Gervais is funny again. Maybe because this isn’t his script and his ad-libbing has been reined in.
Ghost Town (2008)
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Reviews Counted:171
Fresh:145
Rotten:26
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Ricky Gervais' consistently sharp performance and beautifully dry execution transform this otherwise mainstream comedy into an endearing, funny, and altogether snappy romantic comedy. With ghosts.
Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for some strong language, sexual humor and drug references.
Runtime: 1 hr 42 mins
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:Sep 19, 2008 Wide
Box Office: $13,214,030
Synopsis: Director and screenwriter David Koepp (STIR OF ECHOES, SECRET WINDOW) brings Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Téa Leoni together for a romantic comedy with a twist of the supernatural. Dr. Bertram... Director and screenwriter David Koepp (STIR OF ECHOES, SECRET WINDOW) brings Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Téa Leoni together for a romantic comedy with a twist of the supernatural. Dr. Bertram Pincus (Gervais) doesn't like people very much. In fact, the antisocial dentist does everything he can to avoid interaction with other human beings. Unfortunately, he gets more than he bargained for when he is released from the hospital after undergoing a standard procedure: he can see dead people, and they can see him. Suddenly, every ghost in New York City wants Pincus to help clean up their unfinished business. Dapper Frank (Kinnear) is the most persistent ghost, badgering Pincus to help keep his widow, Gwen (Leoni), from making a big mistake. Gervais is perfect as Pincus, whose deadpan expressions make obvious his disdain for people. His comic timing is spot on throughout the film. Kinnear makes Frank likable, not an easy feat since he apparently wasn't such an upstanding guy when he was alive and married to Leoni's Gwen. Aasif Mandvi appears as a dentist sharing Gervais's office, and Billy Campbell is Gwen's new love interest. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE star Kristen Wiig is a scene-stealer as Pincus's surgeon, particularly when she is trying to avoid telling her patient what went wrong during his procedure. Dana Ivey and Alan Ruck also appear as ghosts in need of help. [More]
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell, Kristen Wiig, Dana Ivey, Aasif Mandvi
Director: David Koepp
Director: David Koepp
Screenwriter: David Koepp, John Kamps
Producer: Gavin Polone
Composer: Geoff Zanelli
Studio: Paramount Pictures
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Reviews for Ghost Town
[Makes] the best of its strong cast and attractive New York locations.
While the overall story of Ghost Town could be considered a little stale, a rather amusing performance from Ricky Gervais and some crisp direction from David Koepp keeps this by-the-numbers romantic comedy from ever becoming dull.
With lesser talent in front of the camera or a heavier hand behind it, the film might have crashed with a thud.
Funny but familiar, Koepp's comedy feels like a multiplex reincarnation -- we've seen this film before and back then we must have stepped on someone's toes
Funny, warm, and comfortable, there is nothing beyond some nitpicks to object to, and it's easy to be swept along by its good nature
The bravura blend of English eccentricity thanks to Ricky Gervais' presence and the surreal fantasy of a new take on the 'I see dead people' concept makes for highly entertaining cinema, especially in the first half
The best part of the movie is watching Gervais and Leoni delight in each other in scenes that burst with spontaneity and genuine warmth.
Playing off each other brilliantly, Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear make their extreme-opposite characters quite believable here.
Skillful and subtle, with enough hilarity to match its equally ample heart, Ghost Town is the Fall's sunniest surprise.
Director Koepp's funny script gets extra life from Ricky Gervais' inspired delivery.
Funny and heartwarming, this love letter to New York City's Upper East Side is refreshingly free of flashy special effects and paranormal gags.
While it's true that romantic comedy is to fine film what a burger and fries is to gourmet dining, David Koepp has shown here that his directorial skills are considerable.
Leoni seems genuinely delighted by Gervais, cracking up with a gusto that never seems rehearsed.
This is a schmaltzy romcom directed by blockbuster screenwriter David Koepp and held together by Ricky Gervais – an actor best known for cringy dancing arse boss David Brent.
Latest News for Ghost Town
July 02, 2009:
The Couch Tomato: This Week's DVD and Blu-ray in Australia
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November 14, 2008:
Ricky Gervais - RT's Dinner and the Movies Interview - Chapter 5
We continue our series of extended interviews by spending an hour in the company of Britain's funniest man. With a new chapter every day this week, today Gervais finds a job for... More...
November 13, 2008:
Ricky Gervais - RT's Dinner and the Movies Interview - Chapter 4
We continue our series of extended interviews by spending an hour in the company of Britain's funniest man. With a new chapter every day this week, today Gervais discusses the... More...
November 12, 2008:
Ricky Gervais - RT's Dinner and the Movies Interview - Chapter 3
We continue our series of extended interviews by spending an hour in the company of Britain's funniest man. With a new chapter every day this week, today Gervais discusses a... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
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| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
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| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
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| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
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