Roger Ebert on "Groundhog Day"

'"Groundhog Day" is a film that finds its note and purpose so precisely that its genius may not be immediately noticeable.'  -Roger Ebert

For those still unable to see the brilliance in Harold Ramis' Groundhog Day (1993), maybe this essay from Ebert's book "Great Movies 3" will sway you!  I think it's also a great example of Ebert's talent as a writer.  He discusses both the entertaining aspects as well as the more profound elements of a film that is too often passed over as merely an offbeat comedy.  He brings the wisdom of a man with life experience, and applies his knowledge gleaned from viewing countless films.  Ebert also goes on to describe Bill Murray's persona so accurately ("The world is too much with him, he is a little smarter than everyone else, he has a detached melancholy, he is deeply suspicious of joy..."), as well as how the film simply could not have worked without him.  I have always been a huge Bill Murray and Groundhog Day fan, and having Ebert wax poetically about its bigger ideas is a pleasure to read.

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Ebert on Groundhog Day