Ryan McNeil
Funny how a particular talent can take a very pedestrian idea and give it a lot of charm. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, please turn your attention to Exhibit A: Ricky Gervais.
GHOST TOWN isn’t the most original film. Paranormal comedies have had a long, and largely fruitless life in cinematic history. So going into yet another one – and one starring Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni no less – you’d have to pardon my skepticism. But before I could say “Boogedy Boogedy Boo”, my skepticism was set aside as I watched Mr. Gervais steal the show.
Gervais plays Bertram Pincus (talk about a great character name), a very crotchedy dentist who does not like people the slightest bit. During a routine surgery, Pincus dies on the table for seven minutes – but nobody tells him. The result is that he is able to see, hear, and speak with ghosts wandering around New York City who have unfinished business. I must admit that taking a character who doesn’t like living people, and making him deal with dead people too is a rather clever idea. The crux of the story is Pincus being asked by one particular ghost named Frank (Kinnear) to play a hand in the life of Gwen (Leoni), the widow he left behind.
Pincus, and by extension Gervais, is hardly what you’d call charming. So it’s watching his effort to relate to Gwen that gives the movie a very sweet quality. Likewise, the man has amazing timing – and snappy answers that sit squarely in the vector of rude, awkward, and witty. Sometimes it just comes down to a facial expression, or exasperated reaction. The concept of GHOST TOWN isn’t in any way original, but turning it over to a particular talent pays off, and ultimately makes the movie a success
Gervais is what makes this paranormal comedy work. He alone seems to make the difference between GHOST TOWN and GHOST DAD.
Very astute review! I saw this quite recently and was surprised by how good it was, when on paper, it really doesn't have the right to be anything special.
Good, rainy Sunday afternoon watching!
I just rewatched Ghost Town & Gervais bowled me over again. True it isn't the most original film – but it gets the job done laugh-wise – and I liked it even better the second time.
Good to know I'm not alone in diggin' this flick. The whole movie was worth it for the scene where Gervais its sittin' next to the great dane.
Gervais does kill in what should otherwise be a by the numbers romantic comedy a la Her Dead Body or whatever Reese Witherspoon movie is out this season.
oh yeah! I'm so glad you finally saw this 🙂 I bought it during a previously view sale at Blockbuster because it was cheaper to buy outright than to rent.
I loved this movie! And I totally agree with your review … I would go so far as to say that I think it's one of the best from that genre … I would still put Topper at the top, but Gervais puts this at a close second.
~ B ~