1. freedomofchoice

   8

   As with Atlas Shrugged Part One, while Two moves along at a quick pace (e.g. we see James Taggert meet Cheryl in one scene, a short time later we hear everyone's invited to their wedding) the story is still accessible to viewers not familiar with the novel or with Part One. However, those not warned in advance, may be confused to see entirely different actors in the leading, and well... most roles. The storyline is still intact though, and easy to follow. Trying to include everything that happens in the novel - especially a long novel like Atlas Shrugged - is never really possible or even recommendable on film. In Samantha Mathis we see a still determined, but clearly more worn down Dagny than Taylor Shilling's. Also aged, and looking a little tougher, Beghe makes for a more formidable Henry Reardon, Dagney's main love interest. As with most of Rand's characters, the heroes are more heroic, and the villains are more villainous than you'd expect in real life. Of course, that's quite Hollywood as much as it is Rand's writings, and Rand herself liked to paint good and evil more starkly to emphasize her points. The overall result though - even if some critics like to pooh-pooh the idea of government-business cronyism ever getting as bad as shown in the film - is a much stronger (strategically timed) political statement than even in Rand's own writings. It does more than any other film to point at political cronyism - corrupt favoritism and cooperation between politicians and businesses - as being one of the worst evils associated with big government. More so, even if audiences find some of the things AS2's politicians to be beyond belief, they will have no trouble taking away from the film a clear understanding of just how repugnant such activities are. If they make the connection that such corrupt power cannot exist unless a government is given too much power, then they may also come away with a little stronger suspicion when public officials insist that all they are doing is "for the public good." As with the ending of Part One, which got many audiences on their feat and clapping, all those who sympathize with the fight the leading characters have been facing will likely be wishing to see the final installment - Part Three. Most importantly, AS2 was still very entertaining - which is what a film has to do above all. Those who enjoyed this will come back for Atlas Shrugged Three, and will bring their friends.… Expand

   • Helpful? 6 of 10 users said Yes.
2. lmsfinally

   5

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Were you hoping after Atlas Shrugged Part1 that you’d see a more commercial production in AS 2? Well, you got your wish, but at the expense of Rand’s superb writing and philosophical implications. I saw more strength in Taylor Shilling's role as Dagny, but this time around Samantha Mathis looks like her mother is dying in every shot. At this point in book she is still fighting the system, but she seems to have given up already. Dagny's wardrobe is appalling and she comes off as a weak character. I like the new Rearden with Jason Beghe almost as much as Grant Bowler’s portrayal, and the presence of Eddie as a protector is more obvious, but most of the actors seemed to put less “oomph” into their characters this time around. The storyline was faster paced and I enjoyed the visuals of the train wreck even if the philosophical implications were lost in the glitz. Lots of bit parts by seasoned actors add to the credibility, but after watching a recent Reason.tv interview, the lesser connection to Rand with this cast was obvious on screen through Rand's ideas. I doubt any of them have read the book. It had some nice touches like James throwing money at a crowd, but he would never be shopping for a tie in a discount store. Dannager's goodbye speech to Dagny was my favorite part, and the gas pump was my biggest laugh. Talking to the few attendees after movie was fun, but I enjoyed AS 1 more.… Expand

   • Helpful? 2 of 4 users said Yes.
3. Kadeemluvmusic

   0

   Nothing new in Atlas Shrugged: Part 2. Still one of the crappiest movies since Part 1. It's even more crappier than Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star. Don't even think about Parts 3 or 4.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.

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