REVIEW: Surprisingly, this movie is not as cliché as you might think. The title is and so is the premise but Ricky Gervais, who plays the lead role of Bertram Pincus D.D.S., makes all the difference needed to save this picture from becoming just another “I see dead people” story. Well actually, this movie’s well laid out story also helps save it. But it’s Ricky’s character that gives it flavor. The first time I really noticed him was in Night at the Museum as the museum manager. His predominant talents of dry wit, sarcastic humor, and sharp line delivery were evident with that role. Even so, I still had my doubts about his ability to carry a movie as the lead actor. Well movie fans, I think he did just fine. His talents were shining just as bright if not brighter in this picture. You also must consider that this socially inept recluse of a character is the perfect role for him and he does not disappoint.
“Not now!” is probably one of the more popular phrases said by those suddenly and unexpectedly departed souls. Life and death are polar opposites and yet there is such a fine line between them. This film gives an interesting representation of that fine line and how unfinished business can affect a person’s itinerary. Greg Kinnear plays Frank Herlihy, one of these unfortunate souls. After discovering that Pincus has the ability to see and hear these ghosts, he makes his life a living hell in order to persuade him to disrupt his wife’s plans of marrying the “wrong guy”. When Pincus gives in to the plan, he transforms into the unlikeliest of suitors and thus adds to the comedy as well as providing some touching moments of romance and kindness. The main benefactor is Gwen played by Tea Leoni. Both Tea and Greg are always on the ball so their performances were exactly that. But again, Ricky really stole the show. Well, not the entire show . . . there are a couple of scenes with a very interesting new actor which I don’t recall ever seeing before. Actually, I don’t recall ever seeing this breed being used in a movie before. This adorable canine belongs to Gwen and having him in a Manhattan apartment gives new meaning to the phrase, house pet. I was impressed by its performance.
As I have mentioned in other reviews, a movie of this nature relies on, among many other things, a good script. Ricky’s performance can only be as sharp as what he is saying and he was sharp. At some moments the line delivery was a little too accelerated but overall the message got across. With a concept like this, you might expect heavy duty special effects. The movie makers seemed to not want to focus on special effects as much and focus more on the story and the acting. The effects were simple but not cheap, effective but not overly elaborate. It was just the right touch. Writer/Director David Koepp has plenty of successful writing jobs under his belt. He has directed a handful of projects and this is a very nice addition to his resume. This is a charming movie that is a good choice if you’re in the mood for it. I thought the two closing lines in the movie were very clever. It’s a shame that Priscilla couldn’t come with me to see this one because I think she would have loved it.
Film Review By Cine Marcos
DVD: The DVD includes about 30 minutes of special features, including a good option commentary by David Koepp and Ricky Gervais. The highlight of the special features is “Making Ghost Town”, a very good documentary about the film’s production. The rest of the features are “Ghostly Effects” and “Some People Can Do it”, which is just a Ricky Gervais gag reel.
Release Date: December 27, 2008
