DVD For forty days: no touching, no kissing, no nibbling, no phone sex, no foreplay, no fooling around, no self-gratification - no nothing.
Details
Matt Sullivan foolishly thought he was in a perfect relationship with Nicole. When it all falls apart, he reacts in the only way he seems to know how - by sleeping with just about any woman he can find. Much to the disgust of his roommate, Matt eventually realises he's being shallow and selfish and decides to change his ways. After confessing his sordid tales to his priest-in-training brother, the suggestion is made that he give something up for Lent.
So Matt - a man who's never managed to finish anything in his life - decides to give up sex for forty days and forty nights. That means no touching, no kissing, no foreplay, no fooling around, no self-gratification. absolutely nothing. This is going to be tough, especially when his office decides to celebrate an entirely unnecessary "No Bra Day".
At first he appears to have everything under control, but his so-called colleagues have other ideas. Expecting Matt to crack long before the forty days are up, a small office betting pool quickly spirals into a global online spectacle, complete with a website charting his daily temptations. There's even an opportunistic temptress making creative use of the photocopier in an effort to break his resolve. Just to complicate matters further, the woman of his dreams walks into his life, putting his vow under severe strain.
Picture & Sound
The picture is bright and colourful, with plenty of detail and solid colour depth. The above-average bit rate provides a clean and precise image that shows no signs of artefacting, outlining or excessive grain. The print appears pristine, free from dust, scratches or other blemishes. It certainly puts some bigger-budget, quick-turnaround DVD releases to shame.
The soundtrack is fairly average, with limited use of the surround channels. Dialogue remains crisp and clear in the centre channel, supported by competent stereo steering. When the foot-tapping soundtrack bursts into life it stays well balanced against the dialogue, and there's never a need to reach for the volume control.
Menu & Extras
The menu is a static and silent affair, accompanied by a modest selection of extras. The disc includes a teaser trailer (though strangely not the full theatrical version) and a feature-length audio commentary. While there's no dedicated "making of" documentary, the commentary helps fill the gap.
The director and screenwriter provide an engaging stream of production insights, including the rather amusing explanation behind Josh Hartnett's extremely short haircut - I'll let you discover that one for yourself. The producer, however, barely manages to get a word in. It's a shame there's no contribution from the cast.
Overall
The film is promoted as being from the producers of Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary, but if you're expecting that same level of wit and charm you may be disappointed. This is very much aimed at a teenage audience - and a hormone-fuelled one at that - though it does have its moments. Many of the stronger laughs come courtesy of Paulo Costanzo as Matt's relentlessly sex-obsessed roommate, which is slightly surprising given that the lead role should arguably carry the comedic weight.
Unless you're a committed Josh Hartnett fan, or firmly within the target demographic, this one may not hold much appeal. Perhaps I'm simply getting older - although I still found the American Pie films genuinely funny - or maybe this particular brand of comedy just isn't quite as sharp as it thinks it is. Alas, I am no longer a thirty-something with the mind of a teenager.
Special features
- Feature Commentary with Director Michael Lehmann, Producer Michael London and Screenwriter Rob Perez
- Theatrical Teaser Trailer
