Review of Nights in Rodanthe (2008) by Johara Y — 15 May 2009

Lane and Gear have strong chemistry and the scenery is spectacular but the film is ultimately let down by an unsatisfying, overly sentimental script. After Under the Tuscan Sun, Diane Lane seems to be carving out a real niche for herself in the middle-aged-romance-in-picturesque-locations genre.

The beachside boarding house is a stunning location (although, sadly, not a real boarding house) and the Outer Banks should probably brace themselves for an influx of tourists as a result of the film.

The performances are good and there's genuine chemistry between Lane and Gere, even if the emotionally distant Paul doesn't seem like much of a catch. There's also strong support from Scott Glenn (as a widower with a connection to Paul) and Mae Whitman as Adrienne's stroppy teenage daughter.

This is the third time that Lane and Gere have been paired together onscreen (The Cotton Club, Unfaithful), so it's no surprise that their chemistry is so strong. Unfortunately, the script gives them very little to work with, resorting to an outpouring of cheap sentimentality and unearned emotion, which leads to a rushed ending that misses the emotional mark.

Lane and Gear ensure that Nights in Rodanthe is never less than watchable, but it's scuppered by an overly sentimental script and fails to deliver the required emotional punch.