The sparks between Richard Gere and Diane Lane--so memorable in Unfaithful--smolder again in the sweepingly romantic Nights in Rodanthe. Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks; the film is unapologetically sentimental; and enjoyable completely on its own terms--a small gem of an escape; complete with storm-tossed coastline. Lane plays Adrienne; a wronged wife whose husband (Christopher Meloni) was a heel; but begs for another chance. She goes to clear her head at a remote North Carolina inn; where the sole occupant is Paul; a doctor; played by Gere; who is battling his own demons. If the writing is on the wall about what will become of our two leading actors; it's to Lane's and Gere's deep credit that they make their tentative connection; wariness; and growing feelings human and quite believable. Love is messy; and grownup love; even more so. As they get to know each other; Adrienne shows Paul a small wooden box that holds her keepsakes: "I made it to keep special things safe." Paul turns to her; looking her squarely but gently in the eye; and says; "What keeps you safe?" At that moment; every woman watching the film is in the palm of his hand. The film squarely addresses the reality that people over age 25 do; in fact; yearn for; and find; love. If only more studios would realize the deep; appreciative audience for films like this. --A.T. Hurley