Movie review: Ghost Town

Pincus may lack people skills but when he dies, is revived, and wakes with the ability to see ghosts that is the least of his problems. That is, until the ghosts figure out Pincus is the only one who can hear them.

Ricky Gervais (Pincus), Greg Kinnear (Frank), Tea Leoni (Gwen), Aasif Mandvi (Dr. Prashar), Bridget Moloney (Receptionist), Billy Campbell (Richard), Alan Ruck (Ghost Dad), Kristen Wiig (Surgeon), Aaron Tveit (Anesthesiologist).

Ghost Town begins by jumping right into the story and plot with character development along the way. As the story evolves things get much more interesting with humor and depth showing up. The rest of the story is a funny, reasonably paced adventure with some mild misdirection that does a nice job of holding audience interest. And of course, a Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was good with Gervais delivering pretty well. Kinnear fit his role perfectly, as did Leoni who did wonderfully as always. Mandvi, Wiig, and the remainder of the supporting cast was funny and enjoyable throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were what you would expect from a mainstream comedy drama with a fairly well known cast and a decent budget. Nothing special, but nothing shabby either. Action scenes were mild but solid. Dialogue was funny, dramatic, and fitting for the film. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

While Ghost Town may not be the most original of films the story, cast, and humor keep things entertaining from start to finish. Fans of happy romantic comedies should enjoy this one. If instead you are looking for a good ghost story or sci-fi, this isn't it.

With some mild comedy based sexuality, mild violence,  and a few foul words, this one should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 10.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Romance, Fantasy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel