Atlas Shrugged Movie Review

‘Atlas Shrugged’ Movie Evokes More Than a Shrug

“Atlas Shrugged,” the new movie based on the 1957 novel written by Ayn Rand, is a political thriller fit for the whole family. Directed by Paul Johansson, “Atlas Shrugged” brings to the big screen a chilling imagining of a dystopian future for America—a scenario not so far removed from reality in the minds of many Americans. The film portrays an overreaching government—again, not a stretch in an era of government bailouts and takeovers of various industries—corrupt politicians and equally-corrupt businesses; in other words, crony capitalism. 

Dagny Taggart, portrayed by Taylor Schilling, is the film’s protagonist— an executive of a giant railroad company founded by her grandfather. The film chronicles her attempt to save the family business from difficult economic times characterized by a crooked political machine in the form of collectivism and statism. During her struggle, Dagny Taggart crosses paths with Hank Rearden (Grant Bowler), a self-made steel magnate, and they unite to fight against the government’s attempt to enforce control over successful businesses.

“Atlas Shrugged” manages to pull you in from the moment you sit down. The question of “Who is John Galt?” permeates the film. Readers of Rand’s most well-known novel will recognize the question and what it means, but those who haven’t read the hefty best-seller will either have to read the tome or see the movie.

Like many films based on books, “Atlas Shrugged” has received mixed reviews.  Even those who have not read Rand’s magnum opus, however, will find the film easy to follow. Despite a less than large budget—at least by Hollywood standards—the film is visually appealing and the largely unknown actors acquit themselves quite well. 

For those burned out by the stream of leftist drivel that routinely flows out of Hollywood, this film is a breath of fresh air with its spirited defense of freedom and capitalism. “Atlas Shrugged” is a fine film for political junkies and mystery-lovers alike. 

This is the first part of a planned three-part movie, with the second and third movies scheduled for release in spring 2012 and spring 2013, respectively.

Changing the Game

"OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Legislature approved on Tuesday a bill to suspend Washington's 2012 presidential primary, a move that will save more than $10 million as lawmakers struggle to close the $5.1 billion budget deficit for the next two years. Instead of a primary, Washington will revert back to a caucus system, which involves neighborhood meetings where people sign in to choose a certain candidate. Caucuses historically have a much lower voter turnout than the primary system." Seattle PI

So how will this effect college students?

Well depending on when  and where the caucuses are, Students might not even be able to attend. In other words you will only be able to vote on the general election. For most people this will not be too big of an issue. But in times like this when so much rides on the future leaders of out nation. I would hope the youth could get more involved in working to reform there nation. With changes like this however I for see once again the college age students getting the short end of the stick.

Obama and Facebook

 

"Obama’s decision to trek to the hub of the social networking movement comes on the heels of a heavy youth presence in Obama’s web video announcing his plan to seek a second term that was released a few weeks ago...What’s clear is that the Obama political team views young voters a s a fundamental building block to him winning a second term in 2012. The harder question to answer is whether they can they re-create the political magic Obama demonstrated with young people in 2008" Washington Post


With the election season getting closer the politicians are starting to make their move. For obama his main area of focus of late has been the youth. With his announcement for reelection coming via face book it's not surprising he is trying to harness the unknown power that is the youth vote.  Obama's trip to the internet capital of the world, further drives home his dedication to reconnecting with the youth for his upcoming election.

With students having to shell out as much has 16% more on education next year one has to wonder if Obama will be able to be the Star Studded Candidate he was in 2008.  With only half the number of students voting in 2010 many wonder what the turnout will be like in 2012. Will the students be deterred from the political process once again? Or will Obama's calls for reform and change this time around be meet with cheer and applause once more? One thing is for certain the youth will have a chance to really make a stand and direct the discussion and debates of this election. But on what topic and what direction will they choose?

Union Rallies and Angry People

"The State Patrol says four organized rallies against budget cuts at the state Capitol last week cost the agency about $50,000 in overtime for extra security staffing, and there is evidence police thought protests were escalating and close to getting out of hand. Last Thursday, state troopers arrested 17 people outside the governor’s office, mostly home care workers cited for disorderly conduct, and one man for an alleged felony assault on two officers. A larger rally drew 7,000 on Friday but had no incidents – although eight troopers lined up in front of the governor’s office lobby’s locked doors at one point in the afternoon." The Olympian 

Last week i had the time to go to the Union rally in Olympia . It was quite the experience to say the least. With the state discovering that they are even further in debt the cuts are beginning to be even more drastic. With cuts in education, public health, and services, it is logical to look into government jobs as well. Union groups "combating" what many of the labor movement call "union busting"  have been creating rallies like this all over the nation.

For some reason community organizers and union bosses think that the more angry people show up at the capital the better. But in actuality it has the opposite effect. The Olympian article above showed the real impact of the rally. One has to wonder do these demonstrations really have an impact on the legislature?  The honest answer is no. Very few legislators' minds are changed my mass hysteria. But then again maybe its good for people to let off some political steam.

For you viewing pleasure picture from the rally are below. 

Robbing the Youth

"A quarter of teenagers were jobless in March, representing a surprising increase from February, even as the unemployment rate for the rest of the population decreased.....The unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year olds jumped back up to 24.5 percent in March, up from 23.9 percent the prior month, according to the latest jobs data from the Labor Department." CNBC's

Sadly during this time of economic recover, one group seems always left out..... the youth. The reality of life is that college degrees are counting for less and less. We are the most "education generation" in history and are still the most unemployed. Even minimum wages jobs are hard to come by. Students who worked through high school to save for college or just to pay for the gas in your car are not even finding the basic jobs they had when they were 16. With all the talk of economic growth and reform, its seems that the next generation is always left out. Don't cut medicare don't revise social security don't even think of cutting wasteful spending just undercut the next generation so that the current one is happy.....  As these recent statics show the future is looking bleak for the people of my generation.

With college tuition on the rise and the unemployment rate increasing for the leaders of tomorrow we are starting to create a very explosive situation among the youth. When your college degree can't even get you a job at Starbucks it makes you wonder what will become of our future? For most of the recent graduates the biggest hurtle is the lack of experience. Most post college level jobs want 3-4 year plus of experience in a field.  Robbing our generation of basic jobs and work opportunities just increase the gravity if the issue. So if we can't get experience and a fourth of us cant get a job what will become of the "entitlement generation".


One would hope that this will act as a catalyst for real change in America.  As one of my favorite political writers said. "The pages of history are not written by the old, but by the youth, for they are the ones fighting in the trenches and protesting in the streets. The youth fight for the future while the old just fight to preserve the present" Eric Hoffer

Reality of High Ed : You can't afford it

"Student loan debt topped credit card debt for the first time last year, and it's no wonder. College costs have skyrocketed over the last decade - rising an average of 6 percent each and every year. Today's college student can expect to still be paying down loans when THEIR kids go to college."  Fox Business

The shocking reality of high education is that we can literally not pay our way throughout college. Unless our parents saved for your education you will have to get loans to pay for high education. If you worked 40hours  every week at a minimum wage job (est $9 a hour) you would only make ruffly $14,000. The cost to go to most state schools is around 17,000-20,000 a year (tuition housing and food). With the reality of high education its no shocker that students loans are plaguing our generation.

With every graduating class there are less jobs and more unemployed college graduates. Sadly its quite common to see students that graduate with four years degrees working at Safeway or Starbucks, while they wait for there "dream job". With the economy in a slump and our government in denial of the size and scope of our debit, the future doesn't look to good for those seeking higher education. Will college still act as a gate keeper for "success" in life? Or will our culture start reshaping the views of the post high school life? One thing is for certain the future of high education will directly impact the future of our nation. The bigger the debt grows so will the cost of higher education.

"At the end of the day, students have to weigh their wishes and wants - all of them - against the cost of education. Because if you pay too much - you'll end up shortchanging your future in other ways, such as delaying marriage, buying a house and having kids." Fox Business

Crisis Averted

I love it in American politics when someone actually does their job there is a celebrate proceeding it. The discussion of late was whether our federal government would be able to figure out a budget for our nation. After days of fear mongering, name calling  and miss information, our legislators got together and did their job. As many of the national paper reported, there was great jubilation and celebrate with the completion of a budget.  But one has to ask, Why are we calibrating the complete of a basic requirement of their job?  Has our government gotten to the point that failure and party politics are a norm and doing you job is now seen as going above and beyond?  That greatly concerns be. I already experienced celebrated mediocrity by going to public school, so its not to surprising they doing it in public service jobs. I just hope they save the champagne for once we balance the national budget.