Review of Groundhog Day (1993) by Hassan I — 02 Feb 2013

Well, since it's February 2nd, this 15-year old work is running again for the umpteenth time on network TV. And with good reason.

Though there's an endless library of self-help and philosophy books on the topic, there's only a handful of light-hearted, truly entertaining films that gently and successfully persuade the viewer what's truly important toward a personally satisfying life. "Rare Birds." "Local Hero." "Doc Hollywood." "It's A Wonderful Life." And "Groundhog Day," standing so tall among them all.

Murray's the cynical and manipulative weatherman who finds himself trapped in his fateful time warp, reliving his same day in Punxsutawney over and over again. Forced to look ever closer at one day of his life, Murray slowly learns just how much one day can hold.

Job/work become unimportant. He learns how to snag a wad of cash, then delivers up to the viewer exactly what is meant by the old saw that there's only so much happiness that money can buy. When his suicides fail, Murray's forced to figure how to forge this single day of life into pleasure. He finds that the misery of his misanthropy can be replaced with satisfaction taken from small charities.

And he learns that there is at least a little something to endear in everyone - even more so in love-interest co-worker Andie MacDowell. She's lovely enough for the viewer to love too, but this film is Murray's showcase, his message to deliver.

Surely, most of the tens of millions who have already seen this film gave their own lives some gentle re-contemplation due to Murray's crafted delivery. And that's a claim few films can make.

RECOMMENDATION: For the seventeen people in America who still haven't seen it yet, it's (obviously) well spent viewing time. But watch that first step - it's a DOOzee!