It's GROUNDHOG DAY
 Jun 27th, 2007
Advantages:
Fantastic story . Bill Murray is superb .
Disadvantages:
DVD extras are nothing special .
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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  pumfster
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Member since:22.02.2003
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Review rated by 20 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Whilst looking through some of my old reviews on Ciao, I noticed that I had never gotten around to writing a review of my favourite film of all time, in fact I thought it was about time I whipped out my DVD and had another watch. The film that I am talking about, why its GROUNDHOG DAY!!! Bill Murray plays the lead role in the film, that of TV weatherman Phil Connors. Phil is your typical local television weatherman, getting a short slot each day for the weather bulletins, and occasionally getting sent out on special assignment to cover local stories that no one else wants to cover. In this instance, the event is in Gobblers Knob Park, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and is the local Groundhog Day celebrations. Groundhog Day is an American custom, and revolves around bringing out a groundhog from a cage, talking to it, and if it sees its shadow then we are in for 6 weeks more of winter. Phil has now been sent out to cover the Groundhog Day celebrations for the last few years and really hates it. He has an over inflated opinion of himself, and feels that the event is beneath his level of ability. He is not well liked by the crew
that are sent out with him. These are Rita, the ever cheerful producer, played by Andie MacDowell, and Larry, a smart-alec, happy go lucky cameraman played by Chris Elliot.
THE GENERAL PLOT
The film starts with the groundhog celebrations, and Phil's killjoy attitude whilst doing his piece to camera; he cannot wait to get away from the place. However, a major blizzard (not predicted by him during the weather!!!) moves in and traps the team in Punxsutawney, and this is where it all goes wrong for poor Phil. He wakes the next day and to his horror, discovers that it is Groundhog Day, again!!! He initially puts this down to deja vu, however, as the events unfold exactly the same way, he discovers that something is very wrong. To that effect, he goes back to his hotel room and wakes up. IT’S GROUNDHOD DAY again, and again, and again, .....
Phil is the only person who seems to be reliving the same day over and over, and the rest of the crew think that he has simply gone over the edge of sanity. The film then develops very interestingly. Far from the same thing happening each day, Phil realises that there are no consequences to his actions, as he will always wake up at the same time, same place. Once he has gotten over this, (his dying phase is especially amusing, as is his criminal phase) he realises that this may not be a curse, and in fact is a wonderful and unique opportunity to better himself and make himself a better person. He then spends his time learning new skills, helping people and trying to woo Rita the producer. His ultimate goal is to achieve the perfect day, just for once!!! Bill Murray is absolutely superb in this role. His best film are ones where he plays really dry witted characters, (Something About Bob, Lost in Translation come to mind) and he is at his best with witty one line put downs and subtle jokes which are his forte. Andie MacDowell also puts in a strong performance in the supporting role, as the producer who has to deal with his strops and prima Dona demands. Chris Elliot doesn't have a massive role in the film, but is more than adequate as the butt of several of Phil's jokes throughout the film.
DVD EXTRAS This collector’s edition of the film comes with several additional special features. These include: -
1. Directors Commentary, which I always find interesting in films, knowing exactly what the director was thinking at certain key points, and what they wanted to convey. 2. The Weight Of Time Documentary: - This is also very interesting and involves talking to the cast and crew for their take on what the film means to them, and what the message in the film is.
3. Filmographies: - Details of the cast, and highlighting some of the other works that they have been involved in. I would say that the special features aren't as strong as with some films, however when you have such a fantastic film, do you really need any more???
SUMMARY To sum up I feel that this film is fantastic entertainment, but more than that, I feel as though there is actually a very important life message in here for all of us. For me the film suggests that no matter how we all are as a person, we can always better ourselves, and that you should always live each day as if it is your last and get the most out of it. The performances of the cast are superb, The DVD cost me £12.99 when I bought it some time ago, and so I am guessing that you can pick it up for a few quid less now at all good DVD shops, as well as the usual places online. The film was rated as PG for the UK audience, and rather surprisingly as 15 for the Irish audience, although there is very little if any sexual content, and bad language is really kept to a necessary minimum. If you haven't seen this film before I would definitely recommend giving it a watch, and prepare to laugh for 97 minutes from start to finish.
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![Groundhog Day (Collector's Edition) [DVD] [1993]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78545717.jpg)
by (5%):
05.07.2007 07:07
Films even.
05.07.2007 07:07
Great review. This is one of my favourite fils too, I've watched it so many times.. Wolf x
05.07.2007 05:44
Glad to see your review is back! Chris x