40
Days and 40 Nights
Review
by : Gareth Von Kallenbach
Starring:
Josh Hartnett (Matt), Shannyn Sossamon
(Erica), Adam Trese (John)
Directed by: Michael Lehmann
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Ah, the joys of dating. Who can forget the insecurity, the
late nights, the dining out, the heartbreaks, and the lines
people use just go try to get someone in bed? In the new comedy
"40 Days and 40 Nights" viewers are introduced to Matt Sullivan
(Josh Hartnett), a computer design worker who is recovering
from a difficult breakup by sleeping with every lady he can
find in San Francisco. This is not going very well as poor
Matt believes that the ceiling is becoming a black hole and
will consume him during his coitial bliss. While seeking advice
from his priest-in-training brother John (Adam Trese), Matt
decides to try giving up all forms of sex for 40 days and
nights for Lent in an effort to rid himself of his issues
and his pining for his ex of six months.
At first
it all is well for Matt as he finds projects to keep himself
distracted. Fate soon steps in with a chance encounter at
a laundry mat where Matt encounters Erica (Shannyn Sossamon),
who is in many ways his ideal woman. Matt and Erica begin
to date, but Matt is abstaining from all forms of contact
including kisses, hand holding, and hugs, and faces the issue
of showing Erica he is crazy about her without breaking his
vow. Why doesn't he just tell her about his vow? Well our
hero has decided that doing so might make him seem a sex fiend
to the lady of his dreams, so he decides to avoid the topic
no matter how hard things get. Compounding the issue are Matt's
co-workers who try to seduce him, or tempt him to fail in
order to win an internet pool on just how long he can last.
With the pot growing near $18,000 there is plenty of motivation
for people to make Matt fail in his quest.
The film
is a funny and often ribald look at the sexes and how they
view dating, sex, and communication. While the film drags
in spots, Hartnett is very good in his role and the audience
can clearly feel his pain and suffering as he attempts to
complete his vow. Sossamon is good in a restrained manner
that sets her apart from the standard film girlfriend. She
is kind and caring, but never unrealistic in her affection
for Matt despite the odd situation they are in. The film's
content and nudity may be a bit much for some, but if you
want to get some good laughs and see a novel twist on the
war of the sexes, than this film may be just what you are
looking for.
Gareth
Von Kallenbach
Gareth@nwlink.com
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