The "tightest" movie I've seen, underrated too

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2020)

(It's a shame this film is not on the IMDB top 250, as it is better than most on that list. The Academy was AWOL as well, only the Brits were sharp enough to award it.)
Granted the core story-idea of this film is not epic, and a bit silly on the surface. It's no "Gone with the Wind," as they say. Just a lighthearted, low-key popcorn movie. But given this, you get the best screenplay, character development, dialogue, acting, editing (etc) possibly built on such a foundation. And it's not just technical-poignancy and heart abound. Film students take note.
So, why is it tight, an odd way to describe a movie, no? I'm reminded of this famous quote: "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."-Antoine de Saint-ExupÃ©ry.
There is essentially zero wasted time in this gem of a film, it's just under an hour and forty minutes of focused storytelling with perfect pacing. Every scene supports the narrative, every line is great to better. There's no special effects or other filler. There are however dozens hilarious moments that continue to be after repeated viewings. Contrast this with any favorite modern-day film that should have been an hour shorter.
Performances/dialogue are fantastic. Another full review celebrates Murray's "understated a-hole" delivery, I'll simply concur. MacDowell is adorable, sweet, and borderline annoying at first, but definitely grows on you. Only Elliot's (the David Letterman cameraman) performance is a bit self-conscious, but he still nails the resentful-nerd angle.
Even minor characters in the town get substantial development all things considered. We immediately grasp everyone's motivations, so believable that they feel like old friends. I'm currently thinking of the two guys at the bowling alley, straight out of a "Strange Brew" sketch going nowhere fast, "that about sums it up for me." (Lolz) But what about (Murray's brother) Buster choking on a meatball, the thankful little old lady trio, the poor old bum about to meet his maker, the proud music teacher, the doctor, the bartender's knowing looks, the groundhog!? And who can forget "Needle-nose Ned's" iconic scenes. Bing!
It's hard not to fall in love with every single person in this cute little town. Am I right, am I right, or am I right?
It's a delightful slice of one day in a small town, a fantasy, a romantic comedy, a celebration of life, and a call for continuous improvement all in one. Not bad for a popcorn movie, eh?