A Truly Great Romantic Comedy

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2016)

One of the great films, "Groundhog Day" is a satisfying romantic comedy that also works as an exploration of existential and philosophical concepts.
Phil (Bill Murray) is a Pittsburgh weatherman who must cover the Groundhog Day festivities for the fourth year in a row. He reluctantly travels to Puxatawney, PA with cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) and new producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) to record the antics of Puxatawney Phil. After they get there, he is caught in a time loop, making him relive February 2nd over and over.
Before he goes to Puxatawney, Phil is tired of his boring life. To him, it feels like everyday is the same--more clouds, more precipitation, more cold fronts. He is abrasively sarcastic and genuinely depressed.
When he is forced to live a life where literally everyday is essentially the same, he learns to appreciate the small things. And he realizes that he is the primary variable in his own life; it is up to him to appreciate the little things and to make the most of his time.
The script is terrific. Not only does it hold together on scrutiny, it is touching and funny. Bill Murray straddles the line between humorous and meanness perfectly, affecting a transformation that is believable. Andie MacDowell does a good job portraying a woman who is essentially romantic and optimistic, but wary of Phil's intentions. Chris Elliott is self-deprecating and perfectly tuned to his role as an immature schlub.
I know I am not alone in saying I have watched "Groundhog Day" so many times I have lost count. Its appeal is so great, it easily bears rewatching, like "The Wizard of Oz". In my estimation, Bill Murray has two of the top comedies of our time with "Groundhog Day" and "What About Bob?"