Hollywood's DreamWorks Studios has acquired the rights to the late Michael Crichton's last manuscript, a 17th century pirate yarn. Variety said Steven Spielberg will produce and may direct the big-screen adaptation of Pirate Latitudes, a novel to be published Nov. 24.

By MAL VINCENT By Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot A GROUCHY DENTIST who sees dead people does not, upon first thought, inspire gales of laughter. Yet, when the part is played by plump, deadpan British comic Ricky Gervais, there are possibilities.

YOUR Chronicle has arranged to give you the opportunity to see a special preview of this exciting new film before it opens in cinemas on October 24, 2008. Starring: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni. Directed by: David Koepp. Written by: David Koepp (screenplay), John Kamps (screenplay).

By SCOTT A. MAY At a time when bad vibes and cynicism seem to rule the box office, movies like "Ghost Town" feel like a breath of fresh air. Contrived and derivative as it is, this lightweight romantic comedy has a lot of heart, in all the right places.

By Bob Strauss Striking just the right balance between sarcastic and sweet, "Ghost Town" breathes new life into supernatural comedy.