40 Days and 40 Nights is a typical American romantic comedy directed by Michael Lehmann and released in 2002. The main character Matt in the film is played by the familiar face of Josh Hartnett.

**The Plot**

Matt is a website designer who lives in San Francisco. Since being dumped by his ex he has been living the life of a true bachelor and has turned in to a real womaniser. His dependence on the female of the species begins to catch up with him and it all becomes a bit too much for him so he decides to take a vow of celibacy.

Matt vows to give up any kind of sexual encounter for lent meaning a total absence of forty days and Forty nights. His vow includes no kissing or masturbation of any kind so he removes all the porn from his room to resist any kind of temptation and decides to take up model building in order to occupy his mind!

Matt shares his flat with his single male friend who thinks his vow is a joke and there is no way he will go the distance. His friend starts to spread the word about Matts vow and soon there is a huge sweepstake going with his friends and work colleagues making bets on how long he can last. Poor Matt has to stay strong at work as many of his attractive female colleagues try and break his vow by flirting with him and teasing him.

During Matts lent period he meets the girl of his dreams Erica in a local launderette. At the start she doesn't know of Matts vow and is confused that he doesn't even want to kiss her! Will Matt manage to last or will he break his vow?

**My Thoughts**

In my experience of American romcoms they have always been a bit predictable and this film is one of them! The comedy is of a similar style to that of the American Pie films so expect it is quite smutty and sleazy! The film is all about sex so if you are easily offended by constant remarks about masturbation and pornography then avoid this film! It is done in a light hearted manner and most of it is quite amusing but the humour is more suitable to the younger age groups I think.

The film does manage to be quite serious in places despite the constant sexual remarks throughout the film. The relationship that builds between Matt and Erica is quite beautiful thing and it does make you realise that the best relationships are based on a mental basis more than a physical one. The mind is a very powerful thing and this is portrayed quiet well in Matt and Ericas sexless relationship.

This is a very light hearted film really and I found it quite enjoyable to watch. The acting is certainly good enough for the film but don't expect and oscar winning performances here!

The film is quite predictable but that's not really a bad thing in a film like this. The plot is very simple and easy to follow so you would not expect any major twists and turns to spoil this. Overall I would recommend this film but don't expect to be blown away by brilliant acting or storylines!