GHOST TOWN ***

Writer turned director David Koepp is in charge of a cast which includes: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and, Tea Leoni. Rated PG-13 for some strong language, sexual humor and drug references, the supernatural romantic comedy is one hour and forty-two minutes long.

When a man whose people skills leave much to be desired (Gervais) dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he discovers he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts (Kinnear and lots and lots of others). Even worse, they all want something from him. At the same time, he begins falling in love with the widow of one of the ghosts (Leoni).

There's nothing original in this film and the outcome is obvious from the beginning. What makes it work is the skill of the three main actors, Gervais, Kinnear and Leoni. Many may not be familiar with the British, Gervais, but he nails the characterization of Bertram Pincus, D.D.S., who doesn't really like people and practices dentistry because he doesn't have to listen to patients talk when their mouth is full. The pic is all about his growth as a human being after his near death experience and his introduction to the needy dead who inhabit his neighborhood. Leoni is a delight as always, even managing to convince us a woman could actually fall for someone as thoroughly disagreeable as the obnoxious dentist in her apartment building. Kinnear is also fine but his role doesn't require nearly as much artistic talent. This film will be just as enjoyable as a DVD but it is one most will enjoy wherever they choose to see it.