OK for kids 13+
Comedy is sweet, but a little short on romance.
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.
- 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: Portrays a heartfelt transformation of a malcontent into a giving person. But before he changes, he's quite nasty: He's rude to patients, colleagues, and neighbors. At first, a man seems cavalier about his infidelity. There's a plot to deceive a woman, though there's some remorse after it happens.
What to watch for
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Violence: Buses hit people head-on, but viewers don't see any gore. Some discussion about how certain people have died. Some yelling.
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Sex: A man talks about having a mistress, but viewers don't see them together. Some jokes about a mummy's private parts; one of the minor ghosts is naked, but nothing sensitive is shown.
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Language: Not particularly frequent use, but some strong words, including "f--k," "s--t," "ass," and "goddamn."
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Consumerism: Signage for New York City buses, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bulgari. One character holds a BlackBerry and talks of it wistfully.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some discussion of prescription drugs and jokes about abusing them. Some social drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Smart Script by sqpeg
Great cast, smart script, hope to see alot more movies like this. Perfect for a date.
5
A great feel good movie! by nursesusan1957
This had great humor and touching sentiment! My husband laughed so hard during one scene that he almost fell out of his seat! If you want to see a movie where you don't need to worry about stupid humor, foul language or whatever else bothers you, then go see this movie. You'll leave the theater in a much better mood than when you came in!
5
Ghost Town by JumpingTuna
Great movie, funny, unpredictable, enterntaining. You could watch it 30 times and still laugh every time.
5
great movie, I laughed, I cried! by dgordon623
There was no sex, no violence, no profanity, & no car chases. I loved it! It was an intelligently-written movie that was funny and wise. I wish Holleywood (or anyone!) made more movies like this one, Bravo!
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
Typical but still very interesting.
5
Awesome by Luv52
I loved this movie! I'm going to see it again really soon!! It rocks the moon...funny stuff..the whole audience was laughing out loud a bunch...go see it if you want to feeel goood!!
5
I love this movie by Sputters
I laughed a majority of the time, it was awesome.
5
Ghost Town - what a kick! by sherimb
I haven't laughed so much or so hard in ages! You have to see this movie. The undercurrent is strong with innuendos and all you wind up doing is laughing because it's all so unexpected. For a really fun time - catch this movie.
4
ghost town by dirksimons7
Funny. Weird. Interesting.
5
Don't wait for DVD. See it now. by Victoria McSushi
And you can watch it again when it comes out on DVD.
This movie was fabulous. I laughed and cried through the entire thing (mostly laughed). If you enjoy a dry sense of humor, you will love it. Ricky Gervais' performance was stellar. I didn't expect to enjoy it so much and was pleasantly surprised. Not just a chick flick. The men in the theater were laughing as well. Movie was well paced, script well done and the acting was good. Tea Leoni was really great at acting like a woman whose husband is unfaithful. What a stretch for her. ;)