A Catholic Lent often consists of a 40-day vow against certain foods, but this time the craving that must be subdued is more than just a change in diet.

Sodexho Food Services and the Student Activities Council presented "Dinner and a Movie: 40 Days and 40 Nights" on Wednesday night.

The night opened with a cooking demonstration by Mike Munkel and Clint Killion of Sodexho, preparing a pasta dish as an appetizer. SAC members served the audience pre-prepared portions of this dish, along with free canned drinks before the movie began.

The movie, released earlier this year, tells the tale of Matt, a twenty-something graphic designer, who took a vow of celibacy in order to conquer an infatuation with a now-engaged ex-girlfriend. His friends and co-workers soon turn his simple plan into a world-wide online betting game, wagering on when he will give into temptation.

The SAC served the main course, rice with strips of chicken, partially into the movie after another demonstration by the team of Sodexho chefs. Due to a less than expected attendance, many audience members enjoyed two servings.

As the movie continued, Matt's problems intensified when he falls in love at a laundromat with Erica, who spends her days, as a cyber-nanny, viewing and blocking pornographic web sites from children.

Though most of his co-workers were against his tactics, some tried using the idea to achieve their own goals. Matt's boss took a short vow with the intention of increasing his wife's sex drive, while his roommate only used it to impress women.

After the movie, the audience was treated to a cookie dessert with whipped cream, chocolate and strawberry syrup.

Despite nominal attendance at the event, the movie was well suited for a college age crowd. Most of the audience enjoyed the "Dinner and a Movie" event, with few leaving before the close of the presentation.

For more information about upcoming SAC events, check out the web site at http://www.utm.edu/~sac/SAC.shtml, or check weekly announcements in The Pacer.