We’ll start here. Atlas Shrugged Part 1 opened at theaters across the country on Friday. I was privileged to talk to two theatre-loads (if you will) Friday night before the showing of the movie. The big surprise for me was that at least one-half of the folks in both of these theaters have not read the book.

Now I’ll be the first to admit that the movie might be just a bit confusing -- perhaps taking thirty or so minutes to catch on -- for someone who hasn’t read the book. So I spent a few minutes trying to give these movie-goers a hint on what was to come. After the movies were over the reactions I got from these people were generally positive.

Did I think it was the best-produced and acted movie I’ve ever seen? No, it wasn’t. I didn’t go to see cinematic craftsman ship however, I went to finally seen Ayn Rand’s book played out on the screen .. to see and listen to the characters brought to life. This is a 1000+ page book we’re dealing with here; not something easily whittled down to a feature-length movie. The book is delivered in three parts, and so it is with the film. I was a perfectly satisfied viewer and I can tell you that I’m eagerly looking forward to Part 2.

http://bcove.me/948lcj4c

Now you’re certainly going to see some very negative comment about the film in the media. Just remember this ... Atlas Shrugged presents a philosophical viewpoint that is absolutely poisonous to the type of people who who use the phrases “give back” and “the less fortunate.” I would have loved to see how Rand would have handled those two terms of art from the left if they had been around in her day. I’ll just say that I give from what I have earned, not from what has been given me; and most of the people the left would have you believe are just not “fortunate” are right where they are in their lives this very day because of the combined affect of the decisions they have made over the past 20 or 30 years. “Luck” is opportunity met by preparation.

If you’ve read the book you absolutely must go see the movie. If you haven’t read the book the movie will surely whet your appetite for Rand’s work. Besides ... the more money Atlas Shrugged takes in, the more pissed and downright apoplectic the left will get .... so make a liberal miserable, go see Atlas Shrugged.