a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Amazon Prime Fans thrilled as 'best comedy of last 30 years' finally streaming
Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
It's been celebrated as one of the finest comedies ever crafted - and now Groundhog Day (1993) has at last landed on streaming platforms.
This timeless masterpiece, featuring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, follows the tale of Phil Connors, an egotistical weather presenter dispatched to Punxsutawney to report on the yearly Groundhog Day celebrations. When a snowstorm strikes, trapping him and his team overnight, he awakens to discover it's Groundhog Day once more.
Phil finds himself trapped in a temporal prison, experiencing February 2nd on endless repeat. At first, he exploits this situation for personal gain, controlling circumstances and satisfying his own whims.
Phil's perspective shifts as he realises the pointlessness of his narcissistic conduct. He begins utilising the endless cycle to master fresh abilities, assist those around him, and cultivate authentic empathy for his fellow humans.
Under Harold Ramis's direction, this picture has transcended its origins as a breezy romantic comedy - across three decades, it has transformed into a cultural phenomenon, frequently referenced as among the finest comedies of contemporary cinema, reports the Express.
Upon its debut, nobody anticipated Groundhog Day would achieve its current legendary status. As one Rotten Tomatoes critique observes: "Nothing suggested that this would gather steam over time and emerge as one of the most respected comedies of the past 30 years."
Yet that's precisely what occurred.
The movie's misleadingly straightforward premise - awakening to the identical day, repeatedly - evolved into an unexpectedly profound examination of self-improvement, ethics, and what genuinely constitutes a worthwhile existence.
One admirer hailed it as "a fun story with a thought-provoking theme about time and the ways in which we spend it. Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell do a superb job of leading the cast. Top-notch."
Three decades later, viewers continue to be enchanted by it. Another wrote: "It's a shame there are only 5 stars available! ... Groundhog Day is a one of a kind work of art. Enough has been written about it. It hasn't stopped being out of fashion. Just go and see it!".
For countless people, it represents Bill Murray's career-defining performance. As one review said: "Once you get past the ridiculous premise, you realize you have a very special film here. The lead role is tailor-made for Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell has her role of a lifetime. Direction is excellent as well!".
The picture subsequently received adaptations for stage, gaming platforms and international language editions.
Groundhog Day is currently accessible for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.