I've always felt that that there should never be a sequel to Trainspotting - it ended on such a perfect moment that I don't really want to know what happens next. When Renton walks along that bridge to start a new life, I consider the story complete.
What's frustrating about T2 (God, what an awful title!) is that I agree with both the good and the bad reviews - none of them are wrong. It's definitely a lesser film than the original - I mean come on, how the hell do you follow up a film like Trainspotting? - But it's still a decent sequel and worth going to see.
I think how much you enjoy it will depend on how old you are. If like me you're the same age as the characters and remember what life in 90's Britain was like then you'll get a lot more out of it. Younger audiences might find it dull, slow paced and a little melancholy.
What everyone seems to agree on is the performances are superb, particularly Bremner, who makes Spud the most lovable loser ever, and Carlyle's Begbie, who I thought was more genuinely dangerous and terrifying than first time round. There are some terrific moments ('Raging Spud'! 'No More Catholics'!), and the soundtrack kicks a$$.
The only thing I genuinely don't like about it is that awful title, and some might find the ending a little too neat; but considering how most long-delayed sequels turn out, it could have been a lot worse. I'd happily watch it again.
So yes, you should go and see it, and don't worry about whether you'll be disappointed or not, because that's sequels. After you have seen it, why not post a review in this thread? I'd be really interested to know your thoughts on it.
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My spelling and grammar are fine. It's my typing that sucks.
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