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A DVD Review of...
  
Images (C) Miramax, 2002 |
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon, Paulo Costanzo, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Adam Trese
Synopsis: Matt Sullivan's (Josh Hartnett) last big relationship ended in disaster and ever since his heart's been aching and his commitment's been lacking. Then came Lent, that time of year when everybody gives something up. That's when Matt, a guy who's never been able to finish anything, decides to go where no man's gone before and make a vow: No sex. Whatsover. For 40 straight days. No touching. No kissing. No foreplay. No fooling around. No self-gratification. No nothing. At first he has everything under control. That is until the woman of his dreams (Shannyn Sossamon) walks into his life. Now, with everyone betting he won't finish what he started, he's just trying to hold on, and hoping she's willing to hold out
Film Review: If done improperly this could've been really bad, thankfully this sex comedy is better behaved than you may think. Harmless fluff, this "American Pie" lite is worthy of a few giggles over the requisite penis gags, Viagra-induced slapstick, and general US studio gross out comedy gags. However the film does manage to be slightly better than you may expect thanks to the lead actors. Hartnett himself is a surprisingly charming and effective lead for this - the problem with this sort of character though is that in his 'original' state of non self-denial he could come off as arrogant but the actor is both convincing and easily likable which overcomes that. Sossamon is also a good match, the pair have a quite effective on-screen chemistry and she handles the material well.
The other supporting elements however aren't so great. Various nameless faces pop up at his workplace with a subplot about his boss' own restraint somewhat painful to watch. Like wise the ex-girlfriend routine element doesn't click, and the roommate is easily more annoying than anything else. Yet some parts work such as conversations with this priest brother and a quite touching romantic scene involving orchid flowers. Standard pop tracks form the forgettable score. Despite the excellent leads, there's just not enough material here to sustain even a 90-minute movie. The script plays it safe with standard gags though it should've focussed more on its effective romantic elements. A fun video rental but not really a big screen experience. - Garth Franklin
"40 Days & 40 Nights: Special Edition"
DVD Details In Brief (Region 1)
Rating: R
Runtime: 95mins
Versions: 16:9 Enhanced Widescreen, 4:3 Letterboxed
Aspect Ratio: 1.85: 1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Language & Sub-Titles: English, Spanish, French
Audio: Commentary by Director Michael Lehmann, Producer Michael London and Writer Robert Perez.
Clips: Teaser Trailer, Other Trailers
Region 1 vs. Region 4: Standard NTSC/PAL Differences. |
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DVD Review: Considering how much of a surprise hit this was, it's odd not more thought was put into this home DVD release. The transfer is great - video has a good use of colour, a strong use of blacks/shadows and a high level of detail which gives everything a more high quality look than the material deserves. Audio is not so great, dialogue can be difficult to make out whilst the music makes too much use of surround - so much it almost drowns out everything else at times. There's a commentary track with the three key crew members and while there is some talk of the changes in the story, editing, casting, etc. its sadly somewhat dry, dull and serious which is totally out of tone with a film like this.
Extras wise there's only the cute one joke teaser trailer, and various old film trailers for Miramax products ranging from "About Adam" to "Gangs of New York". Its certainly nothing new or extra in regards to the film and is little better than a movie only edition. - Garth Franklin
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