Movie Review: Ghost Town

Ghost Town

Director: David Koepp

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell

Rated: PG-13 for some strong

language, sexual humor and drug references

Genre: Comedy

Theatrical Release: September 19, 2008

Synopsis: Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais), 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 (Greg Kinnear) who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni). That puts Pincus squarely in the middle of a triangle with spirited result. (Written by Studio Approved Synopsis)

Ghost Town could have easily been mediocre. The premise of one person being able to see dead people while everyone else looks at them like he/she are crazy has been done numerous times before (Ghost immediately comes to mind) but Ghost Town actually makes it interesting and with talented comedians like Gervais and Kristen Wiig, you will be laughing throughout the film.

The acting in the film is great, Gervais plays curmudgeon to perfection here. He actually loves his job for the very fact that he can stop people from talking to him by inserting various dental items into their mouths. The tagline for the film is actually “He sees dead people… and they annoy him.” Most of the humor comes from his hatred of being annoyed by people (dead or alive). Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the awesomeness of Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live, any scene she’s in is hilarious.

Ricky Gervais is a huge star in the British comedy world, but hasn’t yet made the same impact here in America, which is unfortunate, but my hopes are he continues to make good movies like Ghost Town and gain popularity here in the states. If you like Extras or The Office (UK) then you will feel right at home with this comedy.

In lesser hands, this could have been a paint-by-numbers generic ghost comedy (Ghost Dad, Over Her Dead Body, etc.) but with Ricky Gervais, you can be sure this one won’t vanish anytime soon.

The Good: Ricky Gervais and Kristen Wiig

The Bad: Anytime Gervais isn’t on camera

The Ugly: The Dentist’s Tools (cringe) that Gervais uses as he works on his clients.

About the Author

Justin Vactor

Justincredible, aka - Justin Vactor is from all around living in places like Japan. He currently lives in Memphis, TN where he is a an avid Gamer, Podcaster, New Media Enthusiast, Comic Book lover, Film whore and Television addict. He is Co-Host of the Fused Film Podcasts on both the Overload and Factor segments. Justin loves comics and loves movies which makes him a great contributing addition to Fused Film. Email him at - vactor413@mac.com

One Response to “ Movie Review: Ghost Town ”

  1. A well tasted movie been released and it is none other than Ghost town. as holly wood been accept Ricky Gervais makes his mark with it. They are just arrived with so much enthusiasm. Until the end, never to take eyes away. Because it was a fun based action all around. High quality DVD version and fully Digital sound Guaranteed for grate movie. I watch it on http://www.80millionmoviesfree.com