Groundhog Day: Critic Reviews

Mr. Murray is back in top form with a clever, varied role that draws upon the full range of his talents.

... brilliantly imaginative ...

Groundhog will never be designated a national film treasure by the Library of Congress. But, in terms of vehicle selection, this is one of the better ones Murray has hitched himself to.

Since arriving as a mild success in 1993, Groundhog Day has gradually achieved the status of beloved. The American Film Institute rates it No.34 on its list of all-time funniest movies, and it's a story that bears frequent repeat viewings.

The film is lovable and sweet.

Considering that none of the characters is fresh or interesting, it's a commendable achievement that the quality of the storytelling alone keeps the movie watchable and likable.

Ramis' direction is often too cool and restrained. He wisely avoids playing into the tale's underlying sentimentality.

This movie has all the qualities necessary to be a crowd-pleaser: likable characters, charismatic performers, a strong, capably-executed premise, and lots of laughs.

[Murray] carries Groundhog Day with his uniquely frittery nonchalance and makes the movie a comic time warp anyone should be happy to get stuck in.

Bill Murray is in top form at this charming romantic comedy fantasy, well directed by Harold Ramis

Reminds one of Capra's It's A Wonderful Life.

A witty, sarcastic take on redemption.

A memorable comedy for the ages, Groundhog Day digs deeper than most magic-realist comedies... [Blu-ray]

Comic perfection.

[A] great American comedy.

An immensely enjoyable fable...

As well as a perfect star vehicle, the film is a brilliant analysis of the implications of the film's simple conceit.

The film endures largely because of the appeal of both its story line and the cast.

The movie deserves its fans, earns our respect, delivers richly on its initial promises if not always on its greater ones, and rewards multiple viewings, even as it carries a built-in joke about the typical shelf-life of repeated experience.

Ramis directs this surreal suburban fantasy with an admirably light touch, revelling in its absurd repetitions, surprising us with narrative ellipses, and allowing Murray ample space to indulge his special mix of sarcasm and smarm.

This is a beautiful film. On the surface, a rolling ball, a silly comedy, a farce even. But a closer look, a closer look, reveals a beauty easily not seen.

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A blazingly imaginative experience.