Nights in Rodanthe: Review By Rama's SCREEN

This is a romantic drama that has better acting than it does a storyline. I find it upsetting when watching a movie like this, expecting something moving and getting otherwise in return. I’m not saying… this movie’s all that bad because it does show how the two main characters collide, develop and become attracted to each other but it only gives us a few elements worth noticing and many that are not memorable at all.

Most female audiences will love this movie mainly because it is no different, and I repeat.. no different than any other telenovela or soap opera series out there. The movie spends way too much time on the dull moments and when there are romantic moments, it drags ‘em for what seems like a lifetime so instead of feeling all mushy and lovy dubby, all you get is boredom through and through.

I don’t have anything against chick flick, seriously but it needs to be done right. It’s easy to get audience to cry but it’s a tough job to make a lasting impression. The movie deserves some points though…I was impressed by the art design especially the unique look to the vacation house business that Diane Lane’s character runs with her friend. The way the camera appreciates the landscapes all around it is breathtaking. And let’s not forget our two main actors. Richard Gere is old that’s for sure, he doesn’t try to hide it too but as a doctor with conflicting pride and guilt messing with his career and his duty as a father, Gere sure does give a compelling performance and Diane Lane just deserves a standing ovation. There’s one scene where she’s in total grief, shock, and heartache over the loss of the man she loves and that scene goes to prove that she is up there among other great actresses of all time.

I have never read the book that this movie’s based on but when I heard that it’s by the same author who penned the novel The Notebook, I just had to see this movie because I loved The Notebook. As a chick flick, that one was an instant classic.

But NIGHTS IN RODANTHE movie doesn’t come close. Maybe I just have this personal belief that the best love stories are those about love that can never be. I blame director George C. Wolfe who lacks the experience and the vision to bring this story to life on the big screen. It’s frustrating when a filmmaker thinks that some scenes would be good as part of the film but leaving the audiences wondering why those particular scenes or dialogue didn’t get cut out in the editing room. I don’t get the horse running on the beach and the ending was pretty weak, surely you can think of something else other than Diane Lane blowing kisses to the wind while standing on the boardwalk above the ocean.