I guess I'm just the opposite. I thought Part II was much better than Part I. The speech delivered by Hank Rearden in front of the Judges was worth watching Part II alone.

I also liked both. There was a bit of 'continuity shock' because of the cast changes, but on consideration, Jason Beghe looks like a man who could have had the history of having worked his way up from miner to become owner
of the mines and mills and factories that made him the top steel producer. Grant Bowler carried the role well, but seemed too young. With an older Hank, we needed a more-mature Dagny: Samantha Mathis. Ether it's incredible acting or incredible makeup, but did anyone else notice that her apparent age changed with the situation - when she was with Hank, or hiding out at her family cabin, she looked at least five years younger than when she was running the railroad and fighting bureaucrats.
I certainly hope the producers manage to get these two back for part 3.

I like both AS I & II. Each actor in both brought a different dimension to their character. I can't wait for AS III.

Both movies were true to the book. That is priority one. The new cast for Part III is the way to do it. The change in cast will be consistent.

The story and message as written by Ayn Rand was fine. I take issue with the "modernization meddling" of the screen writer. The story line setting of Rand's is perfectly applicable to the liberal politics of today without the screenwriter's attempt to make it relevant.