Review of Groundhog Day (1993) by J Brigham H — 03 Feb 2013

As I consider it seriously, I think this is probably the best romantic comedy of the past three decades, at least according to my tastes. I think you'd have to go all the way back to Woody Allen's 1977 masterpiece ANNIE HALL to find another rom-com at the same level, although, I must confess, I feel I might be leaving one out.

Regardless, even as it was selected for the National Film Registry in 2006 and crops up occasionally on the lists compiled by the American Film Institute, I believe it is woefully unrecognized as the classic it is. Hell, I love GHOSTBUSTERS as much as the next guy, but GROUNDHOG DAY is Harold Ramis', and for that matter, Bill Murray's masterwork, although some of Murray's later roles may give it a run for its money. It works superbly on multiple levels ranging from sharp and witty comedy, manic comedy, soul-edifying melodrama, poignant drama and heartfelt romance. Almost any other film to dare to venture into that mix would almost certainly wind up bogged down by self-important treacle while also disappointing expectations, but with a healthy surplus of charm, intelligence and sincerity, this one soars.

Bill Murray acts in exactly the way you hope, with deadpan wit and sarcasm, and the script caters to his talents so well that while we're getting what we want, it never interferes with the purposes of the film product and often buoys it up. His chemistry with Andie MacDowell is perfect, and she provides a charming sweetness to counter his searing wit, both balancing and complimenting. The supporting players all have some great moments as well, such as Chris Elliot as Murray's much put-upon news cameraman, and especially Stephen Toblowsky as the obnoxious insurance salesman Ned Ryerson, annoying in just the right way, who plagues the beginning of each Groundhog Day in Murray's personal Hell.

Every chord is struck marvelously within the structure of the story as each day is a repeat and Murray begins annoyed, then snarky, then devious, and somber and so on as the gentle emotional ride plays on. In the end, it's a movie that honestly makes you feel great.