'Exceptional' sequel to 1990s classic 'as good as original' on Channel 4 tonight

If you're looking for exceptional Saturday evening entertainment, Channel 4 has the perfect solution.

The broadcaster is presenting T2 Trainspotting, the highly anticipated follow-up to Danny Boyle's 1996 cult phenomenon Trainspotting.

The movie brings together the original ensemble, featuring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle, as they return to their legendary characters and face the demons from their previous adventures in Scotland's capital.

Written by the exceptional John Hodge, T2 Trainspotting delivers a profoundly moving social examination of the necessity for increased introspection with age, whilst completely retaining the captivating, unfiltered vitality of its predecessor.

Taking place 20 years after the original's events, which chronicled the experiences of a group of heroin users in 1990s Edinburgh, T2 Trainspotting tracks Mark Renton (McGregor), who, following a cardiac episode in Amsterdam, chooses to return to Edinburgh and face his history, reports the Mirror.

Upon his arrival, he discovers former companions Daniel "Spud" Murphy (Bremner), once more dependent on heroin, and Simon "Sick Boy" Williamson (Miller), who has become entangled in extortion plots whilst operating an unsuccessful pub. Meanwhile, the menacing Franco Begbie (Carlyle) has broken out of jail and is determined to get his own back on Renton, who double-crossed him in the original 1996 picture.

The cast slips back into their characters effortlessly, delivering portrayals that offer genuine comedy whilst also packing emotional punches with drama and rawness.

It earned $42million worldwide and boasts a respectable 89 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Whilst not quite matching the brilliance of the original, devotees of Trainspotting who haven't yet watched T2 should absolutely check it out, as the follow-up is undoubtedly a compelling continuation of the 1996 cult classic.

Enthusiasts and reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about Boyle's sequel.

One critic said: "Danny Boyle has served up a film that unleashes a rush almost as satisfying as the original hit."

Another added: "Like the excellent original, this worthy sequel is similarly distinguished by some memorable set-pieces, superb dialogue, and smashing performances."

A third wrote: "A surprisingly touching and sincere return to these four unique characters."

T2 Trainspotting is on Channel 4 at 11.30pm tonight (Saturday).