review: GROUNDHOG DAY

Sony  //  Buy from Amazon.com Bill Murray is at his wry, wisecracking best in this riotous romantic comedy about a weatherman caught in a personal time warp on the worst day of his life. Teamed with a relentlessly cheerful producer (Andie MacDowell) and a smart-aleck cameraman (Chris Elliott), TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is sent to Punxsutawney , Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. But on his way out of town, Phil is caught in a giant blizzard, which he failed to predict, and finds himself stuck in small-town hell. Just when things couldn't get worse, they get worse; Phil wakes the next morning to find it's Groundhog Day all over again... and again... and again. GROUNDHOG DAY was cheered by critics as Bill Murray's best movie ever. One of BIll Murray's classic films (I'd rank it up there with "Meatballs," "Stripes" and the "Ghostbusters" films, although it would rank #4 or #5 on that list), "Groundhog Day" is a light, easily-digestible comedy that never overwhelms you with drop-dead funny scenes, but manages to consistenly keep a smile on your face from start to finish. Murray is his grumbling self, playing the straight man to the wacky assortment of supporting characters that give this film the personality and sense of endearment that it still manages to register 15 years after its original release. While I'm a huge Chris Elliott fan, he's underused in this one, but the wacky townsfolk are a hoot. Of course, it's Murray's trademarked deadpan delivery that sells the various jokes and he deserves all the accolades for the ultimate success of this one. It's a testament to the film, and to Murray in particular, that the film still manages to entertain (through repeated viewings, no less) after all these years, and this anniversary release is a solid addition to any library. Video Presented in a 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer, the picture quality of this anniversary release is very nice, with crisp detail and strong coloring throughout. Audio A Dolby 5.1 surround mix delivers a strong (albeit front-heavy comedy) mix that renders the dialogue cleanly and clearly. Extras audio commentary w/ director "The Weight of Time" featurette interview w/ Harold Ramis "A Real Life Look at Marmots" featurette deleted scenes trailers Closing Thoughts True classic that only gets better with age + great assortment of extras = easy to recommend comedy for all to enjoy