"That could never happen. Doo doo doo. That could never happen."
Have you ever wondered if you could go back in time and fix all the mistakes you've had in the previous day? I know I have. I remember that time with the seal, and Bobo the Clown...well, this isn't the place to be getting into that. Bill Murray doesn't really want to, but gets to, in this sorta cute little comedy.Bill Murray is sent to the actual town of Punsutawney, Pennsylvania (yes, that's spelled right. I looked it up.) to review their annual Groundhog Day festivities, which involve knocking on a box, talking to a groundhog (Punsutawney Phil), and announcing if spring will be early or late. The citizens dance, the band plays, Bill rolls his eyes and is generally a jaded weatherman. He goes to bed.
The next day, he's awakened to the soothing sounds of Sonny and Cher, much like he had been the day before. He swiftly realizes that he's reliving the same day. Live, watch, repeat. Live watch, repeat. Etc.
Though the movie is very cute and some sequences (especially the ones where Bill becomes increasingly suicidal) are extremely clever. However, the constant feeling of been there-done that almost makes you want the movie. to. just. end. There's just too many repeats. How many times can you meet the guy you didn't know existed in high school? It could be that was the feeling the writers were going for, but I doubt they intended to bore their audience.
Now we get to the real dregs of the movie: Andie MacDowell. I don't like her. The woman can't act. She can barely pose. Her supposed Southern charm is something that eludes me in every movie I have seen her in. Essentially, she's at best a pretty carving. When Murray makes an ice sculpture, I nearly cried "A HA!" Finally, I see the light. She's really an oddly carved sculpture come to life. The scenes with her and Bill are supposed to be charming, but I just fidget through them.
Murray makes this movie. He can make even pretty terrible movies pretty good. This isn't a terrible movie. It's eh. The moments where it crawls out of 'eh' and onto the primordial surface of good are the ones with Murray in his nutty prime. It's his performance which makes it good for repeat viewing.This movie is essentially a one-gag movie. However, with little groundhogs "driving" cars and Murray at his insane best, a couple laughs are had. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
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