THIS MONTH AT EMPIRE
came to our screens and became the backdrop to thousands of cider-splashed fumblings and all-night raves in houses you’d never see again. Along with certain records — What’s
The Story (Morning Glory)? for me — it became synonymous not just with a time (the halcyon days of ‘Cool Britannia’) but a time of life. Many of us were at college or university. I was doing my A-levels, enjoying the taste of freedom the first heady rush of adulthood brings (you know, before proper responsibilities start to weigh on your shoulders). The film, and its stars, became iconic. In some respects, forever frozen in that time: still Renton, Begbie, Spud and Sick Boy to us. So it was of course with some trepidation that we received the news of a sequel. Some 20 years on. God, would it be all Mondeos, mortgages and mundanity? So we, along with the rest of the nation, breathed a sigh of relief when that trailer dropped. The beautiful spirit of the first lives on. It’s kinda like meeting old friends and discovering they haven’t changed one bit. Blimey, maybe we haven’t either. In a world exclusive, we bring you all of the action from the set (spoiler: we had a blast). Check it out on p.60. And our lucky subscribers are also treated this month to a bespoke piece of artwork on their front cover from renowned street artist Mr. Brainwash. Gutted you didn’t get one? Join us! We’re like a cult but more fun! Find out how on p.58.
T2 is just the first notable film in what is shaping up to be a great year. From Wonder
Woman to War For The Planet Of The Apes to Alien: Covenant and Star Wars: Episode VIII, hell, it could even be a vintage year. In our monster preview, we’ve gathered a mass of exclusive images and interviews to give you the definitive word on every film and TV show you need to care about. Don’t disappoint us, 2017. We’re pinning all of our remaining hopes on you.