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40 Days and 40 Nights

Starring: Josh Hartnett
Director: Michael Lehmann
Genre: Comedy
Year: 2002
Rating: 3 / 5

40 Days and 40 Nights may never be remembered as a film classic, but, as mindless entertainment goes, the movie is quite a success. Of course, my thoughts on this film may be slightly skewed by the fact that I went into this movie with rather low expectations. These expectations sank even lower when I learned that the film's producers originally envisioned Ashton Kutcher (Dude, Where's My Car?) in the lead role. Fortunately, 40 Days and 40 Nights is witty and incredibly funny, albeit somewhat over-the-top at times. Starring Josh Hartnett and relative newcomer Shannyn Sossamon, 40 Days and 40 Nights is just the kind of comedy to leave people laughing out loud.

Matt Sullivan (Josh Hartnett) is hopelessly in love with his rather uppity girlfriend Nicole, even after she dumps him. Depressed and alone, Matt seeks comfort where he often does - in the arms of some all-too-willing women. No matter what he does, they are incessantly drawn to him. Unfortunately for him, once he has them in bed, he realizes the gravity of his actions and panics. Here he is, desperately pining for his ex-girlfriend, yet shacked up with a different woman each night. Viewing this as a potentially unending cycle of gluttony, Matt decides to take a new and drastic tact - he will give up sex for Lent. Ladies and gentlemen, let the games begin!

Wielding what surely must be considered noble intentions, Matt soon realizes how difficult his task is. During the beginning of his forty days of abstinence, Matt meets Erica (Shannyn Sossamon), the beauty at the local Laundromat. She is intrigued because, for the first time in her memory, a guy is not falling all over himself to talk with / hit on her. Little does she know that Matt has a rather peculiar reason for keeping his distance. She learns, though, through the efforts of his friends, who have set up an on-line pool on whether or not Matt can succeed in this most unusual venture. With the truth in hand, will Erica still be able to fall for Matt, even with his rather apparent "restrictions?"

In 40 Days and 40 Nights, Josh Hartnett proves more than capable of carrying a major studio production. He is a charming and charismatic actor, able to remain likeable while playing both a sex addict and a hopeless romantic. His capable partner is Shannyn Sossamon, offered more of a showcase here than during A Knight's Tale, her most recent wide release. The two have a quirky sort of chemistry that is engaging and sweet, although it is upstaged by the juvenile antics of Matt's posse. These sex-starved men are always poking and prodding our hero, daring him - often in a rather humorous fashion - to actually complete his quest. Come to think of it, could any man really survive 40 Days and 40 Nights?

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for nudity and language.
Running Time: 105 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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