Ghost Town
Director: David Koepp
Cast: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni, Alan Ruck, Kristen Wiig, Aasif Mandvi
Genre: Comedy
Rated: PG-13
Review By:
Michael Dance
School:
NYU Tisch '07
Quote:
"...And hey, I met you. You are not cool." -Almost Famous
Ghost Town
Review By: Michael Dance
MichaelDance@TheCinemaSource.com
Ghost Town
Ghost Town is a totally pleasant and often laugh-out-loud funny movie that works on many different levels: it’s a supernatural comedy, a character comedy, and a romantic comedy, and underneath it all, it even has something to say.
The movie marks the peculiar collaboration between Ricky Gervais, who created and starred in the original The Office in the U.K. and enjoys cult status here in the U.S., and writer/director David Koepp, who makes his living writing for Steven Spielberg on projects like War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Koepp has also directed in the past, but they’ve mostly been low-key thrillers (Stir of Echoes, Secret Window). Ghost Town is his first comedy, and it’s clearly a labor of love. He could’ve done a lot worse than Gervais, who elevates most of the movie from bemused-grin territory to laugh-out-loud status and proves that he can excel even inside mainstream Hollywood formula.
Gervais plays Bertram Pincus, a dentist and a raging misanthrope who avoids talking to people at all costs. He goes to the hospital for a colonoscopy, where he’s accidentally killed during surgery but then revived seven minutes later. This produces the unfortunate after-effect of being able to see ghosts. It wouldn’t be so much of a problem, except that they all realize he can see them, and they all want his help completing their unfinished business. Pincus wants none of it.
The ghost who finally succeeds in getting Pincus to help him is Frank (Greg Kinnear, wearing a tuxedo for the entire duration of the film). His wife Gwen (Tea Leoni) is about to marry a humorless do-gooder that Frank is convinced only wants Gwen for her money. The deal is, if Pincus breaks up the engagement, Frank will get all the other ghosts to stop bothering him. But, of course, Gwen turns out to be attractive and funny and Bertram is instantly smitten.
Gervais carries the film, but the performances are good across the board. Leoni brings her unique brand of loveliness and accessibility to her role, while Kinnear clearly has no bones about playing a guy who, though affable and well-meaning, is less than sympathetic (it’s revealed very early that he was cheating on Gwen). And Kristen Wiig, like she did in Knocked Up, steals all her scenes as the colonoscopy surgeon.
One problem: not much is explained in the end. I’ve often had an issue with Koepp’s endings — I strongly disliked the last twenty minutes of both of those Spielberg movies I mentioned, although now’s not the time to rant about them — and here, too, things are ever so slightly off. It’s like Koepp found what he felt was the perfect note to end the movie on and stopped there, forgetting about all the
Still, it’s a winning story with winning performances, and if you look closely, you might even find a surprisingly thoughtful message about grief. Suffice to say that the whole “unfinished business” notion of ghosts is gently turned on its head. Happily, Ghost Town is your conventional Hollywood comedy done right: smart writing, a solid theme, and legitimately funny.
Movie Grade: B+
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 (Tea Leoni). That puts Pincus squarely in the middle of a triangle, with spirited results.
Good Job, very interesting…
I intended to draft you that little remark just to thank you so much once again with your pleasant solutions you’ve featured at this time. It’s really incredibly generous with you to offer openly precisely what a lot of folks could have offered for sale for an e book in making some cash for themselves, especially seeing that you might well have tried it if you ever desired. The tips in addition served to provide a fantastic way to be sure that some people have a similar interest just like my personal own to learn more and more with regard to this condition. I think there are a lot more enjoyable times up front for people who scan through your blog post.
Keep up the great function, I go through few articles on this web site and My spouse and i conceive that your web site is really interesting and has lots associated with superb info.
Really nice post, thank you. I will follow your web log.
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]…
Hi, I just found your blog via google. Your article is truly pertinent to my life right now, and I’m really happy I discovered your website.
Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!
Typically I cannot submit about weblogs, even so would want to declare that these kinds of submit really forced myself to accomplish this. Great distribute!
Thanks for sharing this good post. Very interesting ideas! (as always, btw)
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. kudos
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered in your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
Hey webmaster I really like your publish …. http://www.mytramping.com
Heads Way up I adores your beautiful blog thanx as well as please stick to it
My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
obviously like your site but you need to check your spelling on quite a few of your current posts. Several of these are rife along with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome honestly nevertheless I’m going to surely return again.
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back later in life. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!
I truly take pleasure in the article. Fantastic.
Right now it looks like Drupal is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
This site is my intake , very fantastic design and style and perfect subject matter.
I got what you intend,bookmarked, very nice web site.
Hey there! I’ve been reading your website for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the good work!
Heya just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Very good publish, thank you so much for sharing. Do you happen to have an RSS feed I can subscribe to?
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page repeatedly.
Hi there just stumbled upon your blog via Google after I typed in, “Ghost Town Movie Review | The Cinema Source” or something similar (can’t quite remember exactly). Anyways, I’m grateful I found it because your content is exactly what I’m looking for (writing a college paper) and I hope you don’t mind if I gather some material from here and I will of course credit you as the reference. Thank you.
Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you offer. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Of course, what a fantastic website and enlightening posts, I will bookmark your site.All the Best!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already ;) Cheers!
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
I am always browsing online for tips that can assist me. Thx!
You…are…my…hero!!! I cant believe something like this exists on the internet! Its so true, so honest, and more than that you dont sound like an idiot! Finally, someone who knows how to talk about a subject without sounding like a kid who didnt get that bike he wanted for Christmas.
Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and outstanding style and design.
Hello our house simply adore your splendid editorial thanx along with pls go on it
I really like your writing style, superb information, regards for putting up :D. “Your central self is totally untouched By grief, confusion, desperation.” by Vernon Howard.
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
What i do not understood is actually how you’re no longer actually a lot more well-liked than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You understand therefore considerably relating to this matter, produced me individually consider it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved unless it¡¦s something to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. All the time care for it up!
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. kudos
Keep functioning ,terrific job!
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta say appreciate it for the post on this great one :D.
Hi there, I discovered your web site by way of Google simultaneously as seeking a related topic, your web page came up, it is apparently great. I possess bookmarked it within my google bookmarking.
Hello! Do you understand if these people make just about any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid concerning losing every thing I’ve proved helpful hard in. Any suggestions?
Tolles Blog. Das Theme gefaellt sehr gut, wo kann ich das denn downloaden?
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks
Do you do all your own writing? Or do you outsource some of it? I’m in search of a few comparable content for my weblog! These are great posts! http://www.thehorseinsider.com
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
There might be clearly loads to find out about this. I think you made some excellent factors in Features also. https://www.lifereader.co.uk/psychics/free_psychic_chat
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?
I am curious to find out what blog system you’re utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any solutions?
Hey very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionallyˇKI am glad to seek out so many helpful info right here within the publish, we need develop extra strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Major many thanks for your blog post. Truly thanks! Maintain writing.
I liked around you’ll obtain completed proper here. The caricature will be tasteful, your written material fashionable. however, you command get acquired an shakiness over that you would like be submiting the following. in illness definitely occur further formerly again since precisely the same virtually very constantly inside case you protect this enhance.
Cool is all nearly everyone may a check Information on your page. See me, because my is equally interesting.
Just wanna input on few general things, The website design is perfect, the content is real excellent. “To the artist there is never anything ugly in nature.” by Franois Auguste Ren Rodin.
I’d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
Congratulations on having one of the most sophisticated blogs Ive come across in some time! Its just incredible how much you can take away from something simply because of how visually beautiful it is. Youve put together a great blog space –great graphics, videos, layout. This is definitely a must-see blog!
I simply wished to appreciate you all over again. I’m not certain the things I would’ve implemented without the type of points shared by you relating to that theme. It was a very hard scenario in my view, but considering your professional strategy you managed the issue took me to leap with happiness. Now i’m happy for your service and even sincerely hope you really know what a powerful job you happen to be putting in teaching people today by way of your web page. Most likely you haven’t come across all of us.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
You have brought up a very good points , appreciate it for the post.
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails sticking with the same comment. Possibly there is by any indicates you might be able to get rid of me from that service? Thanks!
Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thank you
Right right now it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available at this time. (coming from what We’ve read) Is that precisely what you’re using in your blog?
Hi. I go through a few of one’s other posts and wished to understand in the event you would be interested in exchanging blogroll links?
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
I like Your Write-up about Put in Plugins » Somnangblogs Perfect what exactly I was searching for!.
Sweet site, super design, real clean and employ genial.
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Appreciate it
I am glad to be one of many visitors on this great website (:, regards for posting.
Well I sincerely enjoyed reading it. This tip procured by you is very useful for proper planning.
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
hi!,I really like your writing very a lot! percentage we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I require an expert in this space to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
Another thing I don’t understand is what you mentioned during the last touch, might you sophisticated on what that truly means?
I really like your writing style, good info, appreciate it for putting up :D.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance. I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads super fast for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
I went over this internet site and I think you have a lot of fantastic info, saved to fav (:.
Good post. I study something tougher on different blogs everyday. It would always be stimulating to learn content from other writers and follow a bit of one thing from their store. I’d favor to make use of some with the content material on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a link on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
equanimity Amabel patch touched Leni gingham concertos choirboy sensible
Lovely site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also
the best concept is a hundred% content. Use content once you do your promotions. You’ve probably noticed on this blog every time I do a blog publish that just about simply recommends a product or service, at all times a number of folks don’t like that. http://www.xpanda.getlisted.co.nz/security-doors-nz
An soaking up word may be worth comment. I cerebrate that you need to indite author about this message, it electrical power not be described as a bias subordinate nevertheless generally fill usually are not enough to be able to speak on such subject areas. To another. Cheers similar to your Khmer Karaoke Megastars.
You made some just right points there. I did a seek on the topic and located most individuals will agree with your blog. http://www.mytramping.com
Good point. The content that you’ll construct your blogs with now can convey you a quantity of income whilst the financial system bounces back. http://www.mytramping.com
I just could not depart your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the usual information an individual supply in your visitors? Is going to be back incessantly to check out new posts.
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a variety of websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and very sporadically run out from to brand.
You are so cool! I dont suppose I have read anything like this before. So good to seek out any individual with some unique ideas on this subject. Realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing thats wanted on the net, somebody with a bit originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!
I would like to show thanks to you just for bailing me out of this challenge. Right after checking throughout the world wide web and seeing opinions which are not productive, I believed my entire life was well over. Being alive without the solutions to the issues you have resolved as a result of your write-up is a serious case, as well as ones which might have badly affected my entire career if I had not noticed your blog post. Your own natural talent and kindness in touching the whole thing was very helpful. I am not sure what I would have done if I had not come upon such a stuff like this. I am able to now relish my future. Thanks for your time so much for the impressive and result oriented help. I will not be reluctant to refer the sites to any individual who needs direction about this situation.