Trainspotting 2: the sequel that wasn't necessary…

Published on 28 February 2017

This widespread trend of churning out sequels to the iconic films of the 80s and 90s is sometimes annoying. Not because the sequels in question are always pretty bad (although…), but mostly because sometimes it really reeks of a forced, marketing-driven sequel, without much of an idea…

That's a bit of the impression Trainspotting 2 gave us. Danny Boyle wanted to make a direct sequel to the first, 20 years on, just to see what each of them had become. On paper it's a lovely idea, and we're even super happy to reunite with most of the very endearing characters from the first film, released in 1996.

Except the strength of the first installment was precisely its absolute focus on the characters. The story was almost nonexistent and of no interest. We simply watched these junkies live and slowly kill themselves in a ravaged Scotland. And that was enough in itself.

Here, we get a story of betrayals, of mess, of muddled nonsense, plodding, long, of little interest. We try to cling to the first one as best we can, but it's just tiresome.

So yes, we'll go see it if we adored the very first one, but we definitely don't go if we haven't seen it, it would be completely pointless. You focus on the sound, the music and the images, which are superb, gorgeous cinematography and the visual effects that are Boyle's trademark. You'll also follow with a lot of attention and emotion the story of Spud (played by Ewen Bremner), who totally saves the film.

But that's all…

Out on March 1st, 2017.

Photo credit: DR

By Paingout