Vier lieben dich

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.

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.

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.

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 ****

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.