Multiplicity (1996)

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.

Fmovies: 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 its own driving personality to make it real easy for the audience to distinguish which is which, and with Michael Keaton delivering four excellent performances as the Dougs, the comic relief flows pretty much all thru the picture.

However, director Harold Ramis is guilty of staying safe with the material 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 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 far higher.

I'm from Germany and watched the movie on a pay-TV channel. I must say that I really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of comedy films you should watch it. Michael Keaton is great at playing the four roles, the whole action is tailored to him. The movie does not waste on background details but on the irony of the action. Although the movie criticizes cloning in a certain way, it focuses on slapstick situations. The subject of cloning is dealt with ironically rather than obviously critically. That's OK since it is a comedy film. At least a critical message on cloning is yet delivered. I recommend this movie to everyone who enjoyes movies like Naked Gun or Mrs. Doubtfire.

Multiplicity fmovies. Michael Keaton was a great actor in this show. I can't believe he acted so different for each character. The dumb clone was awesome and super funny, he totally cracked me up. This show was a great hit and should have been seen more. I would recommend this show to anybody. It is a great family movie for your kids.

I think this was a good film with a good concept and adequate execution. Michael Keaton is a workaholic who doesn't have any time for his family, so he goes to a scientist who clones him so he can have the best of both worlds. Complications ensue, however, and Keaton finds that things are going as expected, so he proceeds to make more duplicates, which of course leads to further complications. I loved the part where the duplicates make one of themselves, whom the original Keaton refers to as "Rain Man." The bedroom, home, and work scenes are all hilarious, and the movie also has a good cast. If you want to see a good comedy, I recommend this one. You won't be disappointed.

** 1/2 out of ****

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.