If you could relive one day of your life forever, would you do it? Well, Phil Connors does on Groundhog Day, February 2. He’s an arrogant, self-centered TV Reporter who travels to Punxsutawney to record the Groundhog Day going on there. He gives a poor quality report, but a snow blizzard keeps him and his camera crew stuck in Punxsutawney. The next day, he wakes up to find that he is literally reliving the exact same day. And so on, and so on. Phil takes advantage of this—he steals money, seduces women, buys fancy new cars, etc. However, he soon comes to realize that it’s becoming a nightmare, but his various attempts at suicide all fail. He soon realizes that the only way out is to help the people around him in their lives.
Groundhog Day has continuously been rated among the greatest of the comedies ever made. I cannot deny that. Once we get past the introduction of about 10 or so minutes, the laughs flare up. Bill Murray as Phil is near perfect for the role. I’ve seen a few other comedies with Bill Murray in the lead role. I think this one is his best.
Harold Ramis directs this successful comedy (remember him from Ghostbusters?).
Groundhog Day is essentially a warmhearted, innocent comedy that stands off on its own. It never gets overly crude, is entertaining, and has its own sense of moral value. And in another sense, it’s a comedy that could easily be remade, but most likely won’t come out the same.
The first act of the film, when compared to the quality of the rest of the movie, is underwhelming, weak, and not up to standards, however, this first 15 or so minutes of the movie is absolutely necessary to the film. .
Ultimately, it’s a comedic tale of self-improvement. It also has strong themes of selflessness (which is why it’s become a favorite film for Buddhists).
The sheer indulgence of Groundhog Day makes it easily one of the most warm-hearted comedies ever made. I won’t call it as the funniest comedy ever made, but it’s a thriving film for the whole family.
****/5
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