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GHOST TOWN

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni

Directed By: David Koepp

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, sexual humor and drug references

By John Delia

Although Ghost Town does tend to be a bit over the top, I found the fun little film enjoyable to watch. If you like you humor with a British flare, then this film will be perfect for you. The film’s strong side comes with solid comical interaction between Gervais and everyone he runs into.
This romantic comedy centers on Bertram Pincus (Gervais), a dentist that after having a colonoscopy, finds out he died on the operating table and was brought back to life. What has transpired however is that Pincus has gained the power of conferring with the dead. No not spiritually, but in person with dead people who have unfinished business on Earth before they can be taken to the beyond. Totally bemused by his new power, Pincus tries to go on living like he has done in the past. However there is one ghost, Frank, who keeps bothering Pincus because he knows that he’s the only one who can make things right with his widow, Gwen (Leoni). When he finally agrees to help Frank, Pincus runs into more than he had bargained.
The amusement in this film comes from the great comedy of Gervais who makes every scene he’s in funny. His British accent and offhanded delivery of the witty dialogue had me laughing during each of the many situations he found himself. I especially like the scene where he is talking to the admitting nurse. His answers to her questions are priceless. Gervais can also deliver a warmer side of himself, especially when he has to make a decision that could change his life forever.
The writing is top notch with Keopp (Spider-man I, The Panic Room, The Lost World: Jurassic Park) keeping the plot interesting and not overly ridiculous. At first I thought that this was just another Ghost, but Keopp stays away from the main thrust of that tearjerker and instead provides a funnier side of death. I especially liked the scene where Pincus has to deal with the non-stop talking woman in his dentist chair, the conversation with the doctors who tell him he died and the meeting with Gwen at the museum.
Although the film is rated PG-13 it’s mostly for the strong language and sexual innuendos.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Ghost Town is a romantic story that will make you laugh.
2.5 out of 5 stars