40 Days and 40 Nights

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon
Directed by: Michael Lehmann
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After breaking up with his longtime girlfriend, a young man (Josh Hartnett) decides the only way he will be able to get over her is to completely give up sex (no sex, masturbation, or foreplay) for 40 days. As he embarkes on his personal sacrifice and challenge, he meets the perfect girl (Shannyn Sossamon), who wrecks havok on his promise.

Review:

Tim: The prospective of a movie about a guy who completely gives up all forms of sex for 40 days sounds to me like a winner. Guys are notorious for being obsessed with sex, and for a good-looking, successful ladies' man, it is quite a feat to pull off.

If you haven't caught the drift already, this movie is about sex, sex, and sex (which is funny because the whole premise is lack of sex). Make sure you know this before you start watching. The film itself is quite funny, and plays on many male stereotypes (which also happen to be true).

Josh Hartnett was perfect for the role. He's proven he's a great actor with roles in Black Hawk Down and "O", but here he shows a much different side. He can definitely pull off the lighthearted comedy. Shannyn Sossamon gives a good performance next to Hartnett, but I don't feel she was the best actress for the role. At times there seems to be no chemistry between the two.

Now, while I did really like 40 Days and 40 Nights, and I did laugh really, really hard at a number of points in the film; ultimately, the sex jokes grow old, and the film becomes more and more unbelievable. What starts as a genius foundation for the movie soon begins to spin out of control (like millions of people all obsessing and betting on the internet as when he'll break his celibacy vow). The end of the film features a slight twist that is both twisted and unbelievable. This is a film that starts out better than it ends. However, despite numerous flaws, if you can put up with sex jokes for the duration, you'll probably really enjoy this film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: American Pie, Save the Last Dance, "O", American Pie 2, Black Hawk Down, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days