The Bill Murray Stories is a documentary by a Murray fan that starts by recapping a bunch of the tales of how Murray intersects people's lives in ways that seem odd for a celebrity, and then explores how these stories tell us something about Murray and the life lessons we should take from him. On that level, it's very successful and well done. My only complaints are that the filmmaker inserts himself into the movie a little too much -- and especially in ways that make you think he hasn't internalized the things that he's saying make Murray so appealing. (And a couple of scenes with the filmmaker seem contrived -- as if they were a film school assignment.) My second complaint is that the movie doesn't explore/address some of the possible darkness in Murray. There is no attempt to deal with the drunken golf cart ride or allegations by his ex-wife. Don't get me wrong: I'm okay with a certain amount of mythologizing. And I do love this movie, but a more rounded picture of the man would've upped my 8 to a 9 or 10.

The world would probably be a better place if everyone was a bit more like Bill Murray. This somewhat biographical account of the actor and comedian chronicles the spontaneity with which he shows up unexpectedly in various places and lends an aura of disbelief and mystique to the proceedings. Quite honestly, I had never heard of this side of the Murray persona, so for this viewer, the semi-documentary was quite revealing. Not one to flaunt his celebrity, the picture shows Murray showing up at bars, home parties and baseball games with an unplanned agenda of having fun with an assemblage of complete strangers, causing the onlookers to gape in astonishment and awe. Never self conscious, Murray would just as soon start washing the kitchen dishes as dancing the night away in some out of the way night club. The picture itself is comprised of a lot of what looks like compiled cell phone video footage, and as such, doesn't have the polished look of a professionally made documentary, but it feels right in keeping with Murray's off the cuff personality and demeanor. It's pointed out in the picture that one of the regular themes occurring in many of his movies is the idea that no matter what might happen, 'it just doesn't matter'. You probably couldn't say that about all the folks affected by his unplanned appearances, as having Bill Murray show up in person at your place is bound to create a long and lasting impression.