Ghost Town

Impressions before seeing it
I was a little indifferent I think. I don't mind Ricky Gervais (Extras was awesome), but this film hadn't captured my attention.

How was it?
The concept wasn't so bad at first. There were some funny moments from Kristen Wiig and Gervais brought his brand of awkward humour to the movie, but halfway through I realized it was just too much like Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. It may not take place during Christmas, but it is about a grouchy and cynical man who is visited by ghosts who teach him not to be so grouchy and cynical. And then add in a romance. In fact, the romance makes it more like Scrooged with Bill Murray. It could have been more unique if they hadn't made those choices.

That being said, I do think Ricky Gervais is an adequate actor and can easily carry a film. Even if he was playing a character who's really not that different from his character Andy on Extras. I was also surprised by Tea Leoni because I'm not usually a fan of hers (maybe because of her character choices), but she was good here and it felt really genuine every time she laughed at Bertram's (Gervais) jokes. But as in a lot of Hollywood movies, it became less about the ghosts (ie. the original concept) and more about the romance. I shouldn't complain because overall I did manage to find it likeable, I just wish it hadn't been so predictable. One thing I will praise it for is the decision not to show a wedding scene in any capacity, because that is the biggest and most eye-rolling cliche ending a romance could have. Was anyone else annoyed that Dan in Real Life had a perfectly good ending and then they totally undercut it by sticking in wedding footage during the end credits? I know I'm going off topic slightly, but to me a wedding ending is... too much closure. I think we can figure out for ourselves that they lived happily ever after without having white dresses and black tuxes shoved in our faces, thanks.

Recommendation
Overall it is an enjoyable movie, but not largely so. You might get a kick out of it if you like Ricky Gervais or a common romance plot.