Hollywood's latest raunchy sex comedy has arrived in a surprisingly fresh form. 40 Days and 40 Nights displays a wit and maturity that lifts it above recent bottom feeders.
Recovering from a messy breakup, Matt (Josh Hartnett) is a website designer who lays more rail than Union Pacific. To everyone's surprise, this lifestyle leaves Matt feeling empty and emotionally detached. So, operating under the dubious mantra of "growth through self-denial," Matt decides to give up all things sexual for Lent. For those of you non-Catholics who thought that New Year's resolution to exercise more was tough, that's 40 days with no kissing, no sex--and no masturbation.
It's a questionable premise, perhaps, but the saving grace of this playful romp is that it takes its critical eye towards casual sex relatively seriously. Matt meets the fresh and funny Erica (Shannyn Sassoman) after making his vow of chastity. If sex complicates a relationship, no-sex only serves to make things hairier for these two. The relationship between Matt and Erica unexpectedly plays well, building the difficult (for Hollywood, at least) case that people can actually find love without looking under the covers.
Overflowing with sexual innuendo and imagery, 40 Days and 40 Nights pushes the envelope of good taste but manages to fall short of the offensive by shying away from tactless sight gags. The movie's candid yet unbeaten attitude toward sex provides a breath of fresh air in the thick testosterone swamp of Hollywood.
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