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Well I approached this movie with trepidation thinking this was going to be some pseudo babble about higher powers and higher beings. Instead I was pleasantly surprised without being blown away. Basically this is the story of George Malley (Travaolta) a small town mechanic who though an unexplainable phenomenon becomes able to function of a higher level, gaining the ability to process information like no other human being. This plays out affecting all his relationships and drawing attention from the wider world. There is lots to like here and Travolta is earnest enough, and maybe this is just me but I really struggle to accept him as a small town mechanic he is just not every day enough for me to carry of these sort of roles. But on the plus point he is supported by the ever wonderful Robert Duvall and Forrest Whittaker and his best friends. This has a good message at its core without being spectacular at anything. Would I watch it again. On a rainy day yes and preferably with my wife.

This is a lovely subtle movie which is held together well by Ricky Gervais in what is his first lead role. Gervais is always going to play versions of himself, but here he reigns it in more than normal and gives a performance of depth as Doctor Pincus a lonely dentist who has problems forming relationships. Pincus then has a near death experience which leaves him able to see ghosts. Pincus is asked by the ghosts to perform acts that will enable them to be released to the after life. Pincus is reluctant to do so until he meets the ghost of Frank the dead husband of Gwen who lives in his apartment block. What we end up with is typically Gervais is three characters seeking redemption through different means. Frank through forgiveness, Gwen through the need to move on and Pincus through human contact. This is all handled well with much more subtlety than your average Hollywood rom-com which for me works so much better. Highly recommended.