"It's Groundhog Day!!!"

Every time "Groundhog Day" is played on ABC Family (which happens quite often) I have always found myself changing the channel and not giving the film a chance. That was definitely a mistake on my part. I thought this film found a very original way to tell an extremely over done story, the story of a man who is initially a jerk, realizing that he is a jerk and changing his ways. Because this film had Phil Connors (Bill Murray) repeat the same day over and over again, I was able to see a gradual change within Phil throught events that happened over and over again. I liked how the film mixed a significant amount of comedy and romance into a story that could have probably survived without one but would not have been as successful in depicting the story. Although it did frustrate me not knowing why Phil was stuck in February 2nd for however many days, I am glad the writers did not make up a ridiculous excuse to cover it up. By not knowing I feel the plot line, in a sense, becomes more legitimate. I loved the acting in this movie because unlike "Bringing Up Baby," another screwball comedy, the acting seemed more realistic and the characters seemed more like everyday people. The film was extremely repetitive, obviously, but I feel it was filmed in a way where everyday brought something new for the characters keeping the events moving. My only problem with this film would have to be Rita, played by Andie MacDowell. She just did not seem very likeable to me at first, and the only reason I seemed to be rooting for their romance was because Phil seemed so enthralled by her. Throughout the film her character did grow on me, but Phil was by far the star. This film in many ways is like a screwball comedy but Phil being the center of the events was a clear difference since usually in screwball comedies there is a strong female character leading the film. I think, in a way, "Groundhog Day" tried to incorporate the strong female character by having Rita be the producer and Phil just a weatherman, making her the authoritive figure. Overall, I enjoyed watching this film and I must say it does surpass "Bringing Up Baby" for me. Although the film involves a not so likely premise, the message is universal.