NIGHTS IN RODANTHE
RYAN: I don’t know what I was thinking but I’d assumed Rodanthe was located outside the U.S. Turns out “Nights in Rodanthe” actually takes place somewhere in America.
CAROLINE: Yes, it’s on the coast of North Carolina and the setting is beyond gorgeous. This is another romantic drama starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane who were in “Unfaithful” together. They have great chemistry. But in that one, he was the man to whom she was unfaithful. Not so in this movie.
RYAN: It’s based on a book by the guy who wrote “The Notebook,” which is one of the best romantic dramas ever in my opinion. This movie isn’t quite as good, though I imagine from the tears streaming down your face at the end that you’d argue it’s just as emotionally impactful. I liked it, but it wasn’t quite as young and sexy to me. I prefer the Rachel McAdams/Ryan Gosling pairing.
CAROLINE: I’m with you. I loved the romantical nature of this movie, but I definitely had a couple of moments where I wished they were a little younger so I could relate more. Having said that, Richard and Diane both look fabulous.
RYAN: They are, as you like to say, aging like a fine wine. Diane has the body of a 22-year-old.
CAROLINE: She is Botox free, and if she’s had any plastic surgery at all, it’s flawless. Maybe she just has great genes. And Richard Gere looks like he hasn’t aged a day since “Pretty Woman.” Where did he get that gorgeous head of hair? He could give McDreamy a run for his money.
RYAN: Aside from how great they both look, there’s nothing original in their performances. They’ve played these roles before. He knows how to play the romantic, dashing guy and she has played the tortured woman in love many times. She does it very well though. She has a great facial expression where she looks like she’s in love but it’s painful.
CAROLINE: I think in the hands of two lesser actors this movie could have been way cheesy. And don’t get me wrong – it’s totally cheesy. But Diane and Richard are both genuinely good actors, even in the scenes that are over-the-top dramatic. Let’s be honest, I cried a whole lot.
RYAN: You cried more in this film than I remember in recent history.
CAROLINE: I don’t think I’ve cried like that since Denny died on “Grey’s.”
RYAN: [laughs’ I’m very angry at this film for one reason. The inn where it takes place, which is basically an extra large cottage, is one of the most gorgeous structures I’ve ever seen and we only got to see three rooms of it. Almost the whole movie takes place in a kitchen, a bedroom and an attic. I wanted a full tour.
CAROLINE: The inn was stunning. I almost don’t believe it’s a real place. It’s right on the beach and I want to check in for the weekend immediately. The scenery in this movie is just spectacular.
RYAN: There are some amazing shots too. It’s very well directed and the cinematography is gorge. And I appreciated that it’s not totally predictable like most movies of this genre are.
CAROLINE: It’s definitely a chick flick or a date movie. I don’t think most men will be flocking to the theater this weekend to see it, but ladies – prepare yourselves. This is one for us. Bottom line?
RYAN: I wasn’t very excited for this movie but I have no regrets about seeing it. The setting is beautiful, the score is amazing and it’s well cast and acted. Even the girl who plays Diane Lane’s teen daughter does an excellent job. But it’s not a must-see in the theater. I think I would have enjoyed it just as much on cable or DVD.
CAROLINE: It’s very cinematic and gorgeous on the big screen because of the setting, but it’s only a must-see if you’re a total sap like me who loves to cry at romance movies. I do have one major beef with this film, which I can’t mention because it will ruin the ending. Let’s just say I’m mad at how the movie ends, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.