1996`s Trainspotting gave audiences a new way to look at life, movies, and music. Edgy and groundbreaking, the film gave audiences a raw look at the drug scene in Edinburgh and the lengths addicts go to escape its pitfalls. The sequel centers on the four main characters, 20 years later. This time around, rather than focus on the group`s drug pursuits, the emphasis is on rebuilding friendships, dealing with betrayal, and trying to figure out the meaning of life. With a less chaotic feel than the first film, T2 dives deeper into its characters and their world--and gives a compelling look at how both have changed in two decades.Looking at the characters later in life doesn`t mean the movie takes a more somber, responsible direction, however. The energy from the first film is present as Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to Edinburgh after a 20 year departure and can`t help but fall into old habits with Sick Boy (Johnny Lee Miller). While trying to pull off another get-rich-quick scheme, the two are reminded why they were best friends. They recruit Spud (Ewan Bremner) who is also dealing with picking up the pieces of a failed marriage. Meanwhile, the threat of Begbie (Robert Carlyle) looms in the background as his hunger for revenge puts everything at risk and adds tension once he discovers Renton has returned to Edinburgh.Renton`s return is sparked by the guilt he`s felt over betraying his friends in the first film. Trying to make amends, we see him and the others question their own life choices along with their need to hang on to the past. It starts out feeling like the nostalgia is forced on the viewer, but you grow to appreciate it as the story continues, while the audience sees how the past impacts the present. This is carried out with flashes to their childhood and a clever use of scenes from the first that illustrate some of the parallels in the past and present.Even though the movie heavily builds on the events from the past, it`s still suitable for new viewers ...
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