Any Nicholas Sparks reader knows that the man is a genius when it comes to pulling at the heartstrings of his readers.With 13 published novels, he is a well-known author, writing stories of love, tragedy, mystery and everything in between.Three of his novels were turned into films and received rave reviews, but some critics say that the fourth movie, “Nights in Rodanthe,” fell under the radar.
As expected, the movie is somewhat basic and to the point.Two strangers, played by Diane Lane (The Perfect Storm) and Richard Gere (Pretty Woman), are stranded in an ocean-side inn during a hurricane.Paul (Gere) is a doctor in town trying to heal old wounds, while Adrienne (Lane), a divorced mother of two, is watching the inn for a close friend.Their individual misfortunes bring the two together, but in the end may be what tears them apart.
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Being a Nicholas Sparks fan, and having read the book, I was disappointed with the movie.The film was well-hyped, full of famous actors, and had a plot written by a best-selling author, but did not appear to be well thought out.The scenes were choppy, and the dialogue was awkward and at most times dull.The renowned actors looked to be uncomfortable in their character’s skins’ and did not shine as luminously as they have in past movies.
George C. Wolfe, director of “Lackawanna Blues”, makes his debut with “Nights in Rodanthe.”This is his first feature film, and I believe that is one of the main reasons why the movie does not seem as solid as the other Nicholas Sparks adaptations. As the movie progressed through its 97 minutes of show-time, it improved to some extent, but does not live up to its sister movies, “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember.”
If you have read the novel, I would not suggest seeing the movie because it will not live up to your expectations.But if you are looking for a Saturday night date movie, it may be right up your alley.
“Nights in Rodanthe” opened in theatres Friday, September, 26.
