The Summer of 101 Movies! #101: Groundhog Day

It's what you've been waiting for, what you've been teased since last Sunday, the review event of the Summer. It's... THE SUMMER OF 101 MOVIES!!!! Yes, this is my first Summer event, and I hope this goes well so I can do another one next year. Now let me explain. For my birthday, I received a book called "The Greatest Movies Ever: The Ultimate Ranked List of the Best Films of All Time." It contained 101 movies I loved, wanted to love, or had never heard of but was willing to love. Then I was given an idea, why not watch AND review all of these movies over the summer? I hadn't reviewed any of these, and I did want to see most of them. Why not?! So now this is what I'm doing this summer. Now, to clear some things up. No, these will not count as regular reviews, I consider these reviews as "Special" reviews. You'll still get your regular review every week-end and you may even get some YMNKS' as well. This is not my opinion of the best movies, so I shall critic without a biased opinion. Also, don't get angry if YOUR favorite movie of all time is not on here. And lastly, I will not be able to review all the movies by the end of the summer and I will not be able to have a review up each day, We're getting the movies through Netflix mail order, so yeah. Now that's out of the way, let's review #101, a comedy classic...

Let's Begin...

PLOT

Phil is a cynical, self-loving, jackass weather man. For four years straight, he's covered Groundhog Day, and is, you guessed it, cynical about it. He hates everything about it. The town, the holiday, even the groundhog. After he and the film crew are stuck in the town for another day due to a blizzard, Phil wakes up the next day, and it's still February 2nd. The day plays out the exact same way it did yesterday. He wakes up the next day, and it's still February 2nd. Phil is now reliving the same day over and over and over again!

PROS

Bill Murray, as always, plays the perfect cynical, self-obsessed, jackass. It's his signature character. Except this time, you actually hate him. The last thing you want is for him to get the girl and get out of this never ending loop, and yet his charms, like always, win you over.

The comedy, for me at least, is spot on. It's no surprise Harold Ramis wrote and directed. There were times I almost fell out of my seat from laughing.

Since the movie is about the same day happening over and over again, they have to keep consistency. Trust me, they keep it up, even with the most minute detail. They even keep the same camera shots. It makes the film infinitely re-watchable.

The film has a prefect mix of comedy, romance, and drama. One minute you'll be laughing so hard you can't breath, the next you'll have tears in your eyes, weather they be tears of joy, or tears of sadness. And it all seems natural.

The movie is a flawless showcase of the 5 stages of grief. 1: Denial, 2: Anger, 3: Desperation, 4: Depression and 5: Acceptance. While Anger never really plays a big part, they rest of the stages are here in full force and in order.

Phil does just about everything anyone would try in that situation, he does outrageous things, goes on a eating binge, learns all about the life of a hot chick just so he can get with her, and even learns a daily routine so he can steal a suitcase full of money!

CONS

I was afraid this would happen... yeah, expect this section to be empty a lot over the Summer...

CONCLUSION

While, yes, I can't think of any serious flaws against this movie, that doesn't mean it's for everyone. I know people who love this movie to death, and others who hate it to their very core. Me? I like it. I love the little minute details and how much work and effort was put into the film to make it something special. While I don't think you need to run out and see it, who am I kidding, you've probably seen it 50 times by now. But for those who haven't, I say see it, but don't rush out for it. Come back tomorrow for #100, and one of my personal favorites.

RATING

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