Ricky Gervais does that scene better and funnier than anybody I've ever seen, which is why "Ghost Town" is such a bubbly and delightful comedy.

Gervais, the British comedian and mastermind behind "The Office," stars here as Bertrand Pincus, a misanthropic dentist in Manhattan who's dismissive of his patients, curt with his practice partner (played by "The Daily Show's" Aasif Mandvi) and rude to his neighbors - notably Gwen (Téa Leoni), an archaelogist and recent widow.

A mishap during a routine colonoscopy left Bertrand technically dead for seven minutes, and now he sees ghosts - who all want him to help tie up the loose ends that keep them grounded. The most persistent ghost is Frank (Greg Kinnear), Gwen's adulterous husband, who badgers Bertrand into helping drive off Gwen's new fiancé (Billy Campbell).

Director/co-writer David Koepp - a veteran writer of blockbusters ("Jurassic Park," "Spider-Man") whose directing efforts have always been thrillers ("Stir of Echoes," "Secret Window") - tackles his first comedy confidently. He sets a smooth rhythm for the jokes, doesn't get too fussy with the ghost-life details, and gives his performers room to breathe.

But the charm of "Ghost Town" is in its star's hands. Gervais' double-talking turn as Bertrand, a morose Noel Coward figure in the body of Lou Costello, is consistenly hilarious and ultimately heart-warming.

Sean P. Means can be reached at movies@sltrib.com or 801-257-8602. Send comments about this review to livingeditor@sltrib.com.