On Feb. 12, 1993, Harold Ramis's "Groundhog Day" hit theaters, and with that a new romcom ingenue was born: Andie MacDowell.
MacDowell, who previously was best known for Steven Soderbergh's groundbreaking indie "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," played the girl of Bill Murray's dreams in the comedy -- the story of a crumudgeonly weatherman who, by way of a metaphsyical glitch, is forced to relive the same day over and over again.
"Groundhog Day" rose above the cliche standards of traditional romantic comedies for two reasons: (1) Bill Murray (duh), and (2) Miss MacDowell. She possessed an otherwordly sweetness that charmed not only Murray, but all early '90s filmgoers. (Hello, "Four Weddings and Funeral"!)
With that in mind, here on Groundhog Day -- six more weeks of balmy winter or whatever; global warming, amirite? -- let's remember 11 reasons why MacDowell might be the most underrated romcom leading lady ever.
1. She has that unapologetically curly hair.
2. She's nice but she's not Meg Ryan.
3. She's beautiful but she's not Winona Ryder.
4. That homespun accent.
5. She is wearing a pale pink granny sweater -- and it looks good!
6. She likes boats but not the ocean.
7. That skin!
8. Is she even wearing makeup?!
9. Her drink order: "Sweet vermouth with a twist." I bet, in addition to French poetry, she reads Faulkner.
10. She likes rhinestones.
11. She always toasts to world peace. OK, that's a little over the top.
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