Groundhog Day (1993) (Movie Review)

  It’s February, the month of Valentines … and by a lesser extent, it’s also the month of Groundhog Day. While I may be a few days behind, I still felt like the occasion was right to review one of the great classic comedies of the 90’s … the one that just happens to be set on the big event of February 2^nd. The 1993 classic “Groundhog Day” is one of those rare comedies to take on a life of its own, and leave an impression on a larger crowd outside of genera fans. 

Director Harold Ramis and star Bill Murray were still ridding the success of hit comedies from the 80’s, including “Caddyshack”, “Stripes”, and “Ghostbusters”, so it was a safe bet that the two were going to deliver another funny hit with “Groundhog Day” … and then audiences got that little extra appeal that stuck with them more then the laughs. Speaking personally for a moment, when I first saw this movie, I was just a kid, and I never gave the film a second viewing until years after I graduated from college. Yet, in that time, I always remembered the film, occasionally thought back on it, as it left a simple, yet special impression that stuck with me over all those years. As such, while I wouldn’t label “Groundhog Day” as one of my favorite movies, I never the less have a connection with the film, and when a movie can stick with me without repeat viewings, I know it did something special that’s well worth discussing.

  Bill Murry stars as a nasty, cynical, people hating TV weather man named Phil Conners, who never once attempts to have a social life, and treats each day like a disposable event. Everything changes on one of many unremarkable February second news days, in which he reluctantly covers the annual Groundhog Day celebration, and once again dismiss any chance of spending social time with his fellow co-workers. It was all fairly standard at first … until the next morning, in which it’s suddenly Groundhog Day all over again, and everything is the same down to the last detail. It’s plenty irritating at first, but things only escalate, as for the next 34 days, it will be the exact same February second all over again. Naturally, the effect takes quiet the tole on Phil, and we see with each day all the different ways he reacts, changes and, adapts to this most unusual situation. In the end, it takes these several Groundhog Days for him to finally emerge a different … and better person then he was before.

  It’s worth noting that “Groundhog Day” wasn’t the first to utilize to premise of being stuck in a day that’s on repeat, in fact one of my favorite episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, titled “Cause and Effect”, had a similar premise revolving around a day that’s going through a loop, and that came out a year before the movie. 

However, even though “Groundhog Day” didn’t invent the formula, it’s unmistakably the most famous to utilize it, to the point where it’s now almost universally regarded as “the Groundhog Day formula” … which as far as I’m concerned is the absolute best thing to come from the holiday. In general, I always found the holiday itself to be very disposable, dismissive, and as such, I think it was a stroke of genius to set this film on the selected event of February second. I’m sure it was tempting for Harold Ramis, and fellow screen writer Danny Rubin to set this film on Christmas, which could have worked, but I don’t think it would’ve been quiet as unique, special or even as memorable if it was set on the more famous holiday. Just as a quick side-note, I was actually introduced to this formula for the first time through a Christmas special staring Donald Duck called “Stuck on Christmas”, and in its own right, it did still compliment the holiday quiet well. However, what I feel put’s “Groundhog Day” above all the others with this premise is its brilliant set-up, in that even day one was figuratively a repeat day in-of-itself. It was just going to be one of many thankless days in which our main character never changes, and stays within the same dismal loop that was his life. As such, it took a single day going through a loop that finally purpled him to move forward with his life, and break the figurative loop of his own making.     

  It’s a clever piece of writing to have a single repeated day that remains exactly the same, which is then contrasted with the individual person going through this loop, as he’s gradually changing with each morning, and that’s where the strength of this film lies. The formula of a constantly repeating day could have been, well … repetitive … to say the least, but through this, we get to see the full evolution of a single individual, as he goes from a zero to a ten. We see his confused faze, trying to figure out how to break the cycle. 

We see his selfish faze, in which he acts out all the extremes he could never get away with before, whether it be stealing money or driving his car like a fanatic. We see his desperate faze, in which he so badly wants to get out of this loop, to the point where he goes through with various suicide attempts. We then see his heroic side, as he takes note of what he can do better, and tries his best to make the most of what he’s got, by being their for others. He also breaks his own anti-social barriers through a romantic relationship with one of his co-workers named Rita. Everything effectively builds to this beautiful little moment when one of Phils close friends casually comments, “I think this was the best day of my life”, in which Phil humbly responds with “Me too”. It’s at that moment, we know he’s broken the cycle, and that tomorrow is going to be a new day.     

  There’s a number themes running throughout the movie, most obvious being the general sentiment that a person working a daily job, or maybe just has a familiar daily schedule, can feel like they’re just living each day onward without any forward momentum. This is visually highlighted best with the digits on the alarm clock flipping over, and slamming down to reveal it’s 6:00 again. It’s an impactful image that’s always lingered in my subconscious, as when I have those days of waking up early for work, or back when I was going to school, I always felt that image flash before my eyes, as if to say … yup, it’s another day again. Yet, what this film so cheerfully encourages the viewer, is that they have the power to break their own figurative loops, and can move forward with some subtle changes, like bringing others into their lives, or being less dismissive of people who could potentially be a best friend.

  Where “It’s a Wonderful Life” can be described as a story of a person reflecting on his life, and finally taking notice of what he did right, “Groundhog Day” can be described as a story of one person keeping at it, until he gets his life just right. Another meaningful theme in play is that of savoring each moment while they last, as they’ll never come again, which is very thoughtful for a movie revolving around a day that’s on repeat. This statement is highlighted best when Phil for once has a night in which he breaks the narrative, and has a special romantic moment with his girlfriend Rita, while they play around in the snow. It’s a very sweet and wholesome moment, but the next night, Phil tries to replicate all the same beats, and now it’s awkward, doesn’t feel as natural as before, and ends on a dismal note, as opposed to the previous night. That’s what I love most about this movie, in that it’s a light and upbeat experience, but with those meaningful little nuggets in all the details that we can relate to, or maybe even learn from. In general, I think it was a stroke of genius to make this movie a comedy first, that way the message can be there in the details, but without feeling forced or manipulative, which could have likely been the case, if this movie were presented as a more serious character drama.

  As far as my feelings for comedies are concerned, “Groundhog Day” never quiet produced any big belly laughs in me, but it keeps me smiling, and just leaves me feeling good afterword’s, and sometimes that’s all I really need. It’s definitely one of those cases in which the experience is more cheerful than it is laugh-out-loud funny. For it’s time, “Groundhog Day” became something of a forerunner for comedies that have fantastical elements woven through the narrative … one of my favorite examples of the time being Jim Carries 1997 comedy “Liar Liar”. The casting of Bill Murray ended up being an equally inspired choice, as he easily brings all the laughs, as he reacts differently to each day, but he also delivers the convincing transformation of a man who naturally learns to make the best of himself. Andie MacDowell also has good chemistry with him as love interest Rita. Chris Elliott is given a smaller role as a cameraman, yet still makes the most of it. It’s also cool that Bill Murrays brother, Brian Doyle-Murray has a supporting role as the towns Mayor named Buster Green. Lastly, as a long time fan of the animated TV series "Teen Titans", it's special to see Hynden Walch, the voice of Starfire, in a small role as a young bride.  

  In the end, “Groundhog Day” was a special little accomplishment for its time, and I feel it’s held up … not just as a classic comedy … but just a sweet little movie on its own grounds, and is well worth watching at least once if you haven’t seen it yet. I can speak from my own experience that it’s a movie you only need to see once, and it’ll still stick with in one way or another. For me, it’s only gotten better as I’ve gotten older, both as a cheerful experience, and as something to take merit from. Even if you’re not one for comedies, I’d still encourage you to give this film a chance … and who knows, maybe it’s just the experience you’ll need … to encourage you to make tomorrow … feel like a new day. 

Thanks for reading my review of the 1993 comedy classic “Groundhog Day” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!  

 

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975) (TV Special Review)

  It’s February again, the Valentines season, and typically around this time I’d post a review of a Romance picture, but this time … I felt like reviewing an actual Valentines special. Of course, when it comes to iconic characters with holiday themed specials, Charlie Brown and his band of Peanuts are always some of the first that come to mind. While I certainly grew-up watching all the classic Charlie Brown Specials as they aired on TV, the holiday offerings were the only ones I owned on home video, and as such, they’ll always hold a special place in my heart. The 1975 special titled “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” was the Peanuts thirteenth special, and their fifth holiday themed offering, following their Easter special. While this Valentines special isn’t quiet as famous as some of their earlier holiday staples, I do still view it as a classic, and it was a modest success. It even received an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Children’s Programing.

  Valentines in general is a season for raising ones hope, and for Charlie Brown, the holiday is building his confidence that maybe at last … someone will finally take notice of him. Unfortunately, no mater how long he waits by his mail box, no-one seems to be giving him any Valentines love. His little sister Sally is also smitten for Charlie Browns best friend Linus, and is trying desperately to make him a special Valentine card by hand. On the opposite side of her coin, Linus has taken a liking for their school teacher, and has gotten a special heart-shaped box of candy just for her … too bad for him, she’s a grown-up, and has a boyfriend of her own. Once again, Charles Schulz is using his Peanuts as characters that viewers can both sympathies with, and possibly even relate to. Many of us can probably give examples of setting big expectations for special events, only for reality to sadly have different plans. For Valentines, Schulz felt this was the right time to focus on kids who view an upcoming holiday as sunshine and rainbows, only for rain clouds to hover overhead. 

  Back when I was a kid, this was the Charlie Brown special that I had the most mixed feelings for. It packs some of the biggest laughs, and delightful holiday appeals, but it’s also one of the most down-beat, and even kind of depressing Charlie Brown offerings. The music, mainly the piano track composed by Frédéric Chopin and John Scott Trotter, has a similar dual nature, ranging from being quite jubilant one moment, and then downbeat and gloomy the next. Even the goofy comedic aspects of this special are laced with kind of a harsh tone. One scene that always stood out to me was Lucy attending a romantic puppet show performed by Snoopy, which is like a cruel 3D experience, as all the details of water, mud and trash come crashing all over Lucy, leaving her a dirty mess. An especially mean moment comes from Snoopy, who initially looks like he’s going to give a nice Valentine to Woodstock … only to smash it in his face. Naturally, at the end, Woodstock returns his gratitude with his own face palming Valentine.

  When Linus fails to give his candy box to his teacher, he disposes of the chocolates over a bridge in a passionate rage … but at least Snoopy and Woodstock get a nice snack out of it. Even Schroeder’s poor little piano doesn’t make it through this special. While Beethoven was a deaf musician, Schroeder is figuratively deaf to the romantic words coming from Lucy, and she finally snaps, taking out her frustration on his piano, which gets smashed to bits. However, the moment that really had me both laughing and feeling horrible was Charlie Brown … after receiving zero Valentines from his class … gets a candy heart that reads “Forget it, Kid!” The following scene with Charlie Brown desperately searching through the empty Valentine box is simply one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever seen. Something that never quiet made sense to me was that even his best friend Linus didn’t give him a card, and heck, Peppermint Patty, Marcy and Franklin are all seen in his class … they’re close friends … why aren’t they giving him any cards?

  Mercifully though, despite not getting any Valentines cards, Charlie Brown chooses to keep his hope alive, and imagines that one day things will turn out well for him. That’s the beauty of Charlie Brown, he can get put through the ringer of negative emotions, and still choses to have an optimistic view for the things to come. 

For as down beat and upsetting as this special can get, there’s still just enough levity and cheerful moments to balance things out. Sally has an especially cute moment reading Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous poem “How Do I Love Thee?”, on one of those candy hearts, while Snoopy acts things out in the background. My favorite scene of the whole special is this moment with Charlie Brown trying to teach his little sister Sally how to make a Valentine, which is a scene lifted right from the comic strips. It’s a nice moment with Charlie putting in an effort to be helpful to his sister, although Snoopy naturally shows them both up. This is also one of the better decorated holiday specials, with pink and red colors, and heart shaped figures prominently featured, as well as Snoopy dressed as Cupid, and there’s even a nicely decorated title card.         

  One thing I feel this special sadly missed out on was continuing Charlie Browns affections for the Little Red Head Girl, who is his biggest crush through the series. Seriously, a Valentines special would have been a perfect place to continue their relationship, and just to poor salt on the wound, Charlie briefly mentions her at the end of the special, but she’s still not really a part of all the Valentine events … to bad. 

The Little Red Head Girl was first introduced in the 1967 special “You're in Love, Charlie Brown”, in which Charlie Brown’s anxieties keep him from telling her how he feels. While she never actually appears on screen, she still drives the whole special, and at the end leaves Charlie Brown a nice little friendship card. It’s a very sweet moment, and on a side note, the opening music is some of my favorite from any Charlie Brown special. The Little Red Head Girl eventually returned in the 1977 special titled “It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown”, in which she finally appears on screen, and her name is revealed to be Heather … although, she still doesn’t talk. 

Most of the special revolves around a football game, while the ending is a school dance, in which both Charlie Brown and the girl of his dreams get to share a special moment together. The big kiss promised in the title is a wonderful payoff, with some hilarious expressions on Charlie Brown beforehand, and a beautifully animated dream sequence afterword’s. I’m not kidding when I say that Charlies little flight of fantasy might just be my favorite piece of animation from any of his specials. However, the real payoff for Charlie Browns little romance with the Little Red-Haired Girl came about in the theatrical 2015 picture “The Peanuts Movie”. While still seen from a distance, this movie gives the girl her very first speaking lines in any Charlie Brown media, and she openly shares her feelings for Charlie Brown. The scene with the two of them at the end is simply one of the sweetest things from any Charlie Brown offering.     

  Of course, I should mention that the 2002 special titled “A Charlie Brown Valentine” did properly put focus on the Little Red-Haired Girl, and Charlie’s feelings for her, which was welcome. 

As for the original 1975 special “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” … it certainly juggles a lot of emotional beats, from cheerful, to gloomy, to funny, to heartbreaking, and in the end … it somehow always gets me in the mood for Valentine’s Day. As is always the case with Charlie Brown, his specials maintain the spirit of the holiday, all while avoiding the conventional elements one would expect. I definitely still have my fondness for this special, but it’s undeniably a harder one to recommend like the other Charlie Brown holiday offerings. I can picture viewers enjoying this one a great deal, but I can also picture just as many being put off by it. I suppose all I can say is, if you’re a long-time Peanuts fan, give this special a watch, and see if it’s the right kind of Valentine for you.    

Thanks for reading my review of the 1975 holiday special “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” … and continue to enjoy the specials you Love!