3/15/09

Sunday Review

Nights in Rodanthe is based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, one of my favourite authors, although I have not read this particular book. So I can't comment on whether the movie is true to the book, but I can tell you I was slightly disappointed in this movie.

I had been looking forward to seeing this for awhile and certainly the location and sets lived up to my expectations. The lead roles are taken by Richard Gere and Diane Lane, they are well cast but neither of them light up the screen.

It tells the story of their meeting on a stormy weekend at a very upmarket B&B on the beach in Rodanthe. They are both damaged goods, him by the loss of a patient during a routine surgery and her by the collapse of her marriage. As they ride out a hurricane, they slowly reveal their problems to each other and find solace in sharing. I won't reveal anymore, or I will be giving away too much of the plot.

So why was I disappointed, well it was a bit like putting on a favourite pair of sloppy, comfy tracksuit pants (bottoms). It was just everyday, not fancy, slightly saggy but still comforting when there's nothing else to put on!

As nice as both Diane Lane & Richard Gere are to look at, neither of them have ever been the greatest actors. Richard in particular seems to have a set range of expressions and I found myself watching thinking 'yep, seen that one before Richard'! It just didn't stir up any real emotion in me, so I guess they failed to connect with me as characters.

I thought it was okay, but it's nowhere near as good as another charming Diane Lane film, Under the Tuscan Sun and so I'd recommend seeing that instead!

And if you really want to be moved and connect emotionally this weekend, then go and watch THIS. It's what made me cry on Oprah and has again twice since!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yep, I've seen that one in several forms over the last couple of years, and it never fails to make me cry. A truly remarkable story.

Sassy Britches said...

I wasn't remotely intersted in seeing this movie...probably subconsciously for the reasons you mentioned! I adore Under the Tuscan Sun (actually visited the town and stayed for a week last summer!), so I'll stick with that one.

And, hey! What's wrong with the track pants?! It's my daily uniform! :)

Anonymous said...

I didnt enjoy this film at all either. I have read the book and it was kinda true to it apart from the begining. The book was alot better.I loved under the Tuscan Sun. It just seemed like to boring and been done before.

Peggy said...

I agree with you on all counts. I was dissapointed with the new Gere/Lane movie also.
I loved, the Diane Lane movie, Under the Tuscan Sky and the lion clip always...always makes me cry with joy!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Sarah, We are home from a week in Arkansas. We had terrible weather when we were there (lots of rain and ICE). I was hoping you would have gotten some rain out of that system. Sorry to read that you did not YET. It rained on us ALL the way home yesterday. Wish we could share some with you all...

The movie looks GOOD. I like Richard Gere.

Hope you have had a good week.. I check out your blogs for the week.
Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

I read the book and saw the movie, and wept during both!

One of my faves of all time.

Kay said...

I saw Rodanthe on the airplane coming over and was rather disappointed too. I didn't think it was edited well and the ending seemed abrupt and and gratuitous. I preferred Under the Tuscan Sun also.

Veronica said...

I watched this other day too, and have to admit that not only was I disappointed but I was angry by the end! lol I was like, "WHAT???" Yeah, I was not happy with it.

Sherri said...

Sarah, John and I watched that 2 weeks ago and I thought it drug on and on. I liked the movie overall but I agree nothing really came shining through. The book was so good. Under the Tuscan Sun is one of my favs, I liked that one tons more!

Kathy W said...

I used to read Nicholas Sparks but most of his books sound to much the same. Sounds from your review about how this book read. Not one of his better stories. =)

Rhea said...

I just saw Under the Tuscan Sun last night for the first time ever! It was on TV. It was a little cheesy, but I really enjoyed it. It made me want to move to a foreign country. To write. To feel passion.

Anonymous said...

I just watched the Lion video. Wow I had goosebumps and a knot in my throat. Amazing. Thankyou for shring that with us x x

tinkalicious said...

the only part I loved was the fantastic old house, wouldn't you just love to live there. Richard Gere, never really got him. Diane Lane, love her, neurotic though she seems! Confession: I did cry though, but not as much as I sobbed at the Notebook!

Aubrey said...

I haven't watched this yet. It is on my list of to-watch movies though. I might push it to the bottom of the list now. LOL

Thanks for the review!

Flea said...

I'm not a big Sparks fan. My girlfriends all talked up the Notebook, but I didn't really care for the movie. Or the follow up book. Or another book of his I read. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

and isn't this a remake? I thought a Night in Rodanthe had been released a few years back?