 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ghost Town
- Review Date: September 17, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Comedy is sweet, but a little short on romance.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, overall, the content of this sweet romantic comedy is tamer than not. There are some allusions to infidelity (though viewers don't see it happening), a bit of social drinking, a few jokes about prescription drug abuse, and some fairly infrequent swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), but there's no nudity, and the film has an upbeat, hopeful message in the end. That said, one of the main character is a ghost, and some of the discussions about death might be upsetting for young or particularly sensitive kids.
What's the story?
Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) is an ill-natured Manhattan dentist who likes his profession because he doesn't have to chitchat with his patients. In fact, he's loathe to socialize even on the barest level, pressing elevator buttons furiously so he doesn't have to ride up with his neighbors and skipping out when his associate celebrates the birth of his child. But after a colonoscopy goes awry and he technically dies for seven minutes before coming back to life, Bertram won't be left alone anymore. He sees ghosts everywhere -- and they're a talkative bunch, imploring him to help settle their unfinished business. The most persuasive is Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear), a tuxedoed philanderer who wants Bertram to help stop his widow's (Tea Leoni) impending remarriage. Bertram agrees to come to his aid, but only if Frank keeps the other spirits at bay and promises to leave him alone when the job's done. But soon Bertram learns he has unfinished business, too.
Is it any good?
It's refreshing to find a romantic comedy that doesn't try too hard. There's an ease to the storytelling in GHOST TOWN that eschews the typical look-at-me-I'm-so-cute style that too many others adopt. It also ably balances pathos with humor, mining the sadness in a moment -- the film is about death, after all -- while preventing it from getting too mournful and breaking the mood.
That said, the story takes a little too much time to unfold; the first 30 minutes are on the cusp of being slow. And then the end feels compressed, the romance rushed. Plus, the chemistry between Gervais -- who's certainly appealing in his oddball way -- and Leoni is nonexistent. While you can imagine them hanging out at a cocktail party and having an unexpectedly great time, they're unconvincing as a potential couple. The real winner here is the city of New York, which, though haunted by ghosts, is showcased at its glowy, autumnal best.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's message. What point is it making about how to live life while you can? What does Bertram learn from the ghosts? Is his transformation believable? Families can also discuss how this movie compares to other romantic comedies. Can you think of any movies it's similar to?
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AGE
what a surprise!
This was so funny! Just plain funny... exactly what I needed right now with the world. I can't believe it wasn't talked about more.
Everyone does a great job acting and the story is very cute and done well.
I watched it with my 10 yr old. There are a couple of strong words, and a mummy penis conversation that's harmless (to me).
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AGE
a sweet, touching, british comedy with good life messages
This delightfully bittersweet british comedy (in my mind) was one of the most overlooked films of 08. It has simple, modest british humor that works well along with its positive messages about appreciating life and the little things.
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AGE
this was great!
this was a great movie! me and my dad went to see it and it was great. not any scary/inappropiate content at all! little kids wouldn't care much for it, but ages 10+ would really enjoy it!
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AGE
Get ready to cry tears of laughter!
Thought it was outrageously funny! This is the kind of film that really gets you laughing off your chair. I loved the humor, storyline and characters. I felt sorry for the main dude, even though he had a bad attitude, made it more great. The jokes throughout are horrendously funny & stuff you haven't heard before. The ghosts rocked even though they were totally annoying. Language was not too bad..but an "f" word pops out when you least expect it & some "s" words as well as others. Not recommended to those under 12.
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AGE
perfect for 13
It was a nice movie. Not the best but okay. There was profane language but that was basically it. The f word was used but im sure 13 year olds can handle that.
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AGE
all i can say is hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!
this was one of the funnest thing ive seen all year! go get it it is so funny!
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AGE
perfect teen movie
Great movie, however some sexual humor and 3 F words. other language throughout
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AGE
British humor fans in the US- Celebrate!
Yes, there is language, but if you love the Office and the brit-wit Ricky Gervais, then this movie will be truly entertaining.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | David Koepp |
| Cast: | Greg Kinnear, Ricky Gervais, Tea Leoni |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 18, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | December 28, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some strong language, sexual humor and drug references. |
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