Life spins out of control for character
by Nick Nance, reporter

    Sometimes when relationships end, they are devastating to at least one of the people involved.

   In the new movie 40 Days and 40 Nights, we meet Matt Sullivan (Josh Hartnett) who is trying to gain control of his life, which has spun out of control since his recent break up with Nicole (Vinessa Shaw).

   He finds himself taking part in numerous one-night stands in an attempt to keep his mind off his broken heart.

   Matt is unable to control the emotions that he is enduring.

   In a desperate attempt to take control of his life, he takes a vow of abstinence for the 40 days of lent. No sex whatsoever for 40 days.

   This vow includes no touching, no kissing, no foreplay, no fooling around and no self-gratification.

   For most of his life, he has been known for not being able to finish anything.

   Matt must fight off the doubters of his promise, as well as the endless temptations of his surroundings.

   Once Matt’s roommate Ryan (Paulo Costanzo) learns of the vow, Ryan tells everyone with whom they work.

   When his co-workers learn of Matt’s plans, they begin taking bets on which day he will break his vow.

   At first Matt is doing great in holding to his plan.

   He feels as though he is in total control, finding enjoyment in things he had not done before.

   At work he begins to take on more projects in an attempt to occupy his time. However, he is seen as a challenge by the women in the office.

   Each attractive co-worker makes her own attempt to get Matt to end his vow of celibacy with her, so she can win the growing pool of money.

   He seeks the advice of his older brother, who is a seminarian. They then decide that home would be the safest place for him to go.

   He is positive that he will not have to think about sex while with his parents.

   However, in one of the funniest scenes of the movie, Matt’s dad (Barry Newman) and Matt’s mom (Mary Gross) decide openly to discuss how his dad’s recent hip replacement surgery has sparked new interest in their sex life.

   When Matt meets Erica (Shannyn Sossamon), the woman of his dreams, he proves he is quite capable of spending time with a woman without seeing her only in a sexual capacity.

   As they begin to grow closer, Erica begins to push Matt to make his move.

   Matt’s co-workers make his life public by putting his vow on the Internet for the world to bet on as well.

   He is then forced to tell Erica about his promise to himself.

   The days are numbered, and the clock is ticking. Matt hopes she’ll be able to hold out for him.

   Hartnett plays his first comedic role in 40 Days and 40 Nights and shows he is a great versatile young actor.

   40 Days and 40 Nights is a very funny movie that is a must see for those who like adult comedy.

   However, because of its sexual content, it is not one the whole family should see.