Groundhog Day
UK Release Date: 7 May 1993
Certification: PG
Director: Harold Ramis
Cast: Chris Elliot, Marita Geraghty, Andie MacDowell, Bill Murray, Brian Doyle-Murray, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rating: 70%
Review:
Imagine living the same day over and over again. Well, that is the plot of the 1990's classic rom-com, Groundhog Day.
The main reason Groundhog Day works so well is plain and simple - Bill Murray. He plays weatherman, Phil Connors, who is sent to cover a story in Punxsutawney to see if Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog, predicts a six more weeks of Winter. To Phil Connors this assignment is beneath his talent and is extremely boring, and as a result he is disinterested, bad-tempered and mean to everyone. But he wakes up the following day to find out he is reliving Groundhog Day again and again. The ever watchable Bill Murray is selfish, self-centred and despicable in the role of Phil, yet somehow still engaging.
Reliving the same day over and over again is an idea that can be used to great comedic effect. For example, after a while Phil Connors gets fed up of being stuck in a time loop and decides to live recklessly usually with hilarious effect. Phil punches old school mate Ned Ryerson in the face, seduces women and even kidnaps Punxsutawney Phil. Connors uses this to his advantage to learn crucial information and fix errors that occurred the day before. Connors orders the same drink as Rita (the news producer that he likes) to start a conversation with her. But eventually he uses this knowledge to help everyone in danger or in need of aid in the town of Punxsutawney.
I felt one of the weaknesses of Groundhog Day was the relationship between Rita and Phil. How could Rita switch from loathing Phil to loving him in the space of one day? Their relationship was almost as bad as Thor and Jane Foster...I said almost.
Certification: PG
Director: Harold Ramis
Cast: Chris Elliot, Marita Geraghty, Andie MacDowell, Bill Murray, Brian Doyle-Murray, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rating: 70%
 |
| "Okay, campers, rise and shine." |
Review:
Imagine living the same day over and over again. Well, that is the plot of the 1990's classic rom-com, Groundhog Day.
The main reason Groundhog Day works so well is plain and simple - Bill Murray. He plays weatherman, Phil Connors, who is sent to cover a story in Punxsutawney to see if Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog, predicts a six more weeks of Winter. To Phil Connors this assignment is beneath his talent and is extremely boring, and as a result he is disinterested, bad-tempered and mean to everyone. But he wakes up the following day to find out he is reliving Groundhog Day again and again. The ever watchable Bill Murray is selfish, self-centred and despicable in the role of Phil, yet somehow still engaging.
Reliving the same day over and over again is an idea that can be used to great comedic effect. For example, after a while Phil Connors gets fed up of being stuck in a time loop and decides to live recklessly usually with hilarious effect. Phil punches old school mate Ned Ryerson in the face, seduces women and even kidnaps Punxsutawney Phil. Connors uses this to his advantage to learn crucial information and fix errors that occurred the day before. Connors orders the same drink as Rita (the news producer that he likes) to start a conversation with her. But eventually he uses this knowledge to help everyone in danger or in need of aid in the town of Punxsutawney.
I felt one of the weaknesses of Groundhog Day was the relationship between Rita and Phil. How could Rita switch from loathing Phil to loving him in the space of one day? Their relationship was almost as bad as Thor and Jane Foster...I said almost.
Comments
Post a Comment