Multiplicity Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Overworked dad clones himself, but the clones turn out to be more of a headache than help, leading to awkward family dinners and existential crises… with pizza.

🍿 Multiplicity: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Doug’s Overloaded Life

Doug Kinney, a dedicated construction worker and family man, finds himself overwhelmed by the demands of his job and his responsibilities at home. He’s constantly juggling work pressures, family needs, and personal desires, leaving him with little time for himself. His wife, Laura, also desires to return to work adding another layer to the complexities.

The Cloning Offer

While working on a project at a genetics research facility, Doug encounters Dr. Leeds, who offers him a unique solution to his time management problem: cloning. Intrigued and desperate for relief, Doug agrees to undergo the procedure, leading to the creation of his first clone, Doug #2.

Multiplication and Mayhem

Doug #2 takes on the responsibilities of Doug’s job, while Doug #1 tries to enjoy some personal time and assist more at home. However, the demands continue to escalate, leading to the creation of Doug #3, who is more domestically inclined. Eventually, Doug #2 and #3 create Doug #4, but the cloning process diminishes with each iteration, resulting in a less intelligent and somewhat quirky version. The presence of multiple Dougs leads to increasing confusion and comical situations.

Chaos and Marital Strain

The presence of multiple Dougs, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks, creates chaos in Doug’s life. His wife, Laura, becomes increasingly confused and frustrated by his erratic behavior and apparent lack of attention. Misunderstandings and miscommunications escalate, leading to tension in their marriage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Doug Kinney (Michael Keaton): An overworked construction worker who clones himself to alleviate the pressures of work and family life.
• Laura Kinney (Andie MacDowell): Doug’s wife, who desires more time and attention from her husband and is initially unaware of the existence of the clones.
• Doug #2 (Lance) (Michael Keaton): The first clone of Doug, possessing an exaggerated masculine personality and taking over Doug’s construction work.
• Doug #3 (Rico) (Michael Keaton): The second clone of Doug, exhibiting a sensitive and domestic personality, focusing on household chores.
• Doug #4 (Lenny) (Michael Keaton): The third clone, who is less intelligent due to being a copy of a copy, resulting in comedic mishaps.
• Dr. Leeds (Harris Yulin): The geneticist who offers Doug the opportunity to clone himself, initiating the film’s central conflict.
• Vic (Eugene Levy): Doug’s incompetent employee, whose mistakes contribute to Doug’s stress and workload.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Doug Kinney #4: “I got a wallet! I’m gonna drive a car!” – Lenny’s simple joy after getting a wallet encapsulates his childlike innocence and limited intellect.
• Doug Kinney #4: “I want pizza!” – Said by Lenny to Laura when she asks what’s wrong, highlighting his simple desires and inability to grasp complex emotions.
• Doug Kinney #3: “You know how copies of a copy are not as good as the original…” – Rico explains why the clone of the clone ‘Lenny’ is ‘special’.
• Doug Kinney #1: “Rule number one: Nobody sleeps with my wife but me!” – Doug’s first rule for the clones sets up the later farcical situation when all the clones accidentally end up sleeping with his wife.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $45,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,075,014
• Worldwide Gross: $21,075,014

💥 Multiplicity Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this as a kid and thinking cloning was the coolest thing ever, even though the clones were totally messing up Doug’s life! Keaton’s performance is hilarious, especially Doug #4, who just wants pizza. The scene in the restaurant when all the Dougs are there is pure comedic gold. It’s a fun, lighthearted movie that makes you think, ‘What if?’ even if it doesn’t go too deep.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Michael Keaton”
  • “Viewers interested in sci-fi comedies”
  • “People who enjoy movies about family and work-life balance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Brief mild language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Multiplicity coasts on Michael Keaton’s charm as he juggles multiple roles, but the film’s lighthearted approach undermines any deeper exploration of cloning’s ethical implications. It’s an amusing but ultimately forgettable comedy.
• Variety: “Harold Ramis’s Multiplicity delivers a fun premise, but the execution feels somewhat predictable. Keaton’s performance is strong, showcasing his comedic versatility, but the supporting cast doesn’t get enough to do. The film offers laughs, but misses the opportunity to explore more profound themes.

Audience Reactions

Michael Keaton’s multiple performances are impressive and hilarious.: Viewers appreciated Keaton’s ability to differentiate the personalities of the clones.

The film provides lighthearted fun and entertainment.: Audiences enjoyed the movie as a feel-good comedy.

Overall Consensus: Multiplicity is generally seen as a lighthearted comedy with a memorable performance by Michael Keaton, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its interesting premise.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Keaton spent a significant amount of time working with body doubles and special effects teams to ensure seamless interactions between the multiple versions of his character.”
• “Director Harold Ramis, known for comedies like ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Caddyshack,’ brought his signature comedic timing and lighthearted approach to the film’s exploration of cloning.”
• “The film explores themes of work-life balance and identity, resonating with audiences who feel overwhelmed by the demands of modern life.”

🖥️ How to Watch Multiplicity?

Multiplicity (1996) is available to rent or buy on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. You can often find it for purchase on DVD or Blu-ray through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Multiplicity, you might like these similar films:

• Being John Malkovich (1999): Explores the bizarre concept of inhabiting another person’s identity, similar to the identity confusion in ‘Multiplicity.’
• The Nutty Professor (1996): Features a comedic actor playing multiple roles with distinct personalities, creating humorous situations and exploring themes of identity.
• Click (2006): Deals with the protagonist using technology to fast-forward through his life, only to realize the importance of appreciating the present, reflecting on work-life balance, similar to themes in ‘Multiplicity’.
• Mr. Mom (1983): Addresses the role reversal of a husband taking on domestic duties while the wife pursues a career, a theme that resonates in ‘Multiplicity’ when Doug struggles with housework.

🛒 Multiplicity Related Products

• Multiplicity [Blu-ray]: Own the ultimate Multiplicity experience in high definition! Includes bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Michael Keaton: The Unofficial Biography: Delve into the life and career of Michael Keaton, exploring his iconic roles and the making of Multiplicity. A comprehensive look into one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Michael Keaton (Multiplicity): Collect all four Funko Pop! versions of Michael Keaton’s Doug Kinney! Each figure represents a different clone and captures their unique personalities, creating a unique movie-themed collectible set.
• Pizza Throwing Game: Inspired by Doug #4’s hilarious pizza delivery skills, players will have the chance to throw pizzas at targets with adjustable difficulty levels. Recreate the wacky chaos in the movie!

🎧 Soundtrack

Multiplicity features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Gallinita De Los Huevos De Oro” – performed by Grupo Niche
• “Got to Give It Up” – performed by Marvin Gaye
• “Celebration” – performed by Kool & The Gang

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Were the 90s So Mean to Andie MacDowell? (Groundhog Day, Multiplicity, Michael)

Ever wonder why Andie MacDowell was *the* rom-com queen of the 90s? This video dives into her unique typecasting, and it’s actually pretty fascinating to see how ‘Multiplicity’ fits into her career trajectory. I didn’t realize how many mystical male leads she co-starred with!

The Movie Multiplicity But It’s Only The Parts With The Retarded One

Remember the ‘retarded’ clone from Multiplicity? This video is *just* his scenes! If you need a quick laugh and a reminder of how hilariously awkward that character was, this is your go-to. Honestly, he was my favorite clone.

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