Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 13, 1993 TAG: 9302130235
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRIS GLADDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
MURRAY'S `GROUNDHOG' TOP FORM
Warning flares explode when Bill Murray and a cuddly rodent share the same movie. "Caddyshack," after all, isn't Murray's crowning achievement.But not to worry. "Groundhog Day" is a clever, romantic comedy that puts Murray at the top of his form.
Of the recent crop of Capraesque, redemptive fantasies, this could well be the most entertaining. It's "Twilight Zone" meets "Saturday Night Live."
TV weatherman Phil Connors is perfectly tailored to Murray's comic style. He's egotistical, witty and sarcastic.
Phil is assigned an obligatory story that he has come to hate: coverage of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pa. On that occasion, national attention focuses on the groundhog there - also named Phil - and his annual weather forecast. Will he or won't he see his shadow?
Connors is given a new producer. Her name is Rita and she's played with a fresh and sweet incandescence by Andie MacDowell. Unlike the cynical weatherman, Rita likes the idea.
Phil skates through his story and the crew heads to Pittsburgh, only to run into a blizzard that forces a return to Punxsutawney. The next morning, Phil awakens to the same song on the radio - Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe."
But that's not the only thing familiar. As the day passes, Phil notices that the events of the day before are recurring. He's destined to relive the dreaded Groundhog Day over and over again. But Phil is nothing if not enterprising. He learns to manipulate the situation for his own purposes. And one of those is the seduction of Rita, with whom he's falling in love.
Director Harold Ramis and Murray have come a long way since "Caddyshack." This fantasy is significantly more sophisticated. The screenplay by Ramis and Danny Rubin is funny and intelligent, and Ramis advances the story just as smartly.
Murray's talent for improvisation, however, is apparent throughout the movie. His comic instincts are laser precise. Though Phil is in the process of self-improvement, Murray doesn't allow the character to go soft-headed.
MacDowell is strikingly graceful. She radiates an understated Southern charm and a natural decency. No wonder Phil decides to restructure his character to make himself worthy.
Groundhog Day: ***1/2: A Columbia Pictures release at Salem Valley 8 (389-0444) and Valley View Mall 6 (362-8219). Rated PG for adult situations; 120 minutes.