Arrived today, watched it already.
I think most of the bad reviews that aren’t ideology driven are related to the fact that those loved the novel had a vision of the characters that was as strong as their attachment to the book. As a result, anything that doesn’t match that vision grates.
I, apparently, had a vision that matched that of the producers. I think Taylor’s a wonderful Dagny and I think Grant’s fine too. I didn’t see any obvious cheapness in the production, and I thought the effects were adequate. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Trying to find the balance between Ayn’s constant preaching and the temptation to just do a simplistic soap-opera-type narrative is a very difficult task, and I think they walked that line very well.
All in all, worth the wait, and I look forward to part 2.
I saw it in the theater, and my blu-ray just arrived today. I also downloaded it from iTunes and just now finished watching it on my iPod.
I got so much more the second time. Will watch it again this weekend with my Dad, who finally just finished the book.
I really like it. I love the casting. Apart from Dagny not having black hair, I have no quibbles. I do think, though, that it would be very difficult for somebody that hasn’t read the book. But I think the producers decided that this was OK. This movie is for fans.