The Strike Productions,

Taylor Schilling, Grant Bowler, Edi Gathegi, Michael O’Keefe, Paul Johansson, Patrick Fischler, Matthew Marsden, Geoff Pierson, Jsu Garcia, Armin Shimerman

The time is the future. The world is coming apart. Factories have shut down, food is scarce, and one by one the prime business people who ran the businesses were disappearing all over the country. Life was pretty miserable. But Dagny Taggert (Taylor Schilling) is the operating executive of a once mighty transcontinental railroad. She thinks the answer may rest with a remarkable invention and the man who created it. Teaming up with Henry Rearden (Grant Bowler) owner of the factory that makes a new kind of steel, much stronger and lighter, they rebuilt the aging railroad and set out for the guy whose invention may save the economy. Everything now depends on finding him and discovering the answer to the question on the lips of everyone as they whisper it in fear: Who *is* John Galt?

Based on Anne Rand’s 1957 novel, this is a futuristic film. It’s a dire look, much like Orwell’s 1984, at the future of mankind with an over powerful government, and corporate greed. This movie appears to have had a hard time being born. Many celebrities were associated and the dis-associated to the project. It has been talked about and planned for years, and even had a potential of a big multi night mini-series back in the 80’s when those were so popular. Now it’s out, and it appeared with a very small plop. But it’s not a bad movie. With the right star power, it might have been a really big hit. But it’s nice that we have it on DVD now that we can view in our own homes. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the running of the high speed train through the hills and mountains, rivers and lakes of Colorado.

The acting isn’t bad. The prime leads do their best. This could have used some star power to make it more likely to be successful, but surprising to me that I have never heard of this story. The term Atlas Shrugged comes from the idea that Atlas is the god who held the world on his shoulders. It’s a good metaphor. The story is a little bit dated, but so are 1984, Animal Farm, and many of the other stories of old. But it’s a thoughtful story, and is very worthwhile watching if you’re not familiar with the tale.

From what I understand, the book is much longer and has a lot more stuff about how the world got into the state it’s in. I suppose that would have been used in a longer mini-series version of the book, but for a feature film, I think they were very wise to just accept the premise that the economy is a mess, and not explain it. I think the story is still very strong told in 90 minutes or so.

I recommend this film for anyone who like the cerebral movies that make you think. That’s what this is for. But the story is strong enough to be interesting even if you’re not interested in the literary qualities. It’s still a good mystery story, and a drama of tycoons and business. Well worth the time spent watching it.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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2S Films, Alcon Entertainment, Wild Ocean Films

Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey, Ashley Williams, Geoff Pierson, Jill Eikenberry, Jonathan Epstein


Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a successful lawyer. For years she’s been best friends with Darcy (Kate Hudson) Way back in Law school she was study mates with Dex (Colin Egglesfield), whom she had a crush on and never got over, but Darcy moved in and they started dating. Now Darcy is engaged to Dex, and while at an engagement party, Rachel mentions that she always had a crush on Dex which surprised him. They ended up involved and both feel terrible about it. So Rachel is planning to be the maid of honor for the wedding of her best friend to a guy she just spent the night with. Talk about complications. This is a complicated story that needs to unravel piece by piece.

This is a fine romantic comedy. Kate Hudson is not very likable here, and she’s a bit of a flake. She uses Rachel and has always topped her in everything. Dex is also a rich kid but a bit of wimp, following orders and doing what he’s told to do. Rachel is the sweet one here, but she has not been able to develop her own identity and is always doing what she’s told to do as well. John Krasinski is also in this film (Jim from The Office) as Ethan who has always carried a torch for Rachel, but knows she fell in love with someone else. It all works out in a way, but not in the way I expected. It’s a good story, and Ginnifer is getting to be a really good actress. She carries this film very well, and we get to know her character really well. The jokes are funny, and the situations are funnier. When you start out telling lies, you certainly do weave a tangled web! There is a short scene at the ends during the credits that is a bit of a surprise and is well worth waiting for.

All in all, I enjoyed this “chick flick” for the strong story and the deep character depth each one shows. It was a good film, and one I liked very much.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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