inkblot11 Review of Nights in Rodanthe

Nights in Rodanthe (2008)

Wish I'd seen it sooner, for it is a sweet romantic drama with lovely scenery, too

[7/10 · 23 September 2013]

Adrienne (Diane Lane) has spent the last few months separated from her husband of many years. Its his fault, cheating hubby Jack (Christopher Meloni) ran off with another woman. Now, when he arrives to take the two children, teen daughter (Mae Whitman) and tween son, he makes a pitch for Adrienne to reconcile. Whoa. Evidently, grass was not greener in other pastures and A, who has just been getting back on her feet, is thrown asunder. Begging for time to consider her feelings, Adrienne goes off to Rodanthe, a small town in the Outer Banks, to take charge of a pal's (Viola Davis) B & B for a week. This pal urges A NOT to go back to her cheating ex while thanking her for giving her some much needed time off. There is only one guest booked for the time being, as bad weather may be approaching. This man, Dr. Paul (Richard Gere) arrives quietly and doesn't say much as he spends his first night. But, aha, he is a looker! The next day, he opens up a bit at dinner and Adrienne does the same. But, the truth comes out. The doctor, a well-respected surgeon, had a patient from Rodanthe die on the operating table, due to a reaction to the anesthesia. So, even though it was not the doc's fault, he is in town to try to explain matters to the deceased woman's bitter husband (Scott Glenn). A first meeting does not go well and there IS a mild hurricane approaching. Scared and lonely, Paul and Adrienne reach out to each other after they have batted down the hatches. They spend one lovely night together. But, the timing is not right, as A is still confused and P has some unfinished business with his physician son as well. Will there be a future after a Night in Rodanthe? This sweet romantic drama will be loved by fans everywhere. It has great, attractive stars in Gere and Lane, with Davis, Meloni, Glenn, Whitman, and James Franco supporting them nicely. The story is a heart grabber with a twist at the end, making for a flood of tears for most viewers. The direction is surefooted while costumes and amenities are wonderful, too, especially Lane's great haircut. Finally, the scenery is breathtaking, making film watchers want to plan their next vacays at the Outer Banks, for certain. Therefore, if you like the summary provided by this critic, go get Rodanthe for your own night of sighs and tears.