Ghost Town (2008)

A colonoscopy gone bad leaves dentist Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) with the horrible ability to see ghosts. Dr. Pincus isn't a people person; he's a self-centered pricks that goes out of his way to avoid everyone. He can't avoid the ghosts once word's out he can see them. Recently deceased Frank (Greg Kinnear) strikes up a deal with Bertram. Keep his widow (the woman he was cheating on, at the time of his death), Gwen (Tea Leoni), from marrying a smug human-right lawyer.

Ghost Town is a character-driven piece that is nicely played by the entire cast. The film gives Gervais plenty of room to be himself; he's in perfect form. Quick-witted, yet uber straight laced, Gervais creates Pincus as a man uncomfortable in his own skin trying to get a little peace. Based on this performance, I don't know that Gervais is leading man material, but he still manages a solid 'everyman' character that is not only funny, but endearing. Tea Leoni is solid foil to Gervais. She equally eye candy and interesting. Greg Kinnear (not a fan) gets to play the jerk, as a ghost. He's comedic timing is right on. Kristen Wiig is a delight as Pincus' urologist.

Ghost Town has a quirky feel, but despite the onslaught of funny, the film turns into a sweet, romantic story that I fell in love with {much like Stranger Than Fiction}. Writer/director David Koepp (Secret Window) keeps the film from too much sentimentality or stupidity, but it's the solid performances from the cast that make this one.

If you enjoy Ricky Gervais in Extras or The Office, or enjoy off-beat comedies, Ghost Town is for you.