_Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike_ is a compelling and provocative film that brings Ayn Rand’s classic novel to life. The saga continues with Dagny Taggart and Henry Rearden struggling to hold off a total economic collapse while an oppressive government tightens their control and leading industrialists mysteriously disappear. All of the major roles have been recast, which is rather off-putting and doesn’t result in any noticeable improvements in the characters. However, the directing is a little better and delivers a clearer vision than the first film had. Additionally, the special effects are fairly well-done for an independent film, and are used quite effectively to add energy and excitement to the scenes. While _Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike_ doesn’t live up to the quality of the source material, it still delivers a solid dramatic thriller.