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Went to see AS III with my two sons today....

Posted by LetsShrug 10 years, 7 months ago to Entertainment
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Before viewing AS III in Vegas last weekend, Scott stood in front of us and, among other things (just before receiving his spiffy leather John Galt jacket), said "this will not be the movie you have in your head". He was right. (Hear me out though.)

Just prior to heading to the Premiere I re-read Atlas Shrugged, I wanted it to be fresh in my mind, and THAT is wanted I wanted to see on the screen. ALL of it. Which is completely unrealistic considering the multitude of events that happen in part 3 of the book.

Fast forward to today. I took my two sons (ages 17 and 21) to see the movie this afternoon. They have not read the book, but have seen both of the previous movies. I didn't tell them much about part 3 because I wanted their reactions to be THEIRS.

After the movie was over, and before the cleaning people kicked us out of the theater because we hung out too long to talk, I asked them, "Did you understand what happened, did it make sense?" They both explained that they understood the message. I asked what was the message? And they nailed it! And they both said they enjoyed the movie and were glad I took them.

So, perhaps those of us who know the book backwards and forwards and thirst to share it with others, but can't seem to get people to read a thick book, these movies will do the job quite nicely to open their eyes...and perhaps be the catalyst that gets them to read the book. (After all Part I worked for me.)

With that said, I want to thank John Aglialoro and Joan Carter for getting our favorite book on the big screen in spite of all the many road blocks they had to contend with to finally pull off that monumental task.

Thank You! ;)

(The theater had approx 30 people in it. )


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  • Posted by WBD 10 years, 7 months ago
    Thanks for conducting that little experiment Shrug. I know that the producers of the film wanted to reach those who had not read the book. Looks like they will be able to reach those who CAN be reached.
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  • Posted by cmblake6 10 years, 7 months ago
    I am looking so forward to this. Unfortunately, there is no theater here that will carry this. As with the first two, I must buy the disc. Count on this: I WILL!
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  • Posted by therev1953 10 years, 7 months ago
    Our theater didn't have many people and after the scathing reviews- well, I think there were good intentions but the real casting directors and writers here already at the Gulch. Almeida was way too old and Galt was way too young and Rearden was --a cameo? Louis Herthum (Mouch) should have been cast as Galt- ruggedly handsome and slightly older than middle age because let's remember the story in the books happens over a few years - like what we're suffering with this administration. I own the books and have now read THE WHOLE TRILOGY plus The Fountainhead 4 times. The first time entering 7th grade and then before the release of each movie.
    I love the books. A librarian who was trying to keep me entertained suggested them during my summer after 6th grade. Atlas Shrugged was only slightly above the required reading- 1984, Farenheit 451, animal Farm, Logan's Run. That was the difference.We had The Hunger Games X 100. Somewhere in the 70s, the dystopian novels that shaped our value system turned into Judy Blume, Danielle Steele, Eudora Welty, Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. If you haven't read the books- read them! If those books are too long to dive into, try The Hunger Games. While they aren't Ayn Rand they're a solid Orwellian quality. I understood most of what she wrote at age 11. Don't underestimate your children. They arent too young to be taught different values than the communist indoctrination being rammed down everyone's throat.
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    Posted by richkinley 10 years, 7 months ago
    My 12 YO son accompanied me today. He got the message, and he definitely liked the movie.

    I feel like I'm raising a Renaissance Man, and it's a really good feeling.
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  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 7 months ago in reply to this comment.
    I'm with l. thanks for being a great parent. I completely agree that individuals must come to their own conclusions. and it was inspirational to your sons. How many other 20 somethings are out there whom this movie will resonate with? thanks fr the post. I a re-inspired!
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  • Posted by lrbeggs 10 years, 7 months ago
    Wonderful, Shrug. I have wondered about this often. I want to believe the movie drew people in and exposed them to Rand so they could further explore her writings and philosophy. Thanks so much for sharing! And for being a terrific parent.
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