Trainspotting 2 is a competent and nostalgic fuelled sequel that feels slightly underwhelming. Having only watch the original for the first time this year, it's safe to say I'm not part of the cult following. Having said that, I really enjoyed it for its bold and provocative portrayal of drug consumption. The characters were memorable, direction solid, hilarious moments...fortunately the sequel maintains that. Twenty years on after the betrayal in the first film, Renton returns back to Edinburgh where Sick Boy, Spud and a revenge driven Begbie wait for him. Wanting to start a business, replenish lost friendships and relive the past. Trainspotting 2 really does depend on nostalgic flashbacks, that is both a positive and a criticism. To start with though, Danny Boyle yet again directs an entertaining flick. A big fan of his directing, his contemporary camera technique (tilted angles, freeze frame transitions etc.) really suits the urban style that he is attempting to convey. A zany mixture between a Hollywood film and a British TV show, yet it works. Fortunately, he retained the same aesthetics from the first film. Flashy onscreen effects, zoomed in shots of drugs to intensify the scene and a dance/trance soundtrack. Underworld's "Born Slippy" is embedded within the soundtrack to highlight the nostalgia even more. The characters are as memorable as ever. Renton is filled with regret, Sick Boy is fuelled by hatred, Begbie just wants revenge and Spud...well he is just loveable. Incomprehensible, but loveable. All four leads were consistently great and found their performances to be entrancing. Why then, when the credits rolled, did I feel slightly underwhelmed? The constant hold and embrace of nostalgia deters from the current story. Clearly harking back to a more memorable and prolific film in an attempt to enhance this sequel, but if anything it just made me want to watch its predecessor again. Flashbacks are fine, but when it is constant it just feels jarring and tedious. This certainly isn't as hard hitting and controversial either, its tame approach may put people off.
