DVD Spotlight: "40 Days and 40 Nights" (2002) - Starring Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett's star was on the rise during the early 2000's, as the up and coming actor appeared in numerous films over a five year period, including the comedy 40 Days and 40 Nights. The always expressive Hartnett delivers a fine performance, as Matt Sullivan, a twenty-something web designer whose good looks and powerful sex drive lead him from one relationship to the next, with little downtime. However, after being dumped by his latest girlfriend, Nicole (Vinessa Shaw), Matt struggles with letting her go, which leads him to obsess over the young woman, who has already moved on and is now engaged to be married. 

Matt seeks counsel from his brother, John (Adam Trese), a priest in training, who has little experience in the sexual realm. Regardless, Matt soon has an epiphany and announces that he is going to give up sex for lent, or for 40 days and 40 nights. While John is supportive, Matt receives virtually no help from his so-called friends, including his roommate, Ryan (Paulo Costanzo), who also happens to be his co-worker. Ryan informs the staff at their workplace of Matt's plan and they decide to have an office pool to bet against Matt keeping his temporary vow of celibacy. Making matters more complicated are Matt's female co-workers who try to seduce him, and a potential new love interest, Erica (Shannyn Sossamon), who Matt meets while doing his laundry. It seems that almost everyone around Matt, and perhaps the universe, wants to see him fail.

40 Days and 40 Nights is a well written and generally well acted film that is consistently amusing, full of charm and still feels fresh, a decade after its premiere. I recall seeing 40 Days and 40 Nights during its initial theatrical run, but have not seen the film again, in its entirety, until recently. It holds up well and reminded me of why Josh Hartnett was so popular for several years. His sympathetic portrayal of Matt allows viewers to root for him to succeed in his goal, while understanding that he may not make it. I liked Matt so much that I empathized with him during a scene near the end of the film when something unexpected and creepy occurs that threatens to derail him and the entire film. However, that is the only real complaint I have with an otherwise solid effort that, after watching it again, made me realize how quickly a decade can pass by. Oh, and where have you been Josh Hartnett?