Given that TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) has inexplicably found himself trapped in a time loop, having to relive the same day over and over again, becomes a cruel running gag in itself. Each morning his radio alarm wakes him with the same song, he stumbles into the same cold shower, and answers the same banal questions from the hotel staff. And then, most tiresome of all, he bumps into Ned Ryerson (Stephen Tobolowsky). Ned Ryerson is an enthusiastic but extremely annoying insurance salesman who recognises Phil from their high school days. Suffice it to say, the pleasure's all his. ''Now don't tell me you don't remember me because I sure as heckfire remember you!'' Ned beams, prodding a not particularly thrilled Phil. Ned then rattles off a list of memories (''I got the shingles real bad senior year, almost didn't graduate? I dated your sister Mary Pat a couple of times until you told me not to?'') only for Phil to make his excuses and leave. Until the next time. And the time after that... Having no choice but to accept the fact that this daily encounter will repeat itself indefinitely, Phil becomes increasingly hostile towards Ned, eventually breaking down and punching him before he has barely opened his mouth. It really couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Yorkshireman (hence the surname). Often spotted sacrificing sleep and sanity for the annual Leeds International Film Festival. For a sample of (fairly) recent film reviews, please visit whatsnottoblog.wordpress.com.
