A brilliant comedy/morality tale

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2000)

Groundhog Day is undoubtedly one of the best movies I have ever seen. I will admit by bias. I think Bill Murray is a comic genius, which is on display in full force in this comic tour de force.
Bill Murray plays a disgruntled meteorologist who works for a small-market TV station. He is embarrassed that he still has to do gigs like the local groundhog festival in a smalltown. As it happens, the last place that Murray wants to be is the place where he must remain. He wakes up the morning after to discover that he is reliving the previous day. With each passing day (the same day that is), Murray realizes that there are no rules for him because each day he is given a second chance. No rules means no consequences. He attempts to woo the luminous Andie MacDowell(in her best role), but after repeated failures, he starts killing himself off. This is the darkly comic part of the movie, especially the kidnapping of Phil the groundhog.
I will not spoil the ending, but suffice it to say, it is not disappointing. Murray realizes the meaning of life is not about self; it's about selflessness. Point being: we live dead-end lives when we live them in selfishness. We can only escape when we learn to be compassionate, and we can't be loved until we learn to love others ourselves.
This is more than mindless entertainment to me. It is truly an uplifting story, not to mention the fact that it is one of the most romantic movies I've seen. Without a doubt, Bill Murray is one of our best and most under-appreciated actors. Watch "Rushmore" if you think I am mistaken. "Groundhog Day" is one for the keeping and cherishing.