Quick Info
If you missed "Ghost Town" back in 2008, it's a genuinely underrated gem in the comedy genre. The premise hooks you right away: Ricky Gervais plays a misanthropic dentist who, after a near-death experience, gains the annoying ability to see—and be pestered by—ghosts. It’s the kind of high-concept comedy that could get pretty silly, but somehow it finds its heart without feeling cheesy.
What really stands out is Gervais’s performance—he’s naturally sardonic but with just enough vulnerability to make you root for him. Téa Leoni brings a lot of warmth, and their chemistry is surprisingly sweet, especially given how grumpy Gervais’s character starts out. Greg Kinnear is hilarious as the needy ghost who pulls Gervais into a ghostly love triangle. The jokes land quick and sharp, and while some moments lean into slapstick, there’s an undercurrent of genuine emotion that keeps things grounded.
Visually, it’s got that crisp, clean late-2000s New York look. Nothing too showy in the cinematography, but the city feels lively and lived-in—almost a character itself. The pacing is tight, rarely dragging, though it does slow down in the final act just a bit to let emotional beats resonate. The ghost effects are kept simple, mostly letting the actors and writing carry the supernatural elements.
Not everything totally clicks. Some secondary characters feel a bit cartoonish, and a few plot points resolve themselves a little too conveniently. Still, the film never lets itself get bogged down by its own plot, and remains light on its feet—a rare thing in comedies that try to inject a romantic storyline.
You would enjoy this if you like British-style sarcasm, offbeat rom-coms, or movies like "Defending Your Life." It’s perfect for a night when you want to laugh but also appreciate a bit of cleverness and heart. Not a groundbreaking movie, but an easy one to recommend.
