Multiplicity

The Multiplicity Store

No need for any clones: Multiplicity

by Christian De Matteo

Wimpy

I thought about giving it a Solid rating, but in good conscience, I cannot.  While I often like Harold Ramis films, and I do very much wish Michael Keaton would come back from Outer Siberia, or wherever he’s run off too.  Multiplicity was just missing too much, and its last half save was too little a save.

The first half of the movie is belabored setup, that Ramis (Groundhog Day) should know better than to bother with, and the second half of the movie is zany hijinks, that often fall as flat as the term “zany hijinks.”  I say this with a guilty heart, because I must admit, I walked away with quotes I will be using in daily life like “She touched my peppy, Steve” and “We’re gonna eat a dolphin” but though they made me laugh, they weren’t enough to justify the presence of sit-com humor in a feature film made by some comedy greats.

Keaton (The Dream Team, Batman) must be praised for his acting, convincingly playing four very different versions of one character, but I would expect no less from him.  His performance(s), a few very funny lines, and some “always-get-a-laugh” slapstick, however, a classic comedy doesn’t make.  Keaton does the best he can with an usually painful script, and his struggle can sometimes actually be seen on his face as he mouths terrible lines and tries to make them good.

And can Ramis really be forgiven for wasting Andie McDowell (Groundhog Day) in a role that gave her no challenges or depth and only an accent that wasn’t needed.

Mike recommended this to me, and I do believe I got what he wanted me to from it, but those moments just weren’t enough to justify the hour and half the movie took from my life.

Ask Mike to reenact the good parts for you.  He does them better anyway.

 
In Defense of Four: A Response to CDM's Review of Multiplicity
by Michael Flanagan

HUGE

Okay, okay, so it doesn't deserve a HUGE.  But this film has comedic quality.  Why?  And how?  Well, allow me to borrow from Mr. De Matteo, in his own words, mind you, to defend this review:

'I walked away with quotes I will be using in daily life like “She touched my peppy, Steve” and “We’re gonna eat a dolphin”'

'Keaton (The Dream Team, Batman) must be praised for his acting, convincingly playing four very different versions of one character, but I would expect no less from him.'

'...very funny lines, and some “always-get-a-laugh” slapstick...'

Now, do you need any more?  Sure, it's not the best comedy of all time, but keep an eye out for that "Four."  He's got a career in show business, even if Michael Keaton no longer has.  Now, understand that I do have taste in movies, and in comedies, and I'm not saying that this is great in either category.  But when you watch Four deliver those pizzas, you have to smile.

And to anyone who wants an impersonation of the film, email me.  We'll talk.  ms_flanagan@yahoo.com

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