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| Multiplex #273: Fred Durst, Renaissance Man | [[The father and daughter from #41 step up to the ticket counter, where Jason is working. There's a poster for The Longshots in the background, by the manager's station.]]
/ Father: Um...we can't decide. Is that new Ice Cube movie any good?
/ Jason: Do you like Limp Bizkit? / [[The daughter cocks her head to one side.]]
/ Father: What?
/ Jason: The band. Limp Bizkit. / Father: No. Hell no.
/ Jason: Well, the lead singer from that directed it... / [[Father and daughter share a look. The daughter hunches her shoulders. They are probably going to be watching something else.]]
/ Jason: And, amazingly enough, he manages to be almost as good at making movies. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/273 |
| Multiplex #274: EstroFest 2008 | [[Jason, Angie, Sunny, Chase and Melissa are sat in the front row of the cinema, watching House Bunny. Jason is speaking over one of the characters, Joanne, played by Rumer Willis]]
/ Jason: ...And the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress goes to... / [[The gang are watching, Melissa looks both while Chase and Sunny are watching intently and Angie elbows Jason for his comment.]]
/ Angie: Sh! Sunny's enjoying this, Jason... / [[Close up on Angie and Jason, he is looking slightly awry and feeling his recently-cut hair, she looks curious.]]
/ Jason: I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Ang.
/ Angie: Which part, the haircut or House Bunny?
/ Jason: Either one, actually. / [[Angie and Jason both look amused.]]
/ Angie: It's not that bad.
/ Jason: Which part, the haircut or House Bunny? / [[Angie and Jason both look amused.]]
/ Angie: I like your haircut. The movie's... uh, it could be better.
/ Jason: Yeah, maybe if the girls in it weren't all just half naked. / [[Angie looks away with a slight grin, Jason looks confused.]]
/ Angie: Oh Lord.
/ Jason: So why did Sunny plan this whole thing? / [[Angie looks slightly pensive, Jason looks wry.]]
/ Angie: Oh... She saw Brian drive through the lot the other day, so she's been kind of dwelling on him a little bit again...
/ Jason: ...So she wanted to get a "make-over" and watch a dumb movie? / [[Angie looks surprised, Jason is trying to be sarcastic.]]
/ Jason: Jesus, are you guys going to have a pajama party and eat ice cream later, or something? / [[Angie looks away, thoughtfully with a hint of sadness, Jason just looks stolid.]] / [[Angie looks away, with more sadness, while Jason just looks on.]] / [[Angie looks back, Jason looks concerned.]] / [[Angie narrows her eyes.]]
/ Angie: You can't come. / {{tag-line: Please?}} http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/274 |
| Multiplex #275: Death Race, Part One | [[Linda, Curtis, and Jay from Flickhead video walk up to the manager's station, where Franklin and Kurt are. Jay and Becky kiss hello.]]
/ Franklin: You guys ready? / [[Everyone looks at Curtis. Franklin is glaring.]]
/ Curtis: Oh, we were born ready. / [[The camera shifts, facing the manager's stand head-on, with the Employee of the Month plaques in the background. Franklin and Kurt's eyes are narrowed. Becky looks out from behind Jay.]]
/ Franklin: Did you bring it? / [[Curtis is carrying a brown paper sack with the top of a white box visible inside.]]
/ Curtis: Oh, we brought it. / [[Franklin begins walking toward a theater. The sign above the door reads "Death Race."]]
/ Franklin: Then let's get this party started. / Curtis: Oh, we...already...uh...
/ [[Curtis squints one eye. Linda glances at him questioningly.]]
/ Curtis: [[Under his breath]] Never mind. / [[Inside the theater. The Multiplex crew and the Flickheaders face each other, glaring, except for Becky and Linda, who are looking at their respective teams out of the corners of their eyes. On the theater screen is the title screen for the Ninetendo game Happy Kart We.]]
/ Franklin: Let'sa go, mother fuckers. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/275 |
| Multiplex #276: Death Race, Part Two | [[In-game scene for Happy Kart We, hand-drawn in black and white. Franklin, dressed in a monkey-in-a-tuxedo suit, sits ready to go at the starting line. Count "3."]] / [[Becky, dressed similarly to Princess Toadstool, stares ahead intently with her tongue out to one side. Count "2."]] / [[Kurt, in a Mario-esque outfit complete with moustache and a "K" on his cap, revs his engine. Count "1."]] / Starter: GO!!
/ [[Curtis and Jay, as Wario and Waluigi respectively, nitro-burst off the starting line, bumping Franklin and Kurt.]]
/ < http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/276 |
| Multiplex #277: Death Race, Part Three | [[Still in-game for Happy Kart We. Franklin drives after Jay and Curtis in hot pursuit.]] / [[Curtis and Jay together block Franklin from passing. In the background, Becky begins closing the distance to the pack.]]
/ Curtis: HA HA! / [[Franklin, Curtis, and Jay drive through a second field of bonus blocks, cresting a hill. Up ahead is a ramp and a jump over a large rift.]] / [[Franklin acquires a lightning bolt.]]
/ < http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/277 |
| Multiplex #278: Death Race, Part Four | < http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/278 |
| Multiplex #279: Death Race, Part Five | [[In the Multiplex team's theater, the "Happy Kart" Death Race has just finished. Kurt glowers, while Franklin pumps both fists in the air.]]
/ Franklin: Yes! We rule!
/ Becky: And I won! / [[Kurt rolls his eyes; Franklin elbows him good-naturedly. Becky appears startled to have won.]]
/ Kurt: Woooo. Third.
/ Franklin: Aw, come on, Kurt. The important thing is we kicked those Fuckheads' asses.
/ Becky: And I won!
/ Franklin: And Becky won! / [[Franklin and Becky each pump a fist in the air in celebration.]]
/ Franklin: Multiplex 10 rules!
/ Becky: And I won! / [[Kurt looks ambivalently at the victors.]]
/ Franklin: Them not being able to hear us takes half the fun out of celebrating, doesn't it?
/ Becky: Yeah...but I won! / One theater over...
/ [[The Flickhead crew copes with loss. Curtis shakes his fist at Jay.]]
/ Curtis: God dammit, Jay. You're going to have to choose between that girl and the store, sooner or later.
/ Linda: Uh...why, exactly? / Curtis: [[gesturing with his left hand]] ...Because we're a video store...and they're a movie theater.
/ [[Linda appears unconvinced.]] http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/279 |
| Multiplex #280: Are You Ready for Some Football? | [[Kurt, Franklin, and Becky of Multiplex are in the hallway, and Jay, Curtis, and Linda of Flickhead Video are walking up to them from the neighboring theater.]]
/ Curtis: I want a rematch -- but none of this baby Happy Kart shit.
/ Curtis: We're playing a real game. / [[Kurt and Franklin are staring down Curtis confrontationally. Becky is smiling at Jay, who has a blank expression.]]
/ Franklin: Alright, how about football?
/ Curtis: Right on. We're gonna pound you into the ground. / [[Jay walks right up to Becky...]]
/ Franklin: Like hell you are -- you're gonna be spitting AstroTurf when we're done with you. / [[...and Jay walks right past Becky, who is no longer smiling and has her hands on her waist. Meanwhile, Franklin and Curtis are still staring each other down.]]
/ Curtis: Wanna put some money on that, wiseguy?
/ Franklin: You got it, cracker barrel. / [[Curtis and Franklin have suddenly stopped being hostile. Becky is walking after Jay.]]
/ Curtis: Wait, we are talking about Football 09, right? Not actual football.
/ Franklin: Yeah, of course. / [[Linda and Kurt are looking at Curtis and Franklin, respectively, with bemusement.]]
/ Curtis: Okay, good... I was afraid I was going to need to get my ass in shape.
/ Franklin: Man, I haven't played a real sport since the PlayStation came out. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/280 |
| Multiplex #281: If I Don't Like It, No One Can | [[Franklin enters the break room, where Calvin and Keith are eating. A "Wall-E" poster is on the wall behind them. Calvin is smiling excitedly.]]
/ Franklin: Hey, are either of you any good at Football 09?
/ Calvin: Yeah. That's my game! / [[Keith is rolling his eyes.]]
/ Franklin: Right on, Calvin. We're playing a tournament against the Flickhead guys soon, and I'm holding try-outs to get our team together.
/ Calvin: Sweet. / [[Franklin and Calvin are glaring at Keith with disdain.]]
/ Keith: Meh. Football games are just crap made for casual gamers.
/ Keith: They can't be used to show who the overall better gamers are... / [[Calvin is punching Keith in the arm.]]
/ Franklin: So what you're saying is, you suck at them.
/ Calvin: Yeah, Keith, don't act like a douche. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/281 |
| Multiplex #283: The World May Never Know | [[Gretchen and Calvin talk quietly, standing in the back of the theater during a showing.]]
/ Gretchen: Was Melissa using the theater's digital camera?
/ Calvin: Yeah. She might have erased the card, though. / [[Gretchen puts her hands on her hips. Calvin keeps his folded behind his back.]]
/ Gretchen: Hm. Okay, I'll see if I can find a copy somehow. Tell me more about this football thing, though. / Calvin: [[gesturing with his left hand, looking excited]] Franklin's organizing a Football 09 tournament against the Flickhead Video gang, and we had try-outs for it last night. There's even a pool going and stuff--it's pretty cool. / Gretchen: [[chin in her hand]] A pool, huh? When are the games?
/ Calvin: It'll start next week. / [[Gretchen reaches to pat Calvin on the shoulder.]]
/ Gretchen: Could you keep me posted about that?
/ Calvin: Sure, no problem. / Gretchen: [[giving Calvin's shoulder a friendly squeeze]] Thanks, Calvin. You're a pal.
/ Calvin: Thanks...I don't get it--how come all those guys dislike you so much, Gretchen? / [[Gretchen shrugs, evidently baffled. Calvin begins to head for the door.]]
/ Gretchen: Why do terrorists hate America? Who knows?
/ Calvin: Anyway, I'll see you around. / [[In the hall just outside the theater, Calvin walks past the movie poster for "Traitor." From inside the theater, Gretchen watches him leave, smiling to herself.]] http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/283 |
| Multiplex #284: The Notorious W.I.T. | [[Kurt checks the computer at the manager's station, as Jason stands and watches over his shoulder.]]
/ Kurt: Did you see this?
/ Jason: Notorious? Oh, no way, don't tell me that Hollywood made a hip-hop Hitchcock remake? / [[Kurt shoots a cool-out look over his shoulder at Jason.]]
/ Kurt: Cool out, Jason. It's a biopic of the Notorious B.I.G..
/ Jason: Oh. Meh. / Kurt: [[turning around in his seat]] Aw, Biggie was good.
/ [[Jason pulls out the walkie-talkie.]]
/ Jason: Hey, White Man. You might want to come see this trailer. / < http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/284 |
| Multiplex #285: I Can Only Suspend My Disbelief So Far | [[Kurt and Jason exit the theater showing Eagle Eye.]]
/ Kurt: How could you not like Eagle Eye? It was totally suspenseful. There was no way you could guess what was going to happen next, Jason! / [[Kurt, walking ahead, looks back over his shoulder at Jason.]]
/ Jason: Because the writers were making it up as they went along...? It was ludicrous. Why would an all-powerful, all-knowing foe concoct the most convoluted assassination plot imaginable? Why not just shoot a missile at the White House. / Kurt: [[raising an eyebrow]] Because that would have been boring and short.
/ Jason: "Boring" is having an omnipotent enemy that only messes up when the plot needs it to, dude. / [[Jason and Kurt continue walking down the hall. Kurt leans his head back, exasperated.]]
/ Kurt: Dude, you are way too critical. So it didn't make a ton of sense--it was entertaining.
/ Jason: Well...there was that chase scene early on, starting on the El, then into the car. / [[Kurt grins. Jason grins too.]]
/ Kurt: See? Yeah, that was pretty sweet, huh?
/ Jason: Yeah, I loved how the train Shia LaBoeuf was on changed tracks twice--from the Loop, to the Blue Line, then onto the Red Line tracks-- / [[Kurt raises an eyebrow skeptically as Jason continues his enthusiastic recount of the chase.]]
/ Jason: --despite the Blue Line being underground downtown and not actually connecting to the other tracks anywhere. Then, when he gets into the car at Wilson, they go north, turn east, and end up on Grand... / [[Kurt frowns.]]
/ Jason: ...which is fifty blocks south--but then they're suddenly even farther north than they were before, turning at Granville and Sheridan, onto a pier-- / [[Kurt is still not amused. Jason smirks.]]
/ Jason: --nevermind that the only things by the lake up there are condos, parks, and Loyola University. / [[Kurt appears bored.]]
/ Jason: The movie cost $80 million dollars, and nobody thought to buy a frickin' map of Chicago. That's hilarious. / Kurt: How do you enjoy anything?
/ Jason: [[grinning, savoring the point he's about to make]] I just said that it was hilarious! Or did I need to enjoy it the same way that you did? Snob. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/285 |
| Multiplex #286: Secret Weapon | [[Becky looks up at the staff bulletin board, disappointed. Franklin comes up the stairs behind her.]]
/ Becky: Aw...
/ Franklin: Sorry you didn't make the team, Becky. / [[Becky turns to face him, one hand on her hip.]]
/ Becky: Thanks, Franklin. I'm not good with all the QB stuff, so I wasn't surprised. [[She smiles. Franklin grins back.]] I have an idea that might help you guys, though... / That night...
/ [[The Football 09 tournament is underway. The Multiplex and Flickhead teams wear red and purple, respectively. Franklin, #3, cuts off a pass to the receiver, and Curtis, #80, charges after him.]]
/ Announcer: Interception! / [[Franklin sprints for the goal line.]]
/ Franklin's teammates: Go go go go go! / [[Back in the theater, Franklin smirks up at the screen, satisfied. Kurt holds a controller, and Whitey and Calvin sit behind the two of them. Becky is sitting by Franklin, arms on the armrests.]]
/ Whitey: TOUCHDOWN! HELLZ YEAH!
/ Calvin: WOO! / [[The Flickhead crew is sitting to the left of the Multiplexers. Jay and Freddie glare over at their opponents. Wil and a red-haired guy with sideburns stare down at Curtis. Becky pumps her arms in victory from outside the shot.]]
/ Curtis: [[waving one clenched hand in the air, holding a controller]] What the hell is wrong with you guys? They're killing us out there! / [[Curtis puts one arm over the back of his seat and glares ahead in frustration, eyes narrowed. Freddie looks over at Curtis, while Wil glances at Tom.]]
/ Tom: {{the red-haired guy}} They're not playing fair!
/ Jay: Tom's right, Curtis--look at that! [[He points out toward the front.]] / [[Down in front, in the aisle between sections, Sunny is dressed in a red cheerleading uniform that bares her midriff. She waves a pair of pom-poms in the air. All the Flickhead crew stares, except Curtis, who shuts his eyes. Franklin grins at Becky.]]
/ Sunny: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, Multiplex 10 can't be beat! / [[Sunny leaps into the air. Wil peers around Freddie's head for a better look. Becky and Franklin exchange a high five.]]
/ Sunny: Gooooo...Multiplex! http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/286 |
| Multiplex #287: Personal Religulosity, Part One | [[Angie, Jason, Kurt, Melissa, and Becky are watching Bill Maher's "Religulous."]]
/ Bill Maher: If Santa Claus can hit every house in the world--
/ Interviewee: I don't believe in Santa Claus. / Bill Maher: Of course not--that's one man flying around the world and dropping presents down a chimney. / [[Close-up of the interviewee's reaction.]]
/ Bill Maher: One man hearing everybody murmur to him at the same time--that, I get.
/ Angie: I'm going home.
/ [[Jason and Kurt turn their heads to look at her.]]
/ Jason: What? Why? / [[In the hallway just outside the theater, Jason comes up after Angie.]]
/ Jason: Hey, wait, Angie.
/ Angie: I felt like I was being attacked in there, Jason! / [[Jason looks puzzled.]]
/ Jason: I think he's being pretty fair...
/ [[Angie thrusts out her hands.]]
/ Angie: Fair? Christians don't all believe that the world is 6,000 years old, or that humans and dinosaurs co-existed. He's stacking the deck by mostly talking to...well, crazies. / [[Jason gives a one-handed shrug, and Angie puts her hands on her hips.]]
/ Jason: They had that Vatican astronomer in there...
/ Angie: Sure, one sane guy, and then Bill Maher just kept on lumping all Christians in together anyway. / Jason: Well, you do all call yourselves Christians...
/ Angie: You're an atheist, right? You think I can't find any scientifically flawed, illogical things atheists have said? / [[Angie points in the direction of the manager's station. Jason flinches.]]
/ Angie: The internet's that-a-way. Let's Google. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/287 |
| Multiplex #288: Personal Religulosity, Part Two | [[Out in the hallway, Angie and Jason sit on benches. They're facing each other, Jason is leaning back, Angie sits Indian-style.]]
/ Angie: Jason, I don't want to get into a big argument with you about this...just hear me out: I know you don't like it about me, but I am a Christian. / Angie: Ever since we got into that argument about religion last time, I've been thinking...a lot about God. Becky loaned me a bunch of books, and--
/ Jason: [[surprised]] --Becky?
/ Angie: [[tilts her head]] For a Jewish girl, she has tons of books about Christianity. I know, it's odd. / [[Angie holds out a hand. Jason looks at his feet]]
/ Angie: Anyway, I'm not totally sure of what I believe yet--and maybe I never will be. But it's not like Bill Maher says: the Bible doesn't lay out all the answers for us. Not about science, anyway. / Angie: I believe that the Old Testament was not and was never meant as some kind of scientific text. I don't believe the world was made in seven days, or that God ever destroyed the world by flood. / [[Angie folds her hands in her lap.]]
/ Angie: I do believe in evolution, and that man and apes had a common ancestor. And I'm still a Christian. / Jason: Why even believe in God, if you're chucking all that other stuff? There's no proof that he exists.
/ Angie: If we could prove God's existence, it would be knowledge, not faith. I choose to believe. / Jason: [[perplexed]] Why?
/ [[Angie holds out her hands.]]
/ Angie: How can all of this just be an accident? / Jason: [[smiling]] The Multiplex? / Jason: [[serious again]] ...Sorry. I just don't get how--
/ Angie: [[taking his hand]] --and you don't need to, Jason... / [[Still holding his hand, Angie leans in closer.]]
/ Angie: ...but I do need my boyfriend to. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/288 |
| Multiplex #289: Personal Religulosity, Part Three | [[Jason and Angie have a booth in a 24-hour, '50s-themed diner, where they continue their conversation about religion and "Religulous." On the wall are movie posters for "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Some Like It Hot."]]
/ Jason: But why is God necessary to explain the origin of the cosmos? Big Bang theory does it just fine...
/ Angie: I know it's not rational--it's faith. I already said that I know you can't prove-- / [[Jason's brow tightens.]]
/ Jason: --so how can you use that as--
/ Angie: [[explosively, thrusting out her hands and widening her eyes]] Why do you need to be right all the freaking time!? / [[Jason looks at her in silence. So do the couple two booths behind him.]] / [[Angie puts her face in her palm, eyes closed.]]
/ Angie: I'm sorry, Jason...I didn't even want to get into all this...
/ No matter how long we argue about it, it's not going to change anything. / [[She crosses her arms.]]
/ Angie: If religion were less important to either of us then maybe it could be different... / [[Jason looks down at his lap. Angie gestures conciliatorily with one hand.]]
/ Angie: But you mean a lot to me and I really hope we can be friends... / [[Jason doesn't exactly look hopeful. Angie holds her coffee cup by the rim.]]
/ Angie: I'm serious. I still want to hang out and stuff...and not talk about God. Like, ever. / [[Jason looks up at the movie poster for "Some Like It Hot" as Angie takes a sip of coffee.]] / Jason: Can we talk about Jesus? Or no, wait...he's God too, isn't he? How's that work again?
/ [[Angie sputters her coffee all over her arm and the table.]]
/ Angie: PFFFFFhahaha / Angie: [[reaching across the table fake-threateningly at Jason, who is grinning]] If Hell exists, you're so going there... http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/289 |
| Multiplex #290: The Good Book | [[In the break room, Jason and Becky are having a few slices of pepperoni pizza. There's an old Wall-E poster up on the wall. Jason stares at the thick-ass book in his hand.]]
/ Jason: [[incredulous]] Anna Karenina?
/ Becky: You asked me for a book that would help you understand religion better... / Jason: I just figured it would be, like, A History of God or something.
/ Becky: Well, first you need to understand faith--even if you choose not to have it, like me. / [[Jason puts the book on the table.]]
/ Jason: And this book will help me with that? I don't get it.
/ Becky: You will. Pay attention to Levin, in particular. He's the heart of the story. / Jason: [[recoiling from the book]] Isn't this just a romance novel, Becky?
/ Becky: That's sort of like saying Solaris is just a sci-fi movie. / [[Jason looks at the book, still appalled. Becky smiles at him hopefully.]] / [[Jason pokes the book.
/ < http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/290 |
| Multiplex #291: Bad Night to Be You | [[At the manager's station, Kurt is reading movie news on the computer, and Jason is reading, of all things, Anna Karenina.]]
/ Kurt: Aw, God dammit.
/ Jason: [[absently]] Hm?
/ Kurt: Don Cheadle is replacing Terrence Howard as Rhodey in Iron Man 2. / [[Jason looks up from his book, visibly disappointed.]]
/ Jason: Fuck! Don Cheadle is great, but it sucks when that happens. It's distracting--not just 'cause they look different, but they always act a little differently, too.
/ Kurt: Yeah, totally. / Jason: I mean, after a bunch of films, I guess it's unavoidable, like in the Bond franchise, but this is the second one...
/ [[Up walks a black guy in a theater uniform who is quite obviously not Franklin.]]
/ Not Franklin: 'Sup?
/ Kurt: Hey, Franklin. How'd your test go today? / Not Franklin: Shit, I don't know. I might need to drop this database design class already.
/ [[Jason puts down his book, watching Not-Franklin.]]
/ Kurt: Sorry, dude. / Whitey: [[showing up out of nowhere]] 'Eeey, Franklin. Ma nigga.
/ NF: What up, Whitey? My man. / [[Whitey departs as suddenly as he came.]]
/ NF: Jason, I heard you an' Angie split up. That's rough, man.
/ [[Jason continues to stare.]] / NF: It's too bad I'm not in booth tonight, or I'd say you could come up and cry later...
/ [[Kurt is smirking.]] / Jason: Hey, "Franklin." Don't forget, you lost the Puke Pool last night, so you're on vomit clean-up and "sanitary napkin" duty tonight.
/ NF: Aw hell no!
/ [[Not-Franklin recoils, horrified. Kurt smirks up at his protege.]] http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/291 |
| Multiplex #292: Crisis on Infinite Franklins | [[Franklin arrives at the manager's station, looks around, gestures to the newcomer. Kurt looks surprised to see Franklin.]]
/ Franklin: Hey, guys. Who's the newb?
/ Kurt: What are you doing here?! / Franklin: [[a little puzzled by the strength of Kurt's reaction, looking at the newcomer]] I switched shifts with Becky. Allen told us that it was okay. / [[Franklin and Not Franklin shake hands.]]
/ Not Franklin: 'Sup? I'm Franklin.
/ Franklin: For real? / Not Franklin: What do you mean?
/ Jason: [[pointing to Franklin, grinning]] This is Franklin. / Not Franklin: [[points to self]] Hang on, I thought I was Franklin.
/ Kurt: [[recoiling with melodramatic alarm]] It must be a time warp! / [[Kurt facepalms.]]
/ Kurt: Man, now continuity's all screwed up. Maybe we should just reboot. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/292 |
| Multiplex #292: Crisis on Infinite Franklins | [[Franklin arrives at the manager's station, looks around, gestures to the newcomer. Kurt looks surprised to see Franklin.]]
/ Franklin: Hey, guys. Who's the newb?
/ Kurt: What are you doing here?! / Franklin: [[a little puzzled by the strength of Kurt's reaction, looking at the newcomer]] I switched shifts with Becky. Allen told us that it was okay. / [[Franklin and Not Franklin shake hands.]]
/ Not Franklin: 'Sup? I'm Franklin.
/ Franklin: For real? / Not Franklin: What do you mean?
/ Jason: [[pointing to Franklin, grinning]] This is Franklin. / Not Franklin: [[points to self]] Hang on, I thought I was Franklin.
/ Kurt: [[recoiling with melodramatic alarm]] It must be a time warp! / [[Kurt facepalms.]]
/ Kurt: Man, now continuity's all screwed up. Maybe we should just reboot. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/292 |
| Multiplex #293: Brand New Day | [[Kurt walks into the lobby of the theater, wearing his old red vest. The sunrise is visible through the glass doors. He spreads his arms wide, a look of wonder on his face.]]
/ Kurt: Good morning! Gosh, a movie theater. This is going to be the best job ever!
/ Neil: Why are you wearing a staff uniform? / Kurt: [[explaining in earnest to a skeptical Neil]] Franklin and Anti-Matter Franklin over there appeared in the same place at the same time--irreparably screwing up the space-time continuum, so we had to reboot.
/ [["Anti-Matter Franklin" watches Kurt from the box office.]]
/ Kurt: It's my first day on the job. / Jamal: Uh, my name's not Franklin, it's
/ Kurt: [[interrupting and pointing]] I'll hear no retconning from you, mister! / [[Jason steps up to the box beside Jamal, tired and bleary-eyed.]]
/ Neil: Good morning, Jason.
/ Jason: Nngh. If I have to sell any tickets to Beverly Hills Chihuahua this morning, I'm going to go shit on the sidewalk. / Kurt: [[extending a hand to shake]] Jason, hm? You already seem like an angry, egotistical jerk--sort of like my exact opposite! But I think we'll be great friends, anyway!
/ Jason: I'm too tired for this now, dude. / [[Neil watches, mildly amused. Jason leaves Kurt's hand hanging.]]
/ Kurt: Ohhh...was this a grim and gritty reboot?
/ Jason: [[walking away scowling]] I'm gonna reboot your ass with my foot if you keep talking to me, Kurt. / [[Neil smiles, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.]]
/ Neil: If you really want to keep this up, I can go reboot your hourly to minimum wage... http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/293 |
| Multiplex #294: Identity Crisis | [[Franklin hurries over to Kurt at the manager's station.]]
/ Franklin: [[urgently]] Kurt, I think you were right about that time warp!
/ Kurt: I dropped that joke already, Franklin. / [[Jason, in the background, is working the box office.]]
/ Franklin: But I swear I just saw another me upstairs!
/ Kurt: His name is Jamal. / Franklin: No, not the new guy--it was me.
/ Kurt: [[rolls his eyes]] Come on, Franklin. / [[From the right, a guy walks up who is a dead ringer for Franklin, wearing a theater uniform. The "real Franklin" raises his eyebrows. In the background, Jason watches out of the corner of his eye.]]
/ Franklin?: Kurt, I think you were right about that time warp! / [[The Franklins stare at each other. Kurt looks baffled.]] / Franklins: [[in unison]] God damn, I'm good-lookin'. / Soon...
/ [[In a back room, Jason hands a pair of movie passes to Freddie from Flickhead, who has changed back into his purple work t-shirt and has shaved off his beard for the "Franklin" role. Franklin stands by with his hands on his hips.]]
/ Jason: Here are those passes I promised.
/ Freddie: Thanks. Y'know, I really didn't think that would work. / Franklin: Me either, man! Freddie and me don't look anything alike.
/ Jason: White folks. Am I right? http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/294 |
| Multiplex #295: Common Courtesy | [[Kurt addresses the viewer from the aisle of an empty theater, walking along the front row.]]
/ Kurt: We here at the Multiplex 10 Cinemas value your business--all of your business. / Kurt: That's why when we ask you to please turn off your personal electronic devices, we mean turn it off--don't "silence" it. / [[Kurt holds an iPhone, gesturing toward the screen. An axe handle is visible, propped up against one of the armrests, with the axe-head out of shot.]]
/ Kurt: The light on your small screen distracts other patrons from the light on the big screen--and all of you deserve the best possible viewing experience. / [[Kurt walks to a theater seat where Angie sits tied-up and tearful.]]
/ Kurt: Angela here was texting a friend during her movie tonight.
/ Angie: I'll never do it again, I promise! / [[Kurt grabs the axe and, through the magic of special effects, lops off Angie's head in a shower of blood. Angie lets out a bloodcurdling scream.]]
/ Angie: AAHHHHHHHHHH! / [[Kurt holds the bloody axe over one shoulder and smirks. Angie's neck-hole continues to spout blood.]]
/ Kurt: We know you won't. / Theater Screen: Happy Halloween from the Multiplex 10 Cinemas
/ Theater Screen: [[in smaller text]] No customers were harmed in the making of this film / [[Jason, Kurt, and Angie stand before Allan, just outside a theater.]]
/ Allan: That wasn't quite what I expected when you asked if you could film a new PSA. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/295 |
| Multiplex #296: Axis of Evil | [[At Flickhead Video, Jay, Curtis, and Freddie are restocking the shelves. Freddie's goatee is beginning to grow back.]]
/ Jay: Dude, Get Smart's box says that the deleted scenes contains 62% more "laughs."
/ Freddie: What's 62% of zero? / Jay: Hey, Becky and I are going to see Zack and Miri later. Either of you interested?
/ Freddie: Naw, but I might check out RocknRolla tomorrow, with one of my passes. / [[Curtis clenches a fist angrily.]]
/ Curtis: Man, screw you Benedict Arnold Judas motherfuckers. It's bad enough Jay has to date that girl--now you're helping them with their dumb pranks for free tickets... / Curtis: Have you forgotten that we've got one last game in our tournament, and it can go either way? You guys need to get your minds right. Remember where the hell you work. / [[Curtis stalks off. Freddie looks questioningly at Jay; Jay shrugs.]]
/ Curtis: God damn traitors. / [[Curtis' stalking-off is interrupted by Gretchen, wearing a large coat and even larger sunglasses.]]
/ Gretchen: Excuse me. You're Curtis, aren't you? http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/296 |
| Multiplex #297: Devil in a Red Vest | [[Gretchen enters a mostly-empty theater. Curtis, the sole occupant, looks over his shoulder.]]
/ Gretchen: Hey. / Curtis: You couldn't have picked a theater playing something better than We Own the Night 2 for me to meet you in?
/ Gretchen: Nobody's in here.
/ Curtis: [[quoting The Godfather]] Anyway, what's the deal? Are you going to make me an offer I can't refuse? / Gretchen: In this video game tournament you guys are playing, who's the Multiplex 10's best player?
/ Curtis: Franklin. Dude kills us on offense. / Gretchen: I figured. What if I said I could take care of him for you?
/ Curtis: [[holding two fingers like a gun and quoting Pulp Fiction]] "Take care of" him? / Gretchen: [[facepalms, closes her eyes in disgust]] Oh, Christ. I'm so tired of movie geeks.
/ Curtis: Why would you want the Multiplex to lose...? / Gretchen: I don't care about your dumb little game, but if I scratch your back, you can scratch mine sometime, maybe.
/ Curtis: [[quoting Superbad]] The funny thing about my back is... / Gretchen: [[narrows her eyes slightly]] Stop quoting movies already. It doesn't make you clever. / Curtis: You talkin' to me? [[quoting Taxi Driver, of course]]
/ [[Gretchen closes her eyes as if to block him out.]] http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/297 |
| Multiplex #298: Adding Injury to Insult | Allan: Care to Explain what this Headline is about?
/ Headline: Multiplex Projectionist Implicated in Video Game Gambling Ring by Gretchen Queen / Franklin: We were just playing some video games after hours, thats all...
/ Allan: ...and betting on them, although we can't prove that from the security footage. / Allan: But we charge $150 for theater rentals after-hours. Corporate is viewing this as theft, Franklin.
/ Franklin: "Theft"?! / Franklin: But... employees can watch all the free movies they want after-hours--what's the difference?
/ Allan: You knew that it was against policy. This is out of my hands. / Franklin: Wait... what's "out of your hands"?
/ Allan: I have to let you go. / Franklin: What! You can't fire me now! Obama just got elected!
/ Allan: I wish there was something I could do about that, truly I do. / Allan: We'll garnish your last paycheck $600 for the four games you've held and mail you the rest, if there's anything left.
/ Franklin: WHAT THE FU? http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/298 |
| Multiplex #299: Power Struggles | [[Outside the theater, Jason, Franklin, Kurt, and Melissa are gathered. Franklin has turned in his theater vest. Jason raises a fist.]]
/ Jason: Solidarity!
/ Franklin: Dude, I'll be fine! Don't quit again on my account. / [[Jason holds out his hands in protest.]]
/ Jason: But this isn't right!
/ Franklin: I know--but you guys can better help me get even from here. / [[Calvin and Gretchen stand at the entrance to Theater 3. Calvin stands in front of a movie poster for Defiance.]]
/ Calvin: What the hell? I didn't know you were gonna get anyone fired!
/ Gretchen: [[feigning remorse]] I didn't think he'd get fired! I feel terrible about it, I swear! / [[In front of the time clock and bulletin boards, Neil and Allen are having an argument.]]
/ Neil: You don't fire smart workers over stupid crap like this, Allen. It makes no damned sense.
/ Allen: "Smart workers" follow rules, shut the hell up, and do what they're told. / [[Cut back to Theater 3.]]
/ Calvin: I...I don't believe you.
/ [[Calvin narrows her eyes. Gretchen rolls her eyes and smirks.]]
/ Gretchen: Oh? I can still get all the information I want from you, Calvin.
/ Calvin: Like hell you can. / [[Cut to the clock-in station.]]
/ Neil: Like you'd know? You're too afraid some smart kid will take your job to actually hire any.
/ Allen: I hired you, didn't I? That's starting to look like a huge God damn mistake right now. / [[Theater 3. Gretchen leers at Calvin, whose eyes widen in fear.]]
/ Gretchen: Think: how much are those guys gonna like you when they learn who my source was? / [[Clock-in station. Neil and Allen glare at each other, hands on hips.]]
/ Neil: Yeah, it is, isn't it? Watch your ass.
/ Allen: I suppose I would have to, around you. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/299 |
| Multiplex #303: The Game Plan | [[The Football '09 tournament continues. Calvin, Kurt, Franklin, Becky, and Whitey (off-camera) meet in the back of the theater for a huddle.]]
/ Calvin: I'm not throwing the game--I just can't beat him, dude.
/ Franklin: I know, he's good--but you're almost as good as me--and I was 2-2 with them, so you've almost got a 50/50 chance! / [[Calvin raises an eyebrow]]
/ Calvin: Er...thanks?
/ Kurt: [[with gravity]] The last thing Franklin said to me...He—
/ Franklin: [[eyes wide as he realizes something]] —Wait, we do have a better chance than that... / [[Everyone watches Franklin, who raises a finger significantly.]]
/ Calvin: How do you figure?
/ Franklin: In our epic battle against Flickhead, we're the good guys, aren't we? The underdog always has a miracle and wins--it's a law of nature. / [[Kurt gives Franklin a "really now" look as he recites his litany of cinematic examples.]]
/ Franklin: The Gridiron Gang; Major League 1 and 2; Any Given Sunday; Karate Kid; Talladega Nights; The Longest Yard (both versions) and Mean Machine; Remember the Titans; Waterboy; We are Marshall; Ali; Rocky 2 and 5; Shaolin Soccer... / [[Camera pans to reveal Whitey in the huddle as well.]]
/ Becky: ...and Revenge of the Nerds.
/ Calvin: [[brightly]] You really think I can win this, huh? / Franklin: [[solemnly]] It is your destiny.
/ Whitey: And anyway, e'eryone know tha trailin' team get a boost in tha last quarter a dis cheatin'-ass game. http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/303 |
| Multiplex #304: All the Right Moves | [[Calvin's Football '09 quarterback avatar draws his arm back, looking for a pass.]]
/ Josh: [[as commentator]] Seconds remaining. / [[Calvin pitches the long ball as Freddie Jenkins and another Flickhead player try to break through the defensive line. Becky makes the catch.]]
/ Josh: Watterson launches it--and Bookman's got it! / [[Curtis glares at the Multiplex side out of the corner of his eye.]] / Josh: Bookman looks free and clear...! / [[Calvin grins from ear to ear, mouth wide open.]]
/ Josh: He, er, she's at the ten... / [[Becky is tackled from behind on the goal line.]]
/ Josh: No! Curtis crashes into Bookman! / [[The Multiplex team is riveted to the screen in suspense; Becky looks determined, while Calvin is still grinning ridiculously.]]
/ Josh: They fall--right at the edge of the end zone! Is it good?! http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/304 |
| Multiplex #305: We Are Multiplex | [[The Multiplex team celebrates their touchdown in Football '09. Even Jay appears happy for Becky's success. Mr. Harris looks over at Josh as if his play-by-play commentary is a little bit loud.]]
/ Josh: IT'S GOOOOOOD--buuuut since time is up, the final score iiis...Flickhead 47, Multiplex 13! / [[Curtis pumps his fists in the air victoriously, Jay and Freddie exchange high fives, and Wil and Tom cheer enthusiastically.]]
/ Wil: W00T!
/ Flickhead team: YES!! FLICKHEAD RULES! YEAH! / [[Curtis flips the Multiplex team the bird. His teammates appear appalled. Becky looks put-off, and Whitey is not down with it either.]]
/ Curtis: IN YOUR FACE, LOSERS! I'D SAY YOU COULD SUCK IT--BUT YOU ALREADY DID! / [[The Multiplex team exits the theater.]]
/ Becky: Sorry we didn't win your money back.
/ Franklin: Ah, whatever. You guys never had a chance.
/ Calvin: Huh? What about the "Law of Nature?" / Franklin: [[patting Calvin on the arm]] I just said that to get you psyched up! Without me you guys were pretty much screwed. Good effort, anyway...
/ Calvin: Thanks... http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/305 |
| Multiplex #306: Life and Debt | [[Out in the hall, Franklin and Neil discuss the outcome of the Football '09 game.]]
/ Franklin: So you told the manager this was a "team building workshop?"
/ Neil: Totally unrelated to the tournament--which was, of course, cancelled, because gambling is bad. / Franklin: [[with exaggerated awe]] You are a genius.
/ Neil: [[eyes cast downward]] No...if I were a genius, I would have figured out how to get your money back. / Franklin: Dude, don't worry about it.
/ Neil: You can use me as a reference anytime, if nothing else.
/ Jay: Excuse me. Franklin? / Jay: It's been fun playing you guys, so we wanted to say thanks--
/ [[Freddie, accompanying Jay, holds out a fat wad of cash for Franklin.]]
/ Freddie: --and a couple of us wanted to give you our share of the winnings.
/ [[Neil covers his ears and sings.]]
/ Neil: La la la / Franklin: Thanks, but I'll be alright. You guys won--keep it.
/ Freddie: Really? Us dying industries gotta stick together.
/ Neil: [[hand to his mouth in surprise]] I am a genius. / Franklin: [[with the obligatory Godfather reference]] Well...if you really feel like you owe me...Then someday--and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me... http://multiplexcomic.com/strip/306 |