Watch the movie and find out.
Atlas Shrugged, the incredibly long novel by Ayn Rand, is a very well-known book, although I know few who have read it…
…and it is now available for your viewing pleasure as two-thirds of an unconventionally made film trilogy.
In the near future, Dagny Taggart (Taylor Schilling, Samantha Mathis) is the VP of Taggart Transcontinental. She endeavors to run a successful railroad in the face of mounting government regulation and increasing ignorance. These come by way of politician Wesley Mouch (Michael Lerner, Paul McCrane) and Taggart Transcontinental CEO James Taggart (Matthew Marsden, Patrick Fabian), her brother. Yet squaring off against the government and social norms is no easy task. Finding allies in business associates Hank Rearden (Grant Bowler, Jason Beghe) and Ellis Wyatt (Graham Beckel), Dagny must battle to keep her company afloat.
In the shadows lurks the mysterious disappearance of several rich CEOs and innovators. Where are they going? Who is John Galt?
Despite what other critics say, Part 1 is actually quite enjoyable. The mystery is compelling and the performances are appropriately cold. It is solid movie that leaves you anxious for the sequel. Part 2, beset with criticism of its predecessor, and muddied due to a complete change of cast, is a boring follow up.
Hopefully, Part 3 (release date 07/04/14) will be better.
If you liked Taylor Schilling’s performance in Part 1, check her out in the Netflix exclusive, Orange is the New Black. Snippet‘s thoughts on that are available here. Also, keep a keen eye on Esai Morales (Caprica), in Part 2.
Rating:
Part 1 4.2 out of 5
Part 2 2.7 out of 5
…..
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Snippets 
3 responses to “Ric’s Netflix Picks: “Atlas Shrugged: Parts 1 & 2””
I completely agree with you. I actually really enjoyed Part I and found myself sucked in to the story. After finishing it I immediately pressed play on Part II and I was lost, had a “WTF is this” moment, couldn’t wrap my head around the total change of cast and stopped watching.
Also agree with The Orange is the New Black rec, that was a great watch.
Yeah, I would say the only extra thing worth noting is that Samantha Mathis played Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Brothers movie. She, and the few scenes with Morales, are the only saving graces.
I had no idea she was Princess Daisy! Haha, yay for trivia.