T2 seems heavily weighed down by self consciousness and self importance, whereas the original was completely free spirited and unrestrained.
The best bits of T2 were where they were referencing T1. But even the choose life moment felt delivered by McGregor, the actor, acting, whilst in T1 it felt raw and honest. Just such different vibes. I wish they'd worked harder to capture them.
As Danny Boyle said "If you want to do a remake for a sequel you do it right away".
It seems that you just wanted a rehash of the first film...it was never going to be that and does not try to be that.
We see Spud down to his skeleton in this...the Mark/Simon friendship is revealed here bringing a whole new depth to the betrayal of the first film...we get an insight into why Begbie is why he is.
It gives us our characters in all their flaws...I don't see how anyone can question the film's honesty.
Love is the law...