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Jason Barney: I have mixed feelings about this result. Atlas Shrugged is one of my favorite books, and ever since I read it in college I have wished it would make it onto the big screen. I know a lot of people tend to detest the message of Rand's books, but they hold a special place in my reading history. That said, I think this is an awful marketing situation, needlessly politicized, and I hope it fails.

I saw Atlas Shrugged Part I, hoping that it was going to be better than it was. In my view it didn't suck, it was just good to see the story on screen. However, the idea that Part II of the film might be enough to influence the outcome of the presidential election is really sad. As has been reported, there does not appear to be any improvement over the take of the first film, so I don't think the aim of the creative team involved will be realized.

This will end up being a footnote for a week, maybe two, then it will be gone.

Felix Quinonez: I think this is pretty hilarious. They clearly didn't understand, or care, how audiences felt about the first part. It's almost like they think if they just ignore audience reaction they can will it in to becoming a hit. I kind of hope they go ahead with the third part.

Bruce Hall: I actually enjoy The Fountainhead, but Atlas Shrugged is a book that will fight you tooth and nail to keep you from finishing it. I am no exception and I still bear the psychological scars of forcing myself to finish something that considers itself essential reading, but never stops looking down on the reader. It's that kind of self importance that makes Rand a niche player even among her core audience of hard-line Objectivists and closet Libertarians. The irony Rand seemed not to notice is that for a person who put so much faith in the Market, she had a tremendous ability to overlook the fact that the Market unequivocally rejects that which it does not find useful.

In other words, considering yourself a genius is not what makes you a genius. On the lighter side, Rand's philosophy is the driving force behind most of Rush's best albums, so I guess I can't knock her completely.

Tim Briody: So you're saying audiences...shrugged? I'll see myself out.

Max Braden: I don't blame the advertising for trying to tie into the election to boost sales. It was about the only play they had. I think the tough sell here is unlike politically-tinged documentaries like An Inconvenient Truth or even Kirk Cameron's religious movies, there's no build up of evidence or testimonials to produce an argumentative philosophy. Atlas Shrugged starts with the philosophy and says, here, let me translate it for you so it's more palatable. I think audiences feel that and don't want to be force fed and made to join the cult. Movies like The Master draw audiences because they want to see the downfall of an overly charismatic but detached-from-reality cult leader. Atlas Shrugged is the kind of movie that even its own cheerleaders feel a little guilty about trying to get others to watch.

Kim Hollis: I'm honestly surprised they decided to go ahead with the second film. I guess the producers were passionate about it. They raised the money they needed and I honestly don't really think that releasing Atlas Shrugged is about the box office. It's just about getting the story put to screen. I do wonder how Rand followers feel about the movies.

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