Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day
Directed by Harold Ramis
Written by Danny Rubin and Harold Ramis
1993/US
IMDb link
Repeat viewing/Amazon Instant

[box] Phil: There is no way that this winter is *ever* going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any other way out. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.[/box]

This movie’s clever premise and strong screenplay have aged beautifully.

Phil (Bill Murray) is a cynical, conceited TV weatherman who detests his job.  The worst part is going to Punxsutawney, PA every February 2 to report on the emergence of groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.  According to legend if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. This year he is accompanied by cameraman Larry (Chris Elliot) and beautiful, wholesome producer Rita (Andie MacDowell).  Both of them are fed up with Phil. A blizzard forces the trio to stay the night.

Then the movie proper begins.  Every day becomes Groundhog Day.  Phil awakens to exactly the same song and announcer each morning and meets the same people over and over.  He tries everything he can think of, including attempted self-destruction, but nothing works.  No, Phil must live the same day until he gets it right.

I love this movie.  The acting, particularly Murray’s, is excellent and the dialogue is perfection.  It combines romance and silliness in a totally original way and leaves the viewer with hope for the human race.  Highly recommended in these times of trial.

Inexplicably, this film was nominated for zero Academy Awards.