Amiable comedy with a twist

Rating: 7/10 (8 May 2000)

While some might point out it's plot is a little too close to the 1990 movie 12:01PM, Groundhog Day is a light-hearted family comedy that is worthy of praise. A cynical weatherman is forced (By what? We never find out) to live 24 hours over and over again, eventually released from the trap by being nice. It might have been more fun if Bill had gone from being nice to become embittered and cynical, but as a "feel-good" romantic comedy it's not too bad. There are some good scenes where Phil (Murray) becomes disillusioned and attempts suicide, and then there are some amusing, and highly inventive, ways in which he passes the time. Just one thing - have you ever noticed that no matter how early or how late Bill leaves his hotel he always bumps into Ned Ryerson at the exact same spot? An enjoyable, original and pleasant comedy.
While some might point out it's plot is a little too close to the 1990 movie 12:01PM, Groundhog Day is a light-hearted family comedy that is worthy of praise. A cynical weatherman is forced (By what? We never find out) to live 24 hours over and over again, eventually released from the trap by being nice. It might have been more fun if Bill had gone from being nice to become embittered and cynical, but as a "feel-good" romantic comedy it's not too bad. There are some good scenes where Phil (Murray) becomes disillusioned and attempts suicide, and then there are some amusing, and highly inventive, ways in which he passes the time. Just one thing - have you ever noticed that no matter how early or how late Bill leaves his hotel he always bumps into Ned Ryerson at the exact same spot? An enjoyable, original and pleasant comedy.
While some might point out it's plot is a little too close to the 1990 movie 12:01PM, Groundhog Day is a light-hearted family comedy that is worthy of praise. A cynical weatherman is forced (By what? We never find out) to live 24 hours over and over again, eventually released from the trap by being nice. It might have been more fun if Bill had gone from being nice to become embittered and cynical, but as a "feel-good" romantic comedy it's not too bad. There are some good scenes where Phil (Murray) becomes disillusioned and attempts suicide, and then there are some amusing, and highly inventive, ways in which he passes the time. Just one thing - have you ever noticed that no matter how early or how late Bill leaves his hotel he always bumps into Ned Ryerson at the exact same spot? An enjoyable, original and pleasant comedy.
While some might point out it's plot is a little too close to the 1990 movie 12:01PM, Groundhog Day is a light-hearted family comedy that is worthy of praise. A cynical weatherman is forced (By what? We never find out) to live 24 hours over and over again, eventually released from the trap by being nice. It might have been more fun if Bill had gone from being nice to become embittered and cynical, but as a "feel-good" romantic comedy it's not too bad. There are some good scenes where Phil (Murray) becomes disillusioned and attempts suicide, and then there are some amusing, and highly inventive, ways in which he passes the time. Just one thing - have you ever noticed that no matter how early or how late Bill leaves his hotel he always bumps into Ned Ryerson at the exact same spot? An enjoyable, original and pleasant comedy.