In 40 Days and 40 Nights, Josh Hartnett plays Matt Sullivan, a love-struck twenty-something who spends his days working at a trendy dot-com company and his nights chasing women.

After an wanted breakup with his girlfriend (Vinessay Shaw) and many meaningless encounters with other women, he is lonelier than ever, so he decides to give up sex for Lent.

After taking his vow, Matt meets Erica (Shannyn Sossamon), the girl of his dreams. Matt's dilemma is whether to honor his vow and get over Nicole or to pursue Erica.

40 Days and 40 Nights is for Hartnett what Jerry Maguire was for Tom Cruise. You can count on one hand the frames that Cruise is not on-screen in Jerry Maguire. The same can be said for Hartnett in 40 Days and 40 Nights -- it's a vanity piece. He is the lead in the film and he does it well. 40 Days was a departure for Hartnett who, after Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down, was on his way to becoming Jerry Bruckheimer's film soldier.

The film, directed by Michael Lehmann, is billed as a romantic comedy and it has its fair share of romance and comedy with a twist. This twist is a reflection of Lehmann's style -- his other romantic comedies include Heathers and The Truth About Cats and Dogs.

Most comedic moments are supplied by Matt's roommate, Ryan, played by Paulo Costanzo, best known for his role in Road Trip.

Sossamon, who made her film debut in 2001's A Knight's Tale, was impressive as Matt's patient love-interest.

40 Days and 40 Nights is better than most teen flicks I've seen recently. It was a quick hour and a half, with some laughs, an easy-to-follow story and a buff Hartnett. As the perfect diversion on a cold afternoon, it's worth the $5 matinee price.

-- Reviewed by Jenn Heinold