More than a movie, a metronome tailor made for Gen-X

Rating: Null/10 (12 February 2000)

From the opening scene to the closing finale, Trainspotting is a rhythmic treat unlike any other. It hits hard and frequent, moving at a fever pitch and brandishing awesome overseas music most US viewers would have never heard otherwise. (buy the soundtrack!)
The theme, the pacing, the characters, they all lend themselves to a teen generation. --and that's good. While most anti-drug movies (shall I daresay 'New Jack City'?) just spend two hours showing anything and everything horrific about substance abuse, Trainspotting shows every aspect of the drug scene: The flood and flush of money, the highs and lows of addiction, the social fabric woven by heroin junkies; after seeing this movie I had little interest in heroin whatsoever, because this film showed me EVERYTHING I needed to know. Rather than using scare tactics, Trainspotting using clever plot execution and some very creative effects. (ever been to the 'worst toilet in Scotland?')
Aside from the theme, the movie is filling with brilliant performances. Aside from the obvious Ewan McGregor, (this is really his breakthrough film) Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) plays an astoundingly violent alcoholic Begbie without remorse. Though not really about growing up, the film does touch on the subject, and one can't help but walk away thinking that Renton is just like you, what with the job, the car, the big f*cking television, the washing machines...
Tolka's advice: Crank up your stereo and hold on tight!