Ghost Town, written and directed by David Koepp - 8 out of 10

Ghost Town, written and directed by David Koepp
8 out of 10


It seems rather unexpected that Ricky Gervais is associated with this motion picture, perhaps even more that he is playing the main character, that of Doctor Bertram Pincus.

Dentists are doctors, right?

When he reaches the other side, as proposed by bibles, korans, a number of other religious holly books and this movie, the hero finds that he can see ghosts, former humans that those still living are unable to perceive.
Hence we have many humorous scenes wherein, Pincus seems to be talking to himself for the others in the room or streets, looks like he is saying something, but then he was just talking to one of the apparitions that are able to connect with the living world only through him.

The one we see most, as members of the public we have been granted this special power, although it is not clear why, is Frank aka Greg Kinnear.
He has died and is still in limbo, unable to depart from his widow, Gwen aka Tea Leoni, because he still loves her, which is strange on some level, but then the whole concept is, and he had done quite a few things that keep him looking for closure...which could be labeled as peculiar, again.

Frank wants the dentist to help him find peace, by communicating with his widow, but mostly by giving him the assurances that she would be fine, she is over the tragedy and eventually, she is separated from the one she intends to marry at the present.
Richard is a munificent man, deeply involved in charity work - indeed, he is trying to convince Pincus that he should improve the dental health of those in need and thus travel to hot, poor places, which the dentist doesn't like at all - who is going to marry Gwen...if her late husband, who hates him, cannot prevent it.

On the surface, there are enjoyable moments, with amusement provided by a very grave looking Ricky Gervais, but the script goes much further.
The educational side would insinuate, or perhaps proclaim loudly, the idea that we need to have a meaning in life, live ethically so that we don't end it full of regrets, magnanimity being one of the key elements of success, fulfillment.

Bertram Pincus is actually a rather reclusive, cynical, antisocial individual that rejects the pleas, desperate calls for help from the various ghosts, who would like to bring a ray of sunshine to the ones they had left behind.
This is true up to the moment of his Redemption, formidable transformation, maybe an epiphany, after which he agrees to deliver messages, find the envelope under the rug, give the symbolic bear toy to the grieving son.

Perhaps he would even help Gwen find peace, or even much more...happiness?