westerfield

As a fan of Rand but not an Objectivist I attended opening day of Part 1. I was pleased to see the theater was packed for an afternoon showing. When I watch any film I try to stay uninvolved, just going along for the ride. My verdict for Part 1 was 7 stars. I thought the acting competent, the story interesting and the selection of scenes slightly disappointing but acceptable, given the constraints of editing down the book. I purchased the Blu-ray; it didn't change my opinion. My wife, who thinks libertarians are crazy gave the film better marks than I. It was a good but not great film.

However, from the beginning of Part 2 I was completely emotionally involved. I pumped my fist. I clapped. I yelled (as softly as I could). The film was just so RIGHT! The actors playing Rearden and Francisco were definite upgrades. The sets were much better, as was the CGI. The story moved with an urgency that left me breathless, even though I knew what was coming. That means the directing, editing and music are all complementary. And it was wonderful to see all the cameos that in no way subtracted from the experience. I knew Teller was a fan but none of the others. I have the Blu-ray on pre-order. There are some films I can watch over and over and still get the same experience - in some cases get more. I expect that to be the case with Atlas Shrugged Part 2.

I've always been a Ricardo Cortez fan. He rarely gets a chance to stretch his acting wings but he does so here. Cortez is exceptional in playing older men. In Torrent (1926) you'd swear he actually aged. In Hat, Coat and Glove he plays age, hopelessness and loneliness quite well. It is unfortunate that the effect is damaged by shoddy makeup. His graying hair varies between scenes and virtually disappears in some. Dorothy Burgess was never better. The wife and her lover are somewhat weak. Frankly, I didn't see what the husband or lover saw in her. But it didn't matter; this is Cortez's film. The twists and turns of the plot are anything but conventional. For all it's absurdities this is a quality programmer that will hold your interest.