40 Days and 40 Nights

Misleadingly marketed as just another misogynistic romp through the young male libido, this often ribald comedy about a frustrated twentysomething who gives up sex for Lent is what the puerile, simplistic American Pie, Tomcats and Saving Silverman might have been (if they'd been made by people with imagination and wit). Directed by Michael Lehmann--the man behind the twisted teen angst and irony of the subversive '80s cult hit Heathers--40 Days and 40 Nights finds many new and inventive ways to make sexual frustration funny as it follows Josh Hartnett's character, as he plans to go without kissing, caressing, or self-gratification to help heal his broken heart. Of course, as soon as he makes the pledge, he meets the sweet 'n sassy, urban tomboy-styled girl of his dreams (Shannyn Sossamon from A Knight's Tale). Consistently finding new angles from which to approach the story's more trite elements, Lehmann proves himself a resourceful, mischievous director who understands the importance of character-driven comedy. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras are scant: an amiable commentary track by director Michael Lehmann, screenwriter Rob Perez and producer Michael London, and a trailer. Bottom line: unremarkable extras for a surprisingly likeable film.] (R. Blackwelder)