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Perhaps the most successful of the Ramis / Murray collaborations - this fantasy comedy drama
made over 70 million dollars when it was released in February of 1993. Bill Murray stars as
a grumpy, arrogant, and egocentric TV weatherman who finds himself stuck in a 24-hour time
loop, while also being trapped physically in the small suburban town of Punxsatawney,
PA - for their annual Groundhog celebrations. This brave, and unique premise hinges entirely
on our protagonist: and I can't picture this idea working with anyone *but* Murray: his
sarcastic delivery, dead-pan comedy style, yet lovable and heroic charm, even when being
a bit of a jerk, is what drives this film so effectively. This is a man who is forced
to struggle with the possibility of eternity: living out February 2nd thousands of times...
indulging in hedonism, before experimenting with numerous suicide attempts, he eventually
decides to make the best of a terrible situation, and re-examine is life; he also uses he countless
loops to learn the piano, how to ice-sculpt, and speak French. After some playful scored
montages, this 101 minute adventure settles down, and we start to see Murray enjoying
himself: helping the townspeople, and courting the love of his life: Andie MacDowell, who
outright rejects his advances in nearly a hundred separate timelines. An ageless beauty,
MacDowell is amazing in this role... her mousey curiosity is countered by Murray's know-it-all
confidence, remaking on his seemingly God-like knowledge of the town, it's citizens, and
the future: "Well maybe the *real* God uses tricks, you know? Maybe he's not omnipotent.
He's just been around so long he knows everything." The couple's incredibly chemistry is strengthened
by all of the humorous failed attempts... loop around, Murray is able to learn a bit
more about this women's desires, while simultaneously learning why he values in himself. Even the
bit-players are unforgettable, from Rick Docommun as an endearing and nervous barfly, or Stephen
Tobolosky, the intrepid Ned Ryerson: a smarmy insurance salesmen. The moral self-reflection
one experiences while watching this picture is unavoidable: a marvelous accomplishment
by director Ramis: who skillfully balances grandiose questions like "the meaning of life"
alongside more basic principals dealing with love and understanding. The score by George
Fenton is a light, and festive ones: keeping this light and playful even during the picture's
darkest themes. Consistent use of camera angles help drive home the repetition in this picture,
which may become tired: but I for one love watching this picture over and over again,
every February. Similarly, the temporal circle is never explained... what made Murray was
so special, or cursed, to get stuck in a loop? An intriguing concept, endearing performances,
great dialogue, and a truly beautiful execution, "Groundhog Day" is a "Magically heartwarming
journey. Timeless dramedy." Let's read some YouTube comments now to hear what you thought
of the movie.
A NINE and a NINE for "Groundhog Day". Although a few got tired with the plot's repetitive
nature, many of you simply loved this: with the highest praise going to Murray's performance,
and the unique concept, you thought it was AWESOME. This is a funny, inspiring, and entertaining
movie I love watching over and over again... but since it's far from perfect, I'm going
to score it an AWESOME as well.