“Groundhog Day”

Director: Harold Ramis 1993
What better day to revisit a terrific movie I haven’t seen since it opened? And what better news for all the poor blizzard-weary souls back east that this morning Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow, signaling the end of winter? (For the record, it’s sunny and 62 here in Berkeley, but I swear I’m not gloating.)
For a movie about time, “Groundhog Day” is wonderfully timeless, a film that should make audiences laugh well into this century—and please, please, Hollywood, do not think of remaking this movie. Ever.
It’s such a popular flick, there’s no need to recap the plot here—if you haven’t seen it, please do so. In the nearly 18 years since its release, the movie has acquired a special status because of its “spiritual” overtones. Catholics see Bill Murray’s plight as a kind of Purgatory. Buddhists see Murray’s redemption and rebirth. Self-improvers see what you’d expect. What I see is a funny film I’m glad I watched one more time.