'Ghost Town' review

Ricky Gervais in "Ghost Town" (Credit: Sarah Shatz/DreamWorks)

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Dentist/antisocial jerk Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) dies for seven minutes during a colonoscopy and acquires the ability to see ghosts when he wakes up. All of those ghosts want a favor to give their family members closure, except for Frank (Greg Kinnear), who promises to leave Pincus alone if he helps break up Frank's widow, Gwen (Téa Leoni), and her fiancée, Richard (Billy Campbell), a human rights lawyer who Frank is convinced is bad news. As you may have guessed, Pincus develops an eye for Gwen. With Kristen Wiig as Pincus’ surgeon.

Big question: Can Gervais ("Extras," "The Office"), finally given a starring role on the big screen, adapt his wry British style to a mainstream American comedy?

Catch it: As the laughs come in sprays rather than bursts, "Ghost Town" is a pure delight. Gervais makes for a wonderfully unlikely romantic hero, and aside from a pinch of lowbrow humor that still plays better than when Dane Cook does it—granted, that’s not saying much—the movie genuinely and satisfyingly appeals to the adults in the audience, not the juveniles that rom-com writers often assume they are.

Skip it: If you insist you need to floss all your teeth daily to keep them healthy. Pincus' timesaving advice: Only floss the ones you want to keep.

Bottom line: "Ghost Town" never sheds the weight of its high concept nor really convinces that Gwen would ditch Richard for Pincus. But on its way to one of the year's sweetest endings the movie uses the lessons of several not-so-nice people to make you feel good about human nature. Be prepared to get a little choked up.

Bonus: Some advice for hospital employees. Telling patients "Come back soon" as they leave is not the best way to instill confidence. How about, "Get out and stay out!"

Video: Watch the review of 'Ghost Town'

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