Today’s quick review: Groundhog Day. Phil (Bill Murray) is an abrasive weather man with an inflated ego who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. One miserable day turns into many when he finds himself trapped in a time loop, waking up each morning to relive Groundhog Day over and over again. With no way out of the loop, Phil occupies his time picking up new skills, exploring the town of Punxsutawney, and pursuing a one-sided romance with Rita (Andie MacDowell), his charming coworker.
Groundhog Day is a comedy movie with a surprising amount of heart. Phil is one of Bill Murray’s best characters, a misanthrope with just enough humanity to remain likable. His acid tongue earns him the enmity of those around him, but his bad attitude does him no good once he becomes trapped. Instead he must adjust to life in a small town with only one day’s events to live out however he chooses.
This freedom leads to great comedy and profound insights into the human condition. Phil’s ability to live out the day again lets him do just about anything he sets his mind to. At the same time, his imprisonment leads to boredom and suffering. Hedonism quickly loses its charm, and without the ability to end the loop, Phil must find other ways to fill his time and find meaning in his life.
The mixture of a flawed, funny protagonist and a philosophical, human story makes Groundhog Day a unique, impressive movie. Watch it if you are in the mood for an amusing comedy that also lives up to its considerable emotional potential. Skip it if you are looking for a more overt comedy without the emotional weight.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for an inventive premise, good comedy, and an insightful look at the human condition.