Clever, funny masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (13 September 2003)

Comedies that can also convey sentiment are hard to find. Good ones, that is. This is a very funny movie. I have watched it several times and appreciate something new with each viewing. Basically, it's about a guy named Phil (played by Billy Murray) reliving the same day over and over again. His romantic interest, played by Andie McDowell, represents a brick wall he keeps smashing himself against until figuring out that he has to be happy with himself and what he has instead of what he wants. I usually can't stand "feel good" movies, but this movie is touching. A man nobody likes ends up epitomizing all the things that make a person good.

Many people feel like they are living the same day over and over again, and in relating to Phil's self-inflicted plight, they laugh out loud at his frustrations and misery. In truth, many people are living the same day over and over again because, like the main character, they make the same mistakes over and over again.
What makes it so interesting is how it exposes the problems-and hilarity of such problems- that a lot of men have. Phil learns to appreciate what IS. He learns that if another person can be "conquered" that they weren't worth conquering to begin with; that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. True happiness comes from within. Blah, blah, blah and so forth.
I can't imagine the film with anyone other than Murray. With miraculous insight, he exploits the introspective, narcissistic humor of the story. The two work brilliantly together, exposing an ironic, self deprecating charm before it's over.