead in The Beach (2000) in favor of Leonardo DiCaprio. McGregor stated that they have since reconciled, and that he considers the whole matter “water under the bridge”.

This entry was posted on January 30, 2017 at 7:40 pm and is filed under Drama with tags . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

41 Responses to “T2 Trainspotting”

  1. le0pard13 Says:
    January 30, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    Oh, this sounds so worth seeing, Mark. Thanks for this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. ckckred Says:
    January 31, 2017 at 4:09 am

    Nice review Mark. Still need to see the original Trainspotting, but it’s good to see the sequel’s solid. I do prefer Boyle’s older work juxtaposed to his newer films, though his Jobs biopic was one of my favorite movies in recent years.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Mark Walker Says:
      January 31, 2017 at 6:43 pm

      Thanks Charles. You really should check out the first one. The accents might be a bit tricky but the film has real visual flair. It’s superb. It’s remained one of my favourites since I first seen it back in ’96. I’m happy to say that sequel really holds up too.

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  3. T2 Trainspotting (2017) Review | Cinema Parrot Disco Says:
    January 31, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    […] you’d also like the opinion of a big Trainspotting fan, you can read his review of the sequel HERE. It looks like we both feel quite similar about the sequel so Boyle seems to have done a good job […]

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  4. Cindy Bruchman Says:
    January 31, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Great review, Mark. I loved everything about T1 and laughed at your quote about the local who shouts, “This better no be shite, Danny!” It sounds like a solid reunion, albeit the passion felt from the first film isn’t duplicated here. As you say, it couldn’t be. Reflecting on life is never as exciting as being in the moment.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Three Rows Back Says:
    January 31, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    I suspect that if it had tried to match the original in pacing etc we may have been criticising it for going down that road. Planning on watching this at the weekend – very much looking forward to it. Superb stuff mate.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Mark Walker Says:
      January 31, 2017 at 8:30 pm

      D’you know, Mark. It already knows it can’t do it all over again but what it does do is make several (and very clever) homages to first one. In some senses it captures the magic but just does it in a self-referential way. It’s well done. But most all, it’s still hugely entertaining.

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  6. vinnieh Says:
    January 31, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    Your enthusiasm for the film is pretty infectious. Superb writing bud.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. table9mutant Says:
    January 31, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Ha! That’s funny about the porn being sent to Begbie in jail! I wonder if I should read the books… I’m so glad you weren’t disappointed with this sequel. : ) It could’ve gone so wrong! I just wanted to give Spud a hug…

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Mark Walker Says:
      January 31, 2017 at 10:13 pm

      Haha! Yeah the gay porn mags to Begbie was hilarious in the book. I really wish they’d kept that in.

      I honestly expected to be disappointed in this but I’m very happy with it. There’s was a few things I’d have liked included but overall it was total blast. I actually think I’ll probably like it even more when I see it again. I really considered a 4.5 rating.

      Yeah, a kick in the balls for Begbie and big hug for Spud! 😉

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  8. Jordan Dodd Says:
    February 1, 2017 at 7:20 am

    So so so soooooooooo jealous!!!! You lucky bugger!! I didn’t read much cos i want to go in as blind as possible, but seeing a high score and skimming through….. man I can’t wait. The original is so heavy for me – I watched it recently for the first time after I got clean. I bawled by damned eyes out, just so…. familiar. That its actually still based on of the books helps too. ARGH, i have to wait another 23 days to see this!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Mark Walker Says:
      February 1, 2017 at 7:46 am

      Shit, bro! I’ve waited far to fucking long for this. I won’t say much so I’m not spoiling it for you but the wait was worth it. It was great spending time with these characters again. What I will say is… don’t expect the same film. It just isn’t.

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      • Jordan Dodd Says:
        February 2, 2017 at 12:30 am

        I’ll keep that in mind 🙂 Can’t wait to see Begby again tho, I love that psychotic bastard

        Liked by 1 person

      • Mark Walker Says:
        February 2, 2017 at 9:08 am

        Aw Begbie is the best, man. One of my all time favourite film characters. He’s great in the sequel too.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Jordan Dodd Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 5:25 am

        Awesome. Now I can’t wait for Feb 23 just for Begbie! I LOVE Carlyle(sp) in that role. Hahahaha he reminds me of a really angry Richard Hammond!!

        Spud is awesome too. Oh man I can’t wait for this….

        I hear the soundtrack isn’t as good as the first, but its a big ask to match the original. Apparently there is a Prodigy remix of Iggy’s Lust for Life…. that’ll sound interesting! I suppose that’s somewhat appropriate too, given The Prodigy were just getting big when the first one came out.

        In fact your post inspired me to download the original soundtrack. And GODDAMN its good!!

        Iggy Pop, New Order, Lou Reed, Brian Eno………. and fucking UNDERWORLD – BORN SLIPPY!!!! >;D

        that song is just the best

        Liked by 1 person

      • Mark Walker Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 1:28 pm

        Haha! An angry Richard Hammond sounds about right.

        The soundtrack isn’t as great but the film is of a different age and more melancholic. Having that same vibe wouldn’t have worked. That said, the music still has it moments.

        It’s funny you mention the original soundtrack. I dusted off my copy recently too and it’s as great as I remember it.

        I can see you’re already in the mood for this, my friend! 😉

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      • Jordan Dodd Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 9:28 pm

        yep yep yep! Can’t wait to see this 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      • Mark Walker Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 9:31 pm

        I can’t wait to hear what you think of it now. 🙂

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      • Jordan Dodd Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 9:32 pm

        Still gotta wait till the 23rd! grrr. Same with Silence 😦

        Liked by 1 person

      • Mark Walker Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 9:39 pm

        It’s a real pisser with release dates sometimes. I really wish they’d just get it over with and do worldwide releases all the time.

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      • Jordan Dodd Says:
        February 7, 2017 at 9:45 pm

        amen to that buddy!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Very Good Things Says:
    March 21, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Mark Hobin Says:
    April 3, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    I never read reviews under after I’ve had a chance to see the film and write my own. This is why I haven’t commented until now. I actually re-watched Trainspotting (1996) the day before I saw the sequel to refresh my memory. Our takes are remarkably similar. “The original was never going to be surpassed” is the attitude you must have. It doesn’t have to be better, just not desecrate the spirit of the first film. If anything, this is a bit too focused on “fan service” but that’s OK. I was a fan of Trainspotting and I liked T2 as well.

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    • Mark Walker Says:
      April 8, 2017 at 7:10 am

      Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Mark. To be honest, I expected to pick out a lot of flaws but it really done well in capturing some of the old magic without feeling like a retread. I just love these characters and it was fantastic to spend time with them again. Can’t wait to see it again.

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  11. Top Ten of 2017 | MARKED MOVIES Says:
    March 3, 2018 at 2:26 am

    […] Danny Boyle employs his usual visual flourishes that made his original film so appealing but there’s a maturity to this sequel that makes it a fitting and nostalgic companion piece. It’s not perfect but it was great to spend time with the characters again. Full review here. […]

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