Ghost Town
In his first top billing in a feature film, Ricky Gervais sees dead people. Socially stunted Bertram Pincus (Gervais) dies unexpectedly only to be miraculously revived shortly after. The downside is he now sees ghosts everywhere. Worse still, they all seem to need his help, especially Frank (Greg Kinnear), who wants Pincus to stop his widow's (Tea Leoni) impending wedding.
Gervais' most successful outings to this point have seen him pull double shifts as both actor and writer. This time the latter duty falls to director David Koepp, whose scriptwriting experience is rooted in blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones IV.
- Director:
- David Koepp
- Writer:
- David Koepp
- Cast:
- Ricky GervaisGreg KinnearTéa LeoniKristen WiigAlan Ruck
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Reviews & comments
Flicks, Team
flicksGhost Town involves Gervais doing a version of The Office's David Brent transplanted to Manhattan. He's Bertram Pincus, a misanthropic dentist who can suddenly see and hear ghosts. This ability, attained after he "died" for a few minutes during an operation, leads him to be bothered by Manhattan's ghost population, who all have unresolved issues. Pincus not only sees dead people, he hates hates dead people.
Does what it says on the box
Low-key, unassuming, off-the-shelf American rom-com, raised several levels above the normal dire standard of this ilk by Gervais' wonderfully dry adlibbing. Came so close to pulling off a great finale, but they lost their bottle. Shame. Still, I sniggered through most of the movie. It won't change your life, but it has its moments
So enjoyable!
I certainly didn't expect to be crying with laughter - but the Great Dane scenes got me! Loved the witty script and Gervais' unique comedy style - and why don't we see more of Tea Leoni in movies? It's sad to see onjections to the story on the grounds that Gervais hasn't got "leading-man looks"....does that mean only the physically perfect are lovable??...
So enjoyable
Variety
pressSmartly supernatural, and featuring sensational performances by Ricky Gervais and Tea Leoni, Ghost Town is a 'Topper' for our times.
The New York Times
pressA misanthropic dentist, a roguish ghost and a zany Egyptologist: as these unlikely companions scamper around Manhattan in the buoyant comedy Ghost Town, they resurrect the spirits of classic movie curmudgeons like W. C. Fields and such romantic comedians as Cary Grant and Carole Lombard in Woody Allen territory.
Stuff
pressIn his first lead role, Gervais seems to struggle with the rom-com restraints. He's genuinely funny - but he's not a leading man, and at times you can almost sense his frustration with the genre he's working in.
San Francisco Chronicle
pressBoth very funny and a bit of a tearjerker, with an on-the-money performance from Ricky Gervais.
New Zealand Herald
pressRicky Gervais does a good job of livening up this generic romantic comedy.
Los Angeles Times
pressAudiences who feel battered by Hollywood's usual hard-sell approach to farce may be disarmed by Koepp's soft touch and inclined to credit blandness as understatement.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA winning mix of sharp comedy and touching bits that keeps the laughter - a few tears - flowing.
Empire Magazine
pressIf you like Gervais' usual schtick, you might be prepared to overlook the hackneyed plot for the jokes and strong cast.
Flicks, Team
flicksGhost Town involves Gervais doing a version of The Office's David Brent transplanted to Manhattan. He's Bertram Pincus, a misanthropic dentist who can suddenly see and hear ghosts. This ability, attained after he "died" for a few minutes during an operation, leads him to be bothered by Manhattan's ghost population, who all have unresolved issues. Pincus not only sees dead people, he hates hates dead people.
Variety
pressSmartly supernatural, and featuring sensational performances by Ricky Gervais and Tea Leoni, Ghost Town is a 'Topper' for our times.
The New York Times
pressA misanthropic dentist, a roguish ghost and a zany Egyptologist: as these unlikely companions scamper around Manhattan in the buoyant comedy Ghost Town, they resurrect the spirits of classic movie curmudgeons like W. C. Fields and such romantic comedians as Cary Grant and Carole Lombard in Woody Allen territory.
Stuff
pressIn his first lead role, Gervais seems to struggle with the rom-com restraints. He's genuinely funny - but he's not a leading man, and at times you can almost sense his frustration with the genre he's working in.
San Francisco Chronicle
pressBoth very funny and a bit of a tearjerker, with an on-the-money performance from Ricky Gervais.
New Zealand Herald
pressRicky Gervais does a good job of livening up this generic romantic comedy.
Los Angeles Times
pressAudiences who feel battered by Hollywood's usual hard-sell approach to farce may be disarmed by Koepp's soft touch and inclined to credit blandness as understatement.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA winning mix of sharp comedy and touching bits that keeps the laughter - a few tears - flowing.
Empire Magazine
pressIf you like Gervais' usual schtick, you might be prepared to overlook the hackneyed plot for the jokes and strong cast.
Does what it says on the box
Low-key, unassuming, off-the-shelf American rom-com, raised several levels above the normal dire standard of this ilk by Gervais' wonderfully dry adlibbing. Came so close to pulling off a great finale, but they lost their bottle. Shame. Still, I sniggered through most of the movie. It won't change your life, but it has its moments
So enjoyable!
I certainly didn't expect to be crying with laughter - but the Great Dane scenes got me! Loved the witty script and Gervais' unique comedy style - and why don't we see more of Tea Leoni in movies? It's sad to see onjections to the story on the grounds that Gervais hasn't got "leading-man looks"....does that mean only the physically perfect are lovable??...
So enjoyable
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