There is really only one reason why this movie is getting any stars at all and that is Ricky Gervais.

The British comedian tries his hand at being the star of a Hollywood flick. Gervais’ awkward humour mixed with classic Hollywood surrealism leads to a hilarious chemistry.

As for the movie itself, it is nothing more than a cheesy romantic comedy. If anyone else had been cast for Gervais’ role, the movie would just be terrible; no way around it.

Gervais’ character, Bertram Pincus, is a dentist in Manhattan. After complications in surgery, he can now see dead people who have unfinished business. That’s the point where most people say, “We’ve heard this before.” True, but this time the guy is British and grumpy.

The first half is Gervais running away from ghosts and the second half is about him finding love. It’s not that I don’t think finding love is a good thing, but it was just so cheesy and cliché that I was a little embarrassed to be in the theatre.

If I wanted to see awkward British guys chasing around American girls I could have rented any Hugh Grant film.

The ghost plot itself has already been done by the likes of Ghost, Heart and Souls and Sixth Sense. 

I must say that I love Ricky Gervais and am excited about his transition into Hollywood; but as a comedian entering feature films he can’t get stuck in American Romantic Comedy Syndrome (ARCS).

One great comedian who is deeply diagnosed with ARCS is Dane Cook. Cook is an absolutely hilarious comedian who has just finished making around ten of the worst romantic comedies of all time.

Dane Cook, if you are reading this then please make a good film or get back to stand up and if this paper makes it across the water and into Gervais’ hands, then I’m sorry I bashed your movie but give your head a shake.

If Ghost Town is your first taste of Ricky Gervais, don’t give up on him. Check out The Office (UK version) or the show Extras for his true display of talent.