Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Colin Marshall 10.07.09 / 12pm

   I’ve often heard it said that, were it, say, a French film with an unknown central actor, Groundhog Day would be a more widely revered piece of art. True or not, that does underscore the shame of the fact that some cinephiles dismiss it as “a light Bill Murray comedy.”
2. Kathryn Shahan 10.08.09 / 8pm

   I as well have to agree with the American Film Institute for ranking this movie as one of the top 10 fantasy films. Everyone alive has had at least one day where they wish they could re-live it and do things differently. Even though “Groundhog” day isn’t a movie with any type of special effects or large explosions, it still works its way into the hearts of the American people and remind them that each day is a one shot deal and to make it as best as possible.
3. Mia McAdams 10.16.09 / 7am

   Groundhog Day is one of my favorite movies. It’s funny and charming, but it is also very introspective and thought provoking. The cast is great, esp. Bill Murray, and I think it’s really interesting that the entire film is shot mostly in the same 6 rooms/locations (over and over).

   I’ve always liked Bill Murray, and thought he was a great actor. His career is interesting in that it seems to have three distinct stages. He started in comic roles – Saturday Night Live, Stripes, Ghostbusters, and then dropped out of films altogether for several years. Then he came back and played some dramatic/comedic roles like What About Bob and Groundhog Day. Then had several unsuccessful films and reappeared in Lost in Translation, the Royal Tannenbaums and the Aquatic Life of Steve Zissou – these films taking his comic roles to a new level. He is also very down to earth and has no agent, entourage, or any of the usual celebrity stuff. Great article in Esquire about him here:
   http://www.esquire.com/features/the-screen/ESQ1204-DEC_MURRAY_rev_?click=main_sr
4. Bryan Rodriguez 10.16.09 / 10pm

   I grew up with this movie being one of or family favorites, Bill Murray was easily one of my favorite actors, and I always said this film was extremely under rated and under valued. The story’s intrigue speaks for itself as a man who lives the same day, every day, until he gets it right. As an audience you are constantly wondering why this man is so deserving of this ‘curse’. There are great scenes such as when Murray steps into a puddle and an obnoxious man says, “watch your step, that’s a doozy.” That’s how movies become memorable. Great movies make audiences think, this movie makes you think about every day life and making the best of it.
5. Sarah Nadel 03.22.10 / 12pm

   I have seen this movie multiple times now and every time I learn to love it more and more. I find that the mise en scene is very believable and it brings you to the time era. Also, with a movie that is repeating scenes so much it is very important to have the same backgrounds. Mistakes can easily be made and the audience can notice a chair in the wrong place or an actor’s wardrobe malfunction. By having such a good set director, these little details will never go unnoticed. I loved the acting in this film. It really brought out the characters and made the audience fall in love with the two main characters. In the end, you knew the characters and love them so much, you want them to end up together and in love. The meaning of the movie was very touching. Although there was nothing flashy about this movie, the script and acting was so amazing that it made everyone fall in love with this film.
6. Alex Rubinstein 04.13.10 / 1pm

   Recently this film was on cable, and after many years of not watching it, I decided to spend an hour and a half watching Bill Murray in some extremely peculiar situations. I quickly decided that Groundhog day is simply classic! The movie inspires and teaches viewers to change they’re ways so we can all better ourselves. In the beginning of the movie Bill Murray’s character was egotistical, rude, and just an unpleasant person to be around. But after he realizes that he is stuck in the same town, on the same day, waking up the exact same time every morning, Murray decides to make the best of it. After some hilarious adventures, he settles down and realizes it is better to be nice to the people around him. The story is simple, but still creative. The actors portrayed their characters beautifully, so much to the point that the audience adored them. Overall, Groundhog Day will forever be remembered as a classic.
7. MichelleMoorehead 10.15.10 / 7pm

   Groundhog Day has always been a family favorite! I honestly couldn’t count how many times I have watched this movie. Bill Murray’s conceded and arrogant character is absolutely hilarious. I think it’s a “timeless” film with a douse of brilliance. What I found brilliant about the film, is that the filmmakers made a film where you watch the same day reoccur over and over again and yet it was entertaining and hilarious. Not only is it hilarious, it also sends out good vibes and teaches good lessons. In the film to get out of his relieved nightmare in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; Murray’s character must grow and he must live the “perfect” day where he is has to be a kind and enjoyable human being.
8. Kelvin Matthews 07.15.11 / 10pm

   The film “Groundhog Day” has recently become one of my favorite films. It has especially been nice and special to see during the holiday season, so reading your review of this film and the lesson that it teaches us was very nice to see. After seeing this film a few years ago, the message in this film reminded me of the message and lesson taught in the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” What I especially liked about this film was how simple and down to earth it was. It did not rely on special effects, but a very clean narrative with a superb script and acting to tell a very heart warming story. While it is a very hilarious film as you wrote, I truly liked the meaning and lesson that this film conveyed which I feel is lacking in too many films today.
9. Billyboy22 03.11.16 / 4am

   One of my favorite movies, actually. Having a strong interest in philosophy, I found it having a very profound understanding of life. There was no “answers” to living, only the potential to find value in all aspects of life – which is all we can really do. Phil Connors in the beginning was an arrogant person who was put in this strange “time-warp” where he simply could not leave the town in Pennsylvania (which I can’t spell) and that particular day, February 2nd. He explored all the possilbilties, often selfish and destructive – which most people often do sub-consciously – until he realized he might as well do the best he could do. I mean, he was given a chance no other person has: that is, to rework every day. Finally, he was given the “green light” to leave once he was compentent and found meaning in that one day. Well done, Harold Ramis (the writer and director).
10. Jeff Pagan 04.21.17 / 11pm

    I find it interesting that this film has grown to become a modern classic. As the review states, this has become a television staple, as the only holiday film of this specific holiday. It also provides a wish fulfillment fantasy where the protagonist gets to explore everything in life, including a myriad of deaths in the darker phase of the film. He indulges in sex, food, destructive behavior, crime and self-pity before he finally takes the time to notice a homeless man, and in doing so he finally thinks of someone other than himself. That sends him into a final stage of true self-improvement without using it to take advantage of anyone and a selfless desire to make the day the best it can be for everyone around him. That is the fantasy that I believe resonates so strongly with viewers, the time to grow and learn and become the best person you can for yourself and those around you.

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