Father and child sit together smiling while looking at a smart phone.

Want more recommendations for your family?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration

Parents' Guide to

Multiplicity

By Lisa A. Goldstein, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Some sexy stuff in dated but entertaining '90s comedy.

Movie PG-13 1996 117 minutes
Multiplicity Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

See all
age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
September 15, 2021
age 13+

I like this movie.

I like fantasy films and this is a classic.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Doug Kinsey (Michael Keaton), a contractor married to Laura (Andie MacDowell), feels like he's being pulled in many different directions. When a geneticist tells him he can be cloned, he views this as an answer to his problems. Little does he expect that there will eventually be four versions of him. At first, it seems to work: #2 helps with work, #3 pitches in with the family, and they try to keep #4 out of the way because he's a copy of #3 and a wee bit off. But just when Doug thinks his life will get easier, it starts to fall apart.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Michael Keaton as Doug is a delight to watch as he plays four versions of himself; he truly embraces each character as if it's a different role. It brings to mind his memorable role in the popular 1983 film Mr. Mom, which has a remarkable similarity to this one. Physical comedy? Check. Bending gender roles? Check. Spousal communication issues? Double check. Since this movie is set in the mid-'90s, however, Doug has the supposed benefit of cloning science and technology. Meanwhile, his beleagured wife Laura is the perfect calm, questioning foil to his energetic behavior. Between the two, no, five of them, there's plenty of action and sophomoric humor on screen.

While the action and humor may appeal to teens, who might also be able to relate to the difficulties of multitasking, other things about this movie may make it less appealing for them -- or you. Doug's problems start because he wants to spend more time with his wife and kids, and he gets into arguments with his wife about whether or not she can work outside the home -- not exactly teen-friendly material. That, plus the overt sexual content, dishonesty, and other niggling issues make this a mixed kind of movie for all involved.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about being pulled in different directions. How does Doug manage his different responsibilities? Do you ever feel split in too many directions? How do you manage multitasking? What steps can you take to reduce the pressures on your time?

  • Talk about male and female stereotypes. How do Doug and Laura fit into stereotypes of male and female behavior in our society? Do we see fewer gender stereotypes in contemporary movies? What role do movies and television play in reinforcing or challenging stereotypes?

  • How does this movie handle its sexual content? Does it seem appropriate to the story or gratuitous? What messages about sex and gender are communicated in this movie?

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate