GHOST TOWN (2008)

Directed By: David Koep 
Written By: David Koep & John Kamps 
Cinematography By: Fred Murphy 
Editor: Sam Seig 


Cast: Ricky Gervais, Tea Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Kristen Wiig, Jordan Carlos, Aasif Mandvi, Alan Ruck, Dana Ivey, Brian D'Arcy James, Danai Gurira, Jeff Hiller
Bertram Pincus is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Herlihy who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen. That puts Pincus squarely in the middle of a triangle with spirited result.

This is a nice Sunday afternoon type of movie. A lazy day movie that harkened back to classic comedies. More of an adult cute comedy. Even though with the title it sounds like a Tim Burton film or a weird genre mash-up of some kind

The characters and situations are not as ridiculous and over the top as the more modern type of films. The characters are witty and smart.

The film is a little fantasy without going overboard. A more reluctant take. This is no GHOST WHISPERER or MEDIUM.

Though the film is satisfactory. It's a movie I can honestly live with never seeing again.

Ricky Gervis is a charming and funny leading man. It's nice to see him acting more in this role instead of playing a version of himself. Especially in something he didn't write or originate.

Tea Leoni seems to always get to play the romantic lead in these types of films. She seems to be the intellectual leading lady to the unconventional, but witty leading man. (look at her performances in SPANGLISH and YOU KILL ME)

This is a warm movie with not so much emotion, as feelings and wish fulfillment. It's not a deep film. In fact at times it feels artificial, but it also feels cultured, but appealing to the masses. Like even though Gervais' character sees many ghosts. Most films would have just focused on him helping the dead to finish their wishes before they pass over and find his humanity enough to find love or at least be a better person. A romance that he finds being the last case or finding a romance while trying to do the other cases. The film has heart and brings back thoughts of yesteryear.Making New York looking more romantic and a lot cleaner and classic.

Like the film HEARTS & SOULS which this film would make a good double feature with, but the film treats the other ghosts almost like a time filler.

Kristin Wiig is hilarious as usual in a bit role. I wish there was more of her, but there is no real reason for her to be in more of the film.

Greg Kinnear like the whole film is charming.

The artificiality is partially a welcome change. Luckily it doesn't stray in it's path not going of course with too much sentimentality or being overly sweet.

What I also enjoy about this film is that it's nice to see a more adult or grown up character falling in love or finding love again. As most films focus on young love or the first time a twenty some thing falls in love. It's rare to see a film Acknowledge older people having romantic problems. Except for in strictly comedic scenes.

Wait for cable

Grade: B-