Groundhog Day
By Randy White,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
'90s comedy offers witty, sarcastic take on redemption.
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Groundhog Day
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Based on 18 parent reviews
Good movie
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Great film, but should've been PG-13.
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What's the Story?
Cranky TV broadcaster Phil Connors (Bill Murray) and his crew are sent to tiny Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to report on the annual GROUNDHOG DAY celebration. A snowstorm strands them there overnight, and when he wakes up the next morning, Phil soon realizes that something strange is going on: It's Groundhog Day again. As Phil repeatedly relives the tedium of the same day over and over, he gradually learns to treat people decently. He also falls for his producer, Rita (Andie MacDowell), working every angle to figure out how to seduce her. Each defeat means a little more information -- and gets him a little closer to winning her over the next time around.
Is It Any Good?
This is one of Murray's most iconic roles. He shines in Groundhog Day, a mostly good-natured comedy that delivers lots of laughs and honest sentiment. Funny and sweet, the film has the right blend of comedy and romance. Although Phil isn't a particularly admirable character, the movie manages to make us care about him.
The story is simple but clever and uses repetition to great effect. Director Harold Ramis also uses sound and music to great comic effect. Phil wakes up every morning at 6 a.m. to the ironically cheery Sonny and Cher song "I Got You Babe." Groundhog Day is a complex, insightful comedy that mostly gets better with each passing year.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Groundhog Day plays with the concept of time and other movies that do the same, such as It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. What is appealing about this idea?
Like It's a Wonderful Life, this film discusses suicide. What are the reasons people might want to attempt suicide? And why is it important to talk about mental health and having a support system?
How are the movie's overall themes presented in action, dialogue, and story?
Bill Murray plays the lead character in this movie. How is the character he plays similar to other characters he has played in other movies? How is the character different?
How does Phil learn and demonstrate gratitude and perseverance in Groundhog Day? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 12, 1993
- On DVD or streaming: January 20, 1998
- Cast: Andie MacDowell , Bill Murray , Chris Elliott
- Director: Harold Ramis
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- Genre: Comedy
- Character Strengths: Gratitude , Perseverance
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some thematic elements.
- Last updated: September 5, 2023
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