If you can't appreciate sarcasm, don't bother watching Groundhog Day. Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is a sardonic Pennsylvania meteorologist who once again finds himself in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; assigned to cover the Groundhog Day festivities for the fourth year in a row. Incidentally this is a real-town and they really do have a ceremony. His pessimism, sarcasm, and apathetic attitude don't win him the respect of his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman Larry (Chris Elliot). As the entire town waits for the groundhog to declare the status of his shadow's visibility, Phil covers the event with unenthusiastic commentary. Anxiously awaiting his return to Pittsburgh, Phil departs only to find the roads have been closed due to a blizzard he did not predict. Now he must reside in town he so desperately wishes to leave. The following day, he awakens in a familiar setting. The day's events seem to be epeating themselves. Phil asks Mrs. Lancaster (the woman managing the bread and breakfast where he's staying) if she ever has deja vu to which she replies, "I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen."
The days repeat— for how long we do not know— several months at least. Phil first feels a rush of adrenaline when he realizes there are no consequences to his actions. Excitement turns into a weak fight against boredom, until he recognizes inconsequential decisions are more of a curse than a blessing. Phil loathes his existence.
Then, magically, Phil accepts his plight. He resolves to make the most of each day. He learns to give to those he stole from, listen to those he manipulated, offer aid to those he once passed by. Phil, a man who used to care only about himself, begins to care for others. The best part is this plot only comes off a little cheesey. Phil doesn't become over-the-top charitable, he genuinely improves his character. A movie where a character actually develops...how refreshing! And for the gals, there's even a love story on the side. But it's not the kind of love story you are used to seeing in a typical rom-com, so guys can tolerate it too, because Phil is actually a regular dude.
Groundhog Day is a must see every February 2nd.
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