Groundhog Day (1993)

Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott & Stephen Tobolowsky

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Groundhog Day is probably the most inventive comedy to have come out in the 1990's. Its story of a perpetually repeating day until the main character gets it "right" not only has spiritual overtones--which was not lost on the spiritual community according to the number of letters from religious groups that director Harold Ramis received after the film's release--but it's able to illuminate the everyday, underlining the spectacular that happens right in front of us everyday.

What's so great about the movie is that everything that happens in the film feels like it could happen. Specifically, Bill Murray sells that his days actually do repeat themselves in a seemingly endless loop. [NOTE: Ramis estimates that Murray's character is actually stuck in the loop about ten years according to his estimation.] The cast of supporting characters (and character actors) is also incredibly impressive.

Speaking of character actors: special mention goes to Stephen Tobolowsky for his portrayal of "Ned! Ned Ryerson! Bing!" He's a walking punchline, and the thought of having that character walk up to a person everyday being...well, Ned Ryerson! underlines the absurdity of the entire scenario.

The film has everything one might want in a romantic-comedy. It emphasizes the comedy over the romance. It's got the great one-liners [PHIL: I'm a god. RITA: You're God? PHIL: I'm a god. I'm not the God...I don't think.]. It's got a message but not one that feels forced. It's got a great cast of supporting actors, but most importantly it's got Bill Murray at the top of his game, which is great for any movie of any genre.

February 12
apartment TV, afternoon

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