Watch Atlas Shrugged: Part 2

Atlas Shrugged: Part 2, released in 2012, is the second chapter in the film adaptation of Ayn Rand's iconic novel Atlas Shrugged. Directed by John Putch, the movie is a follow-up to Part One, which had already been released in 2011. Like Part One, Part Two stays true to the book's storyline and themes, and is likely to appeal to admirers of Rand's philosophy.

Samantha Mathis stars as Dagny Taggart, a railway executive who is struggling to keep her company, Taggart Transcontinental, afloat in a country facing a severe economic crisis. The film is set in a dystopian United States where the government has become corrupt and interventionist, and business owners like Dagny are constantly hindered by regulations and taxes. Despite the challenges, Dagny is determined to complete the transcontinental train line, which is seen as a lifeline for the country's economy.

At the same time, Dagny is trying to discover the source of an intriguing but elusive motor that can revolutionize energy production. She finds that the motor was invented by a secretive genius named John Galt, who has retreated to a remote valley with other innovators who refuse to work for the government or the dominant companies. Dagny becomes obsessed with finding Galt and learning more about his philosophy, which she feels is aligned with her own.

Meanwhile, the other important character in the film is Hank Rearden (Jason Beghe), a steel tycoon who is struggling to keep his own company alive. Hank is also working on a new metal, Rearden Metal, which is much stronger and lighter than existing metals. Like Dagny, he faces endless government regulations and hostility from his competitors, but he remains determined to see his vision through.

Esai Morales plays the role of Francisco d'Anconia, a wealthy copper magnate who is also a friend of Dagny since childhood. However, when his company goes bankrupt, he starts to act erratically and appears to have abandoned his values. Dagny is puzzled by his behavior, but she soon discovers that Francisco is hiding a secret.

As the story unfolds, Dagny, Hank, and Francisco find themselves caught up in a web of conspiracy, corruption, and treachery. They must navigate various challenges, both personal and professional, as they strive to fulfill their ambitions while staying true to their principles. Meanwhile, they continue to search for John Galt and the motor, whose significance becomes increasingly clear as the story progresses.

Atlas Shrugged: Part 2 is a visually impressive film, with stunning scenery and special effects. The acting is also generally good, with Samantha Mathis bringing depth and nuance to the character of Dagny, and Jason Beghe delivering a strong performance as a conflicted Hank Rearden. Esai Morales's turn as Francisco d'Anconia is somewhat melodramatic at times, but he brings a necessary energy to the role.

The film's pacing is generally good, although some scenes could have been trimmed to keep the momentum going. Fans of the book will appreciate the faithfulness of the adaptation, while newcomers to Rand's work will find a well-crafted story and engaging characters. The movie also stays true to the book's themes, such as the importance of individualism, reason, and self-interest. There are several rousing speeches and monologues that are sure to resonate with Rand's fans.

That being said, the film is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that the dialogues between the characters can be stilted and overly didactic, as if the characters are mere mouthpieces for the author's philosophy. There are also a few plot points and characters that could have been developed further, such as the mysterious John Galt himself.

Overall, Atlas Shrugged: Part 2 is a competent adaptation of an influential book. While it may not be perfect, it is a solid continuation of the story and themes presented in Part One. The film will appeal to fans of Rand's work, as well as those interested in dystopian themes and political philosophy. It is a thought-provoking movie that will leave viewers pondering the role of government, free markets, and individual freedom in society.

Atlas Shrugged: Part 2 is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 26.