Director: David Koepp
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear
Release Date: 12 February 2009 (Australia)

The latest from acclaimed writer David Koepp (Spider-Man 4, Angels & Demons) is just short of a masterpiece. Ghost Town is Koepp’s first attempt at both writing and directing a comedy, and a rom-com at that. The quirky script was intelligent enough to secure comic genius Ricky Gervais (The Office UK) – who reportedly turned down over a hundred offers before Ghost Town – for the leading role as Bertram Pincus DDS, a misanthropic dentist whose interpersonal skills leave much to be desired.

Ghost Town entails the story of the unsociable Dr Pincus, who dies during a minor surgical procedure but is miraculously revived after seven minutes. Shortly after leaving the hospital he learns that he has acquired the annoying ability to see and communicate with ghosts, all roaming the New York streets contemplating ways of resolving their unfinished business. Moreover, as Pincus is the only person who can see them, each wants his help so they can finally ‘pass over’ into the next realm.

Among Pincus’ unwanted group of followers is the philandering Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) who is doomed to walk the mortal realm until he resolves his issues with his widow, Gwen (Téa Leoni). Without knowing exactly what those issues may be, Frank cajoles Pincus into breaking up the impending marriage of Gwen and her new beau. Pincus eventually submits to Frank’s demands, and in doing so falls squarely in the middle of a complex love triangle with a hilarious result.

Overall, the film rises above trite ‘invisible man’ jokes and adds a lot of laughs and originality to an otherwise typical feel good comedy. There are no corny “…But I love you” scenes, rather classic Hollywood moments woven through a well-written script. Ghost Town is more than a ghost movie as its name and tagline suggest, but rather a rom-com with an outstanding cast whose performances justify the film’s more ridiculous elements. It’s a surprise hit; with a satisfying ending that many comedy films fail to reach.