Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike

Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike is a 2012 American drama film based on Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged. The film is directed by John Putch and stars Samantha Mathis, Jason Beghe, and Esai Morales in the lead roles.

The movie is set in the near future, where the United States is in a state of economic meltdown, with vast numbers of businesses and industries being shut down. In this context, Dagny Taggart (Samantha Mathis) is a successful businesswoman and Vice President of Taggart Transcontinental, her family's railroad empire. Dagny is determined to save her family's business, which is on the brink of collapse.

As Dagny tries to save her business, she is also trying to find out why the country's most talented and productive people are disappearing without a trace. The mystery deepens when she discovers that some of the most successful businessmen and inventors have disappeared, leaving only the phrase "Who is John Galt?" as a clue.

Meanwhile, the government is imposing more and more regulations on the country's businesses, stifling innovation and creativity. Hank Rearden (Jason Beghe), a metal magnate, is also struggling to keep his business afloat. He has invented a revolutionary metal alloy, but the government is preventing him from producing it.

As the situation worsens, Dagny and Hank join forces to try and find out who John Galt is and what is happening to the country's productive citizens. Along the way, they encounter a number of other characters, each with their own motives and agendas.

One such character is Francisco d'Anconia (Esai Morales), a wealthy industrialist and playboy who was once Dagny's lover. Francisco is now on a quest to destroy his own business, seemingly out of a desire to punish himself for his own success.

As Dagny and Hank dig deeper into the mystery of John Galt, they uncover a conspiracy at the heart of the government. The plot revolves around a mysterious new technology, which has the potential to change the world forever.

Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike is a well-crafted movie that offers a compelling blend of drama, suspense, and political commentary. The performances by the lead actors are strong, with Samantha Mathis in particular giving a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Dagny Taggart.

The film's themes of individualism, innovation, and free market economics are central to the story, and are likely to resonate with viewers who share Rand's beliefs. However, the film may also prove divisive among audiences who do not share Rand's philosophy.

Overall, Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike is a worthy adaptation of Ayn Rand's classic novel. Its combination of action, drama, and political philosophy make it an engaging and thought-provoking film that is well worth watching.