Multiplicity (1996)

44% of critics liked it
(45 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(47,160 ratings)

In this zany comedy, Michael Keaton is Doug Kinney, a man with too many tasks and not enough time to complete them. When he feels too much pressure, his temper explodes with disastrous results. So when researcher Dr. Owen Leeds (Harris Yulin) offers him a somewhat unusual remedy for his problem, he… More In this zany comedy, Michael Keaton is Doug Kinney, a man with too many tasks and not enough time to complete them. When he feels too much pressure, his temper explodes with disastrous results. So when researcher Dr. Owen Leeds (Harris Yulin) offers him a somewhat unusual remedy for his problem, he gives it a try. Soon, a fully grown clone of Doug is delivered, complete with his memories up to the time of its "birth." Being in two places at once offers some advantages, but problems arise when Doug #2 can't handle the stress of overwork any better than the original. Perhaps Doug #2 could benefit from having his own helper. Versions of Doug multiply, each of them emphasizing some facet of his character, and complications multiply. For instance, having more of him around doesn't make life simpler for Doug's wife Laura (Andie MacDowell). ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Harold Ramis
Written By: Chris Miller III, Mary Hale, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 17, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Apr 14, 1998
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
More Kafkaesque than comedic, more fascinating to watch than out-and-out funny.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
An effects-based comedy whose seamlessness is a sign that this newfangled comedic genre has gone beyond the adolescence stage and taken on a new maturity.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
The comedy itself, however, is uneven and, more often than not, obvious.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Groundhog Day had a certain sweetness and even a sly philosophical depth, but Multiplicity is more of a ground-level comedy, in which we can usually anticipate the problems for Doug and his clones.
Sean Means, Film.com
Ramis and his quartet of writers, including City Slickers shtick factories of Lowell Ganz & Babaloo Mandel, can't find much to do with their simple premise.
Common Sense Media Editors, Common Sense Media
Some sexy stuff in dated, but entertaining '80s comedy.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
A desperately unfunny comedy lethargically directed by Harold Ramis, and boringly acted by Michael Keaton.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Try not to double or triple-up laughing. (published 7-19-96)
Judith Egerton, Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
It's a showcase for Keaton.
Brandon Judell, Critics Inc./America Online
Whatever you know about cloning, leave at the theater door. Whatever you know about the modern housewife, shuck that, too. The feminism of "Multiplicity" is barely circa 1959.
Luanne Brown, Chico Enterprise-Record
More is not better, in this case.
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
Michael Keaton is very funny, but the comedy itself isn't worth his efforts.
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Great premise, great work by Keaton, but the script lets them down.

Read all 13 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A goofy comedy, and it does go off the old saying 'if only there were more of me'. The story is predictable, especially the ending. Overall it has some humor, but overall it's just okay.
Curtis L

I secretly like this movie.
Candy R

Funny movie about a man who duplicates himself for his busy life.
Jason S

Funny but predictable.
xGary X

Inept comedy with a hopelessly gimmicky premise; one Michael Keaton is mildly irritating. Four of him is a whole new ballgame. AND Andie MacDowell. I say no, no no...
Burger S

If you liked Mr. Mom, then this is for you.
Nicolas K

the idea is not that bad, but the execution is nothing to be admired for.
Curt C

I'll be honest; Michael Keaton isn't my favorite actor to begin with. So what could make this movie even better? I know! FOUR Michael Keatons!! If you love Michael Keaton and subpar comedy, this is for you.
Jim W

An overworked constructor (Michael Keaton) makes a few clones of himself so he has more time to spend with his wife and children. The under-rated Michael Keaton was pretty funny, especially as the slow clone. The movie isn't as clever as Harold Ramis' Groundhog Day but… More
An overworked constructor (Michael Keaton) makes a few clones of himself so he has more time to spend with his wife and children. The under-rated Michael Keaton was pretty funny, especially as the slow clone. The movie isn't as clever as Harold Ramis' Groundhog Day but it's at least much better than Year One and Bedazzled.
Marion R

This is a pretty bad film, becuase it's not as funny as it should be and I think one Michael Keaton is enough.
Sunil J

Amusing moments but the joke wears thin.
Leo L

Love it! Hilarious comedy-drama. Here is a movie filled with tons of laughter, and one that always leaves you feeling good. This is definitely my all-time favorite amongst the collection of movies from Michael Keaton. This movie is about Keaton's character "Steve" who… More
Love it! Hilarious comedy-drama. Here is a movie filled with tons of laughter, and one that always leaves you feeling good. This is definitely my all-time favorite amongst the collection of movies from Michael Keaton. This movie is about Keaton's character "Steve" who is married with children and has a demanding career. Steve tries to juggle the demands of his business, his relationship with his wife, spending time with his children, and heavily committing to the financial responsibilites in their lives. These demands and obligations begin to take a toll on Steve, and thus begins to think when does he ever get a chance to have some time to himself. When he meets a scientist working on a cloning project, he ponders his options and decides to embark on one crazy adventure right after another to help alleviate some of the pressures that he has to deal with on a daily basis and fully embrace his freedom. At a cost, he realizes that these endeavors also create havocs. Andie MacDowell is absolutely great. Definitely worth checking out.
Sarah P

Far-fetched, yet predictable comedy with a too-tidy ending.
Barry L

Lame

Read all 14 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Michael Keaton as Doug Kinney

            Andie MacDowell as Laura Kinney

            Harris Yulin as Dr. Owen Leeds

            Richard Masur as Del King

            Eugene Levy as Vic

            Ann Cusack as Noreen

            Obba Babatundé as Paul

            John DeLancie as Ted

            Robin Duke as Ballet School Receptionist

            Judy Kahan as Franny

            Michael Milhoan as Irate Football Parent

            Glenn Shadix as Building Inspector

            Skip Stellrecht as Irate Football Parent

            George D. Wallace as Couple in Restaurant

            Brian Doyle-Murray as Walt

            Steven Kampmann as Coach Jack

            James Piddock as Maitre D'

            Dawn Maxey as Beth

            Suzanne Herrington as Den Mother

            Julie Bowen as Robin

            Zack Duhame as Zack Kinney

            Katie Schlossberg as Jennifer Kinney

            Robert Ridgely as Laura's Father

            Kari Coleman as Patti

            Justine Johnston as Couple in Restaurant

            Dennis R. Lyell as Construction Worker

            Howard Plon as Lab Technician Twin

            Richard Plon as Lab Technician Twin

            John De Lancie
            
See full cast

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