Multiplicity (1996) User Reviews

A lot of unfair criticism.

[claybo76 · 7/10 · 30 May 1999]

I cannot believe how many negative responses this film has had. In Perth it is showing this week on television, and the TV guide labelled it the worst film of the week. What is wrong with everyone?

This is just a light, fluffy movie with some genuinely funny moments. Michael Keaton would have had a nightmare of a time in this role(s). Imagine having to act with three other guys who aren't there. The beauty of his acting is, you can tell which clone is which. It's almost as if there are four different actors, al a Jeremy Irons in Dead Ringers.

I agree Andie MacDowell isn't anything more than eye candy, but she hasn't got a lot to work with. This is Michael's film, which he shares with the excellent visual effects. I don't understand how anyone couldn't enjoy this film. Maybe those people can watch The English Patient or A Passage To India for the hundredth time. Enjoy!

A solid and hilarious comedy

[krumski · 7/10 · 7 February 2000]

Though nowhere near as good as Groundhog Day (director Harold Ramis's previous movie) this is still a solid comedy with several big laughs. Though its situation of a man cloning himself in order to make his life more manageable would have been an interesting one to play with a serio-comic focus, Multiplicity - despite some token moralizing - is pretty much content to play its premise for wacky farce. As such, however, it does an expert job: the timing in the scenes is impeccable and the interplay between the main characters is sharp and memorable. This is especially amazing since the "main characters" here are almost exclusively played by Michael Keaton. His ability to not only delineate between the four versions of himself, but also to play each of these "selves" off convincingly against the others is nothing short of superb. In my mind, this represents a much more awesome achievement than does Eddie Murphy's similar multiple role-playing in The Nutty Professor - and here it's not just pointless showboating (there was no reason besides vanity that Murphy had to play every member of his family), but absolutely intrinsic to the movie's success. Essentially, the film rides on Keaton's ability to do precisely what he does as well as he does. Multiplicity represents his funniest film work in years, and perhaps his best ever.

A couple of scenes in particular stand out as howlingly funny set pieces - such as the one in the restaurant and the one where the clones are left alone with Keaton's wife, played by Andie McDowell. It's a shame her character wasn't at least a little bit more sketched in by the writers (compare this, for example, to her wonderfully three dimensional role in Groundhog Day) - it might have made the film a little fuller. In fact, none of the supporting characters are really given much to do here, making it solidly a one man show. But what a show! With Keaton truly hitting every comic grace note available, you don't really have much time to notice or care about the lack of secondary characters. I have seen this film four times and it has yet to lose one iota of its hilarity or charm. Hey, how much more can you demand from a comedy?

Underrated and highly enjoyable

[Discfreak · 7/10 · 1 May 2006]

I have to say when I saw the IMDb rating for this movie I was surprised. I was tempted to vote it a ten just to raise the average, but I gave it what I honestly think it deserves- a solid 7. Don't expect too much from this flick. The "deeper meanings" are mildly interesting and there is some worthwhile messages, but I like it just to relax and enjoy. If you just go into it looking for a few laughs you will be rewarded. It's not fall down funny but I get some very good chuckles throughout this movie. I'm a Michael Keaton fan, and I thin he does screwball comedy very well. His performance in this role as he portrays the distinctive sides of his personality in individual clones is impressive as he is spot on with each one. Andie MacDowell is always a joy to watch.

Worth a look, and I enjoy it every time it come on cable!

Keaton on top form in a very charming and enjoyable sci-fi comedy picture.

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 17 June 2008]

Doug Kinney never has enough time to do what he wants to do, his life is frantic and his family life is strained, then one day he gets the chance to have himself duplicated.

It would seem that a lot of complaints about this film are about it being a waste of a good premise, well for sure Multiplicity is far from being a comic masterpiece, but to say it doesn't deliver laughs set amongst its charming romantic heart, is a touch unfair I feel. What we get here is four Doug Kinney's, each one having their own driving personality to make it real easy for the audience to distinguish which is which. So, with Michael Keaton delivering four excellent performances as the Dougs, the comic relief flows pretty much all through the picture.

However, director Harold Ramis is guilty of staying safe with the material to hand because from the off the conclusion is never in doubt, the feel good factor is evident even as the Dougs are chaotically imploding. But is that really a reason to do the film down? Well no as far as I'm concerned, Multiplicity is a tidy fusion of sci-fi comedy and romance that isn't taking the science literally.

For Doug number 4 alone, with his skiing skills and pizza fetish, this film deserves 7/10, whilst Keaton deserves a far higher score indeed.

For once, the clones arent out to stuff everything up for the original!

[James-Durham · 26 January 2000]

I like Michael Keaton. He was perfect in Pacific Heights and is still the 'Sean Connery' of the Batmen.

But the reason I liked multiplicity was because for once, in a movie about clones, the clones werent out to sabotage the original due to their disgruntlement at playing 2nd 3rd and 4th fiddle.

These clones try as hard as they can to abide by the rules and make sure that the original Michael Keaton's life runs as smoothly as possible: after all thats why they were spawned. And it is really amusing listening to the clones refer to Michale Keaton's Character as Doug (or 'Steve' in the case of #4) but are quite happy and comfortable in referring to each other by the numerical order in which they were created.

One of the most hilarious parts of the movie is when rule number one is put to the test....watch it and you'll see what I mean.....and also how number 2 warns number 3 that Dougs wife is going upstairs.............

Some people might think the character of 4 was a bit over the top, but if he had of been any less crazy than what he was..........it wouldnt have come off as well. After all, when a copy of a copy of a human doesnt come out right......you have to wonder what sections have been muddled up....Brain cells, chromosomes, Dna etc.....when you think of that, number 4's character was fairly tame.

A good movie that uses the talents of a good actor.

8/10

pretty good movie,even after repeated viewings

[disdressed12 · 7/10 · 12 March 2007]

i have watched this movie numerous times,and i find that it seems less funny,more amusing,the more times i watch it.even so,as far as i know,it is an original film,and there are a few scenes which are still hysterically funny every time.the acting is good from all concerned,but the funniest person in the movie,in my opinion,is Eugene Levy.he has what amounts to a bit more than cameo role,but he is brilliant.some of actions and reactions to situation in the film are a riot.Michael Keaton is also good in the lead role,and Andie MacDowell is also good,not to mention easy on the eyes.the movie is directed by Harold Ramis.('Ghost Busters' 1 and 2,'Groundhog Day')if you like his other movies,chances are you will like 'Mutiplicity'.for me,Multiplicity gets 7/10

The Comedy of Cloning

[view_and_review · 6/10 · 22 September 2020]

This was the first human cloning movie I'd ever seen. Then came movies such as "The 6th Day," "Godsend," and others. "Multiplicity" dealt with the issue comically without delving into the science of it all.

Doug Kinney (Michael Keaton) was an overworked contractor who only wanted a little more time to himself. While doing a job at a Malibu research lab he was offered the opportunity to clone himself so that he'd have that time he so desired.

He ended up with three clones: one was the workaholic, one was a Mr. Mom (yeah, another Michael Keaton movie), and one was totally useless. Well, have you ever watched a cloning movie in which things didn't go horribly wrong? While some things went right, there were still a comedy of errors with his wife and his job (both of whom were very quick to punish him).

I've contemplated the cloning matter myself: if I had a clone or two then I could just relax. Then I thought, "They'll need to eat, they'll need clothes, they'll probably want to have a relationship and all of that costs money. I don't make enough to support clones!" Then what if one wants to be a jokester, or one is upset and wants to hurt me... Yeah, cloning isn't a good idea.

Had potential, but just dumb

[bent-mathiesen · 3/10 · 10 May 2015]

We all know the situation, where we have too much to do. We can also imagine the buzz in a family where one person build houses and the other sells it.

So the idea of making clones is very good. And when you have a good actor like Michael Keaton - there are potential.

However, the film is dumb. The main character talk to a doctor, who miraculously is able to make a clone with perfect memory in matter of hours.

From there the film is dumb. A man clone himself, without telling his wife, not even just stupid, but under current rules illegal. He have not specific plan to keep it secret. Just letting his close live in a space the family don't use and let the clone do his work.

And of course it goes crazy, as the clones (yes, more than one) cheat on each other and makes a mess of all.

Typical "I am so stupid, I do not consider my actions" and have to be sooo funny in the awkward situations that occur.

Add a little more brain, make it more believable and please no doctor that do discount on clones of the week - it could have been great.

underrated

[Creedbeans · 8/10 · 23 February 2005]

I have seen this movie thrice and each time it still amuses me. Michael Keaton playing three clones plus the original was really intriguing and he plays it so well. I was really disappointed to see that th overall rating is currently in the 5 area and even more when I found out Siskel and Ebert gave it two thumbs down. I like this movie. I find it funny, especially Michael Keatons portrayal as a feminine Doug and a "special" Doug, who really gives the movie most of its comedy. I give you that it was predictable but I really don't care. If it makes you crack up, it is a good movie, and this is no exception.

Andie McDowell does a fine job too. She might not be talking to three of herself as Keaton was but she was a good opposite to him. THe scenes with the kids are true to life, which also make me laugh.

I overall enjoy this film every time I see it and find myself quoting it the next few days. If your looking for a good laugh, this will feed your appetite.

OK comedy, but with great Michael Keaton

[blott2319-1 · 6/10 · 12 June 2022]

Multiplicity is one of those comedies where you are supposed to turn your brain off whenever it comes to the logic of how the magic works or any of the implications that come with cloning. We're not meant to question why each clone comes out with the exact personality that is necessary for the job he wants them to do, or why one can entirely forget how to be a contractor, or how he affords to feed a bunch of additional adults plus any other expenses they might incur without his wife noticing the extra spending. It's one of those wacky premises where you're kind of meant to go with it until the movie itself raises a question. Most of the way through I was fine with ignoring the illogical nature of things and just going with the flow, because it is an interesting premise for a movie. What if you could literally do 3 things at once, where would you prioritize your own personal time? I couldn't really understand why he didn't work out some type of schedule or shifts so he didn't miss out on too much of his own life, but I guess that's how you reach a moral at the end of the story by not having him handle things intelligently.

It also helps Multiplicity tremendously that Michael Keaton is in the lead role. He pulls off the multiple personalities quite well so you never question which version of Doug you are watching. He also did a fairly good job at the shots where they had to composite more than one version of himself into the same frame. The interactions were fairly seamless, as if we were really watching multiple different people at the same time. Where I struggle a little with this film is that the humor isn't that strong, so I don't find myself laughing all that often. Then there's the fact that this often gets into the realm of cringe comedy, and I have too much empathy to laugh when everything is going wrong for our protagonists. I also found it quite weird that they never once involved the kids in the story of the clones. It's almost like they were bit parts in the film with little to do. In fact, a key point in one early scene is that Doug becomes coach of his son's football team and then we never again see him go to a football game. It's not a big complaint, it's just a strange choice and one area where they could have more fun with the different versions of Doug. Otherwise, Multiplicity is a decent movie with some moderate laughs, even if it's not a huge winner.

Boilerplate; Fully predictable; Almost Embarrassing

[blbdaily · 2/10 · 23 January 2005]

This movie begins with a modestly cute idea ("What if there were more of me?") and turns into two painful hours of predictable, agonizing filmy staleness. It is surprising to see both Keaton and MacDowell starring in such a grossly low-quality piece. The basic premise of the movie: A working man is pressed for time, so he buys clones of himself. The clones try to keep up with their assigned tasks, but slapstick panic ensues. Oh dear....

The plot is not even internally sensible (forget about the logic of a middle-class man buying clones made through a doctor's office procedure), and plays like a filmed bullet-list of obligatory romantic-comedy scenes faxed over from Central Scripting. The interaction between Keaton and his clones doesn't exist: It's just a bunch of Keaton-faces playing stereotypes who speak lines at each other, thanks to computer-enabled film effects.

And if you're wondering (as I was): the answer is NO! The movie does not ask any interesting questions like "If there were more of me, who would be the real me?..." Instead it focuses its attention on rolling out a cheap endless treadmill of tomato-worthy clone "jokes".

This movie borders on the abominable, and really is too bad to even warrant this much text (it's also too awful to even laugh at). Please, for your own well-being: AVOID!

Amazing

[cetus35 · 8/10 · 20 August 2006]

In the post-Matrix era, it's very easy to take the special effects for granted, but this movie is awesome and showcases the wonderful talent of Michael Keaton. He shows an EXTREME range, in that all the iterations of "Doug" are COMPLETELY different. They realistically seem like completely different people. Just watch the movie again and imagine a different actors face on each "Doug", which is not very hard because each one DOES have completely different expressions, mannerisms, etc. (i.e "Number 1"'s look of surprise when something unexpected happens is not the same as any of the others look of surprise) Summary: I believe most of the appeal of this movie is Michael Keaton's performance. You would expect that since he plays 4 characters, it would be kind of cheesy because they would be too similar and would just seem goofy. It's not. It's like 4 totally separate actors who happen to have Michael Keaton's face.

Keaton's Bravura Quadriformance.

[dunmore_ego · 7/10 · 27 January 2010]

One person sells MULTIPLICITY: Michael Keaton. And Michael Keaton. And Michael Keaton. And Michael Keaton.

Keaton is Doug Kinney, so swamped in career and family life that in order to find felicity for himself, he creates a clone to share the burden of domesticity. But one clone turns into two clones turns into three clones… the complicity confusing his workmates, his wife (Andie MacDowell), and especially himself.

Keaton displays his magnificent multifaceted elasticity by playing every clone with a distinct personality - and never lapses or loses conviction in the four different archetypes. Keaton's performances are so subtle, and work so well against each of himself, that we never notice how stunning his portrayals are; how much blood, sweat and CGI must have gone into learning his lines in a certain character and then playing off three other actors who would eventually be replaced by him - and playing off them four different times as four different types!

It is a jaw-dropping performance. Clone Number 1 (whom Doug calls "2") is The Bruce Willis - the masculine side of Doug predominant; "3" is Doug's feminine side predominant; when "2" clones himself to make "4," it's a monkey boy, because "you know how copies of a copy are not as good as the original..." Don't bring analyticity – or it gets disturbing. So the movie never dwells on the cloning process or its moral implications. The only moral authority is Doug's Rule Number One: "No one sleeps with my wife except me!"

Of course, one rainy night when Doug "1" is away, that specificity is not simplicity when Doug's wife wants fluidity…

Keaton is in every single scene, yet because he plays the four personalities so convincingly, when Doug "1" spends so much time offscreen trying to stay on eternal vacation we feel like we're watching three other guys playing Keaton playing Doug! We kick ourselves to remind us it's Keaton on screen IN PERPETUITY. The visual acuity - lighting and sightlines - is 95-percent on target, and as Doug's clones build in their multiplexity, Keaton's synchronicity with his multiplicity is ingenuity incongruity.

Directed by Harold Ramis, MULTIPLICITY is bound to be good gratuity from the get-go. Keaton takes it into orbital superfluity.

Ably supported by Andie McDowell and her strange accent, reliably confused in all the right places, as is the rest of the cast (Richard Masur, Eugene Levy, Ann Cusack), who feature minimally because Keaton is hogging all the screen time.

Message comes through loud and clear - having more of yourself doesn't make life easier, but actually harder; multiplicity breeds instability. There are metaphors on top of metaphors: Doug had to go outside of himself to see himself; in discontinuity, Doug learns continuity; in promiscuity, Doug learns monogamy; in ambiguity, I've lost myself in trying to rhyme everything…

After "2" clones himself, the real Doug yells without irony, "You can't just go around cloning people!" Doubt anyone else could have pulled off these roles with as much electricity in their authenticity and eccentricity.

After all, there's only one Michael Keaton!

--Review by Poffy The Cucumber (for Poffy's Movie Mania).

Weak x 4

[Rumples · 5/10 · 29 September 1998]

This movie is, without question, one of the lamest I've seen for some time (actually, since Timecop, Beverly Hils Cop 3, or Best of the Best 2). Whilst I will force myself to sit through even the worst movies if I've paid for them, this one almost got ejected several times. Anyone who gave this a '10' has obviously never watched another movie in their lives. Although Michael Keaton did a reasonable acting job, the plot was so flimsy and predictable suspension of disbelief was almost impossible. Andie McDowell played her typical cute but ordinary role, and everything else seemed tacked on. This is a tale that goes nowhere and finishes just like you thought it would. Sad that an interesting concept could have been so let down by infantile story-telling.

Interesting concept but not a strong movie

[leftistcritic · 7/10 · 24 January 2019]

The plot of this movie is simple: the major male protagonist, Doug Kinney (played by Michael Keaton) is able to clone himself three times, to make Lance, Rico, and Lenny, so he can take care of all his tasks, allowing him to effectively deal with "annoying" household chores and move up the work hierarchy, after being introduced to this cloning by Dr. Leeds (played by Harris Yulin). Of course, this means that he only uses these people for his own benefit but not constructively, leading to complications with his wife, Laura (played by Andie MacDowell). In this way, the film is somewhat worth watching but mostly not, on the whole, granting it a rating of 7 out of 10.

But there's more to say about this movie. For one, it is a bit funny that Laura never figures out that Doug has three clones, even having sex with each of them! She even sees the clones in a car next to her at the end of the film but believes she is hallucinating so she ignores it! I would also like to mention I watched this film mainly because it was parodied in Treehouse of Horror XIII, which is Season 14, episode 1 of the Simpsons, the segment "send in the clones," which was aired five months after Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones was first shown, which is likely not a coincidence. In that segment, Homer's new cursed hammock produces clones of those whom rest on it, with the clones (whom have no bellybutton) doing all his chores and ending up being dumber than him, with Marge finding that the Homer she has is actually a clone with the real Homer dying due to his obsession of over donuts but she soon gets over this trauma.

Otherwise, I don't have anything else to say about this comedic film, meaning that this review has come to an end.

This Did Make Me Laugh

[sddavis63 · 7/10 · 18 December 2011]

This is not the best comedy ever made, but in all fairness I have to say that I've sat through more than a few comedies and never even cracked a smile. This one on a handful of occasions actually had me laughing out loud, so for that reason alone I have to say it's pretty solid. Michael Keaton is what makes this work so well. It's not just because he's the star - it's that he stars in four roles. It's not a costume comedy, though, which makes his performance all the better. He essentially plays the same character with tweaks and variations to differentiate between them, and he pulls it off brilliantly. Each character is a character of his own, and even the interactions between the characters he plays are pulled off flawlessly so that everything is very natural.

The story is tailor made for a comedy revolving around mistaken identity. Keaton's basic character is Doug Kinney, an overworked contractor who's finding that he doesn't have time to keep everything in his life in balance. Hoping for a miracle to help keep his life together he finds himself doing some work for a geneticist who's discovered the secret of "cloning" humans. It's not scientific - the "clones" come out as exact physical replicas rather than as newborn babies with identical genetic material to the original - but this is a comedy, so who cares! It works! Starting with one clone (named, simply, "2") Doug finds that even one copy isn't enough, so he makes another (named, appropriately, "3.") 2 and 3 are completely different from Doug and polar opposites from each other. 2 is a macho, take charge type who happily takes over the contracting business but chafes about having to stay out of sight when he'd much rather be picking up women, while 3 is an effeminate, stay at home type who loves cooking and cleaning. Eventually, 2 and 3 find themselves over-burdened, and they create another clone (named - guess what - "4.") except that 4 is a copy of copy and so, therefore, imperfect, for lack of a better way to put it. Intended to make Doug's life easier, all these 3 clones do is introduce increasing chaos, and at times it is hilarious.

Really the only other cast member of note is Andie MacDowell (who teams again with director Harold Ramis as she did in "Groundhog Day") as Doug's increasingly confused wife Laura. Unfortunately, the movie revolves so completely around Doug and the clones that MacDowell, while she was good enough and as always quite lovely, seemed to fade into the background more often than not, so that her talents were generally underused. She's more impressive opposite Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day" than she is here, but that's more a result of the type of movie and the role that it asked of her rather than any deficiency in her performance.

This is almost two hours long - which might be a little bit too much for this type of silly comedy. It gets to that length perhaps by trying to introduce too much "drama" (if you will) in the last while about Doug and Laura's faltering marriage. Still, it's a funny movie, and Keaton's performance is worth watching. (7/10)

Nothing Great yet...Entertaining

[Hash-5 · 25 December 1999]

Having nothing else to do, I reluctantly watched this movie when it came on TV a few days ago and I was surprised - Its not that bad! The plot is pretty silly but the four roles played by Keaton were quite entertaining.

I wouldn't really rent this movie but if it comes on TV I would recommend that you see it.

Some funny material, but eventually loses its momentum. **1/2 out of ****.

[Movie-12 · 6/10 · 27 January 2000]

MULTIPLICITY (1996) **1/2

Starring: Michael Keaton, Andie MacDowell, Eugene Levy, Zack Duhame, and Ann Cusack Directed by Harold Ramis. Running Time: 117 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for sexual content)

By Blake French:

"Multiplicity" is a comedy that details a very relevant subject matter. Also, it is quite a funny movie. It's just too bad the film eventually experiences self destruction with the engaging humor it offers. The picture is directed by Harold Ramis, better known as the ''Analyze This'' director, and Egon Spangler of "Ghostbusters," who knows what he's dealing with here, and presents the material in a somewhat effective manor. However, it's only a matter of time before the script plummets into a black hole that is impossible to escape, no matter how many laughs available.

The film details the life of an average married couple, Laura and Doug Kinney. They live in a small suburban household with their elementary aged children. Doug is a very, very busy person. He is an architect and his spouse is a simple homemaker. Laura desperately wants to go back to work. But with Doug's exhausting work schedule that doesn't allow him much time with his family let alone with himself, it is improbable of her becoming employed any time soon.

''My whole life is an emergency'' says Doug in a scene that is subjective with somewhat blunt subtext. We feel empathy for the Doug character at this point in the film, due to its good character development. Filling much of today's society are overheated schedules. Therefore, we are able to relate to Doug's turmoils here.

Then Doug is offered a chance to turn his life around--a "Miracle" offered by a mysterious individual Doug meets at work. He has the chance to create time for himself--to be cloned. Doug is interested. When we assume the price is right, he takes this opportunity to his advantage. (I did question, however, if the cloning process is so effective and affordable, why doesn't everyone in the universe know about it.)

It's a very cute premise; the filmmakers are on the break of some original material here. We realize the comic possibilities are endless with this plot. But instead of giving us new, inventive situations and hilarious events, the creators execute the story with the same joke repeatedly. We first see the internal problem is Doug's desire for time on his hands. Then realize it is not solved but made more complex with the cloning experiences. We'll get into the film's mess-up in a moment.

Doug is cloned not once, not twice, but three times. Discovering that life is just as, if not more, complicated with his new secret helpers, whom Laura does not know about. We are treated to scene after scene of the same kind of humor, some of which is funny. The only tension involves our suspense of when Laura will discover the clones. But that isn't looked into here. Instead the script is forced to keep on stretching its humor until it manages to come up with a new conflict.

The problem begins being introduced with a specific rule that none of the clones are permitted to have sex with Laura. Then Doug goes away for a little while and chaos ensures. The Doug clones get the real Doug fired from his job, Laura leaves, and each of the clones manages to bed Laura.

Instead of indulging us with fulfilling our interests, like lettingLaura to discover the clones and react humorously, the movie changes content when Doug desperately tries to get his wife, and life, back. But to our surprise, the Andie McDonnell character is actually left out of the story here. She is mostly used as a plot device to acquire the movies many structural and character needs. Thus, we really don't care about Laura coming back with Doug.

The problem with "Multiplicity" isn't that it's bad, but that is that it didn't have to be so bad. It contains some really nice material, and Michael Keaton delivers a superb performance that is an actor's dream. It's just too bad with such an entertaining premise and so many witty scenes that the movie couldn't amount to more than it is here.

Brought to you by Columbia Pictures.

Keaton's funny, but...

[kingmob-5 · 4/10 · 4 April 2002]

Neat concept. Dumb movie. I did laugh. Possible title: Dumb & Dumber & Dumber & Dumber.... Let's face it, Michael Keaton is the only reason to see this film. But don't spend money on it. Keaton seems out of place in this film, due to his great comedic senses. He seems above this film. There were some scenes I found humorous but could have been much less, if not for Keaton's abilities. I'm still waiting to see something GREAT from him. This sure ain't it. I'd like to see Keaton play more anti-heroes. Eugene Levy's small part was funny, of course. Andi McDowell's acting was nothing short of regular. She is beautiful though. The soundtrack sounded: cardboard cut-out, and audience tested. I expect fan's of mustseetv and other network sitcoms may like this flik.

Don't be deterred by the 5.7 rating. One of the 90's top comedies.

[eavan_masters · 8/10 · 11 February 2009]

Okay, so the premise is obviously before it's time, and there isn't too much to the plot. A guy clones himself a few times and problems/hilarity ensues. This movie could've easily gone to the b-movie shelf if not for Michael Keatons above average acting. Of course Andie MacDowell was good as his wife, but Michael Keaton steals the show. It's hard to get bored over the course of the movie because you keep wanting to see what Michael Keatons various personalities are going to do next. The effeminate Doug alone makes the movie worth a watch. My main issue is probably with the editing. I'm sure it's hard to edit one guy being multiple guys (especially in 1996) but a few of the panning shots were kinda choppy. Not a huge deal, but it does take you out of the moment for a second. This movie is probably a 7 out of 10, but giving it an 8 to make up for the undeserved 5.7. I'm pretty picky about my comedies, but this one raised itself above the pack. Consider other comedies from the same year: "Bio-Dome," "House Arrest," "Black Sheep, "Jingle All the Way," "Down Periscope." Out of all of them "Multiplicity" is the only one that I can recommend. If you like Michael Keaton, you can't miss this one. And if for some reason you don't, this movie might change your mind.

Still entertaining

[signlady · 7/10 · 13 January 2023]

Saw this movie years ago and had forgotten it, until recently a friend gave me a bunch of DVDs and Multiplicity was among the array.

It's a delightful little comedy - based on a fairly universal concept - because who hasn't said, 'Oh, if there was only 2 of me . . .'

Here, thru the magic of movies we get to see this idea take form and all the good & bad that ensues.

The premise; Keaton's character stressed-out Doug meets a certain scientist - and finally decides to try duplicating himself, and it seems to largely work out - so why not a 3rd for even more productivity?

The portrayal of each clone was quite creatively shown; original Doug is kind of an every-man - slightly above average, multi-faceted guy; husband, father, employee, and like all of us, spread thin. Life is demanding & stressful.

Doug 2 embodies the macho side of Doug, the skilled tradesman, takes care of business. Keaton portrays him as direct, to-the-point, slightly gruff/macho.

Doug 3 embodies the feminine, sensitive side of Doug. Here, Keaton portrays Doug 3 as very empathetic and helpful in all ways. He's a great cook & attentive to everyone's needs.

Then Dougs 2 & 3 sneak away and have a 4th Doug created!! Because it is a copy of a copy, Doug 4 is quite dummed-down which makes him hilarious - Keaton portrays him as something all between age 3 to an age 12 version of Doug.

Keeping in mind when each clone is made, they have all the past memories & experiences of original Doug - but everything from their new existence forward is autonomous - therefore none of the other Doug's knows what goes on when they're separated - one at work, one at home, etc.

And that's the extending premise that creates the funniest & hairiest situations!

The cast is great; Keaton is a really funny guy as well as a great dramatic actor. McDowell plays the perfect everywonan kind of wife & mother/career minded. The kids are there but don't really have many scenes - they are simply part of the complications equation like the jobs, the marriage, the home, and all the things that sometimes make us all feel we are spread too thin, and wish we could be in several places at once.

And because nearly everyone has felt that way, thats why this movie is so fun.

Great family popcorn night!

Fun, but had more Potential,

[lesleyharris30 · 5/10 · 21 November 2015]

Multiplicity is a mediocre movie with a reasonably well written storyline and a great comedic cast. It has its moments, I certainly enjoyed seeing Michael Keaton struggle to manage a life with clones, seeing him communicate with himself was very funny and there are many parts that I found baffling to imagine how it was made. As a comedy, it has funny parts but not enough, it never really takes full advantage of it's fun and unique story, it could have used Doug's struggles with work and family to a larger comedic affect, there also could have been more clones, he only has three, despite the poster suggesting that the plot goes way out of hand, and that's the biggest problem, it never does. The film is far too predictable, once the clones arrive you can predict all the problems that await Doug from a mile away, there's is never any real sort of twist or unexpected moment that turns the entire plot on its head, it's simply too safe, and because of that we are left with a Michael Keaton starring, Harold Ramis directed, movie that lets you down. Though it has some funny moments, Multiplicity simply isn't good enough to recommend.

With him being under stress at both work and home, a man decides to clone himself without telling his wife.

Best Performance: Michael Keaton

Great comedy & Michael Keaton is very very funny!

[TheEmulator23 · 8/10 · 20 June 2009]

This is one of those films that maybe the first time you watch it, you just think, "eh." But on subsequent viewings you realize how funny it is and the absolutely great characters & how well developed each one of the Michael Keaton's are. He does an amazing job & this film was completely overlooked by just about everyone. Granted the plot is nothing to write home about, but neither is "Dumb & Dumbers" but that isn't why it is remembered. It's for all the hilarity that ensues just as this one does. I'm hoping that someday people will realize just how funny Michael Keaton can be in film & that he wasn't just BATMAN! A new generation will soon come to see everything that is classically done & some filmmaker will stick Mr. Keaton in another comedic role so that they can see just how well he can shine as a comedian. Here's hoping it's soon too! So if you liked "Old School, Napoleon Dynamite, & yes even "The Hangover" (though it's far less dirty) then this is right up your alley.

Somebody got the wrong driveway.

[kelboy10 · 7/10 · 9 August 2023]

If a film went off the radar unable to get the recognition it deserved, then i am be inclined to believe this would be high on that list. Multiplicity shows a man in need of more time because of his hectic married lifestyle and non stop workload. Michael Keaton is exceptional, as the Dougs. This particular movie shows his acting range and versatility, each clone appears to have their own personality and above all else this film is funny. Keaton is able to portray the characters with such charisma its hard not to like, or near on impossible.

Story-wise it requires little complication and the continuity is pretty sharp considering each Doug is wearing different attires. You can refer to other career highlights of Keaton such as Beetlejuice, The Founder, Batman and Birdman yet, in my book this is right up their with them. I have to say i cannot help think of the times I managed to watch this with somebody new who hadn't seen it. Each time they would be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. No more needs to be said jusy enjoy this great comedy unfold, but above all else enjoy an early Michael Keaton masterclass.

It's me again

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 16 April 2018]

Michael Keaton returns to the light comedy genre he was known for back in the 1980s before he went all dark knight on us.

Doug Kinney (Michael Keaton) is an overworked construction supervisor for a company that takes him granted and only cares for the bottom line. The people who work under him constantly mess up or turn up late. He is being pressured to work at the weekends, as his boss tells him. We have a saying if you do not show up to work on Saturday do not bother to turn up on Sunday.

This leaves him with little time with his wife Laura (Andie MacDowell) and the kids and his wants to go back to work as the kids are now old enough.

Doug encounters a scientist, Dr Leeds on his latest job at the Gemini Institute which is involved in cloning. Doug ends up with three versions of himself but they are not all like him in intellect or personality. The clones are supposed to make life easier for Doug who thought he could spend time relaxing but in fact complicates it.

Keaton does well interacting with the various versions of himself but the comedy is strained and not particularly funny.