Optimism

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2004)

The cast in this film is perfect but the story makes the film. Is it about optimism? The affectionate tension builds, beginning low-key and subtly, between the cynicism and pessimism of Bill Murray's weatherman, Phil, and the tolerant accommodation of his producer, Rita(Andie McDowell), not to mention the general good-cheer of the townsfolk.
But does Phil have to become an optimist to win Rita's heart?
Or is there something else going on here?
Is it even about learning how to do a myriad of things, just in order to impress the girl?
Phil is definitely your true-to-life cynic.
But what it is that finally changes Phil, in the end?
The focus narrows as he refines his technique, his approach, his way of thinking.
What finally is it, that changes Phil?
And what finally enables Phil, and Rita, to make it through to the next day, breaking the spell?
It isn't because they were able to stay up all night, through to 6 a.m.
Because it shows they were clearly asleep when the clock announces a new day.