This is a gentle and amusing comedy. It is the story of a (very) rich couple on the point of divorce forced to flee from the IRS. They end up in Amish country and pretend' to be from another Amish community. The main comedy is from how they try to adapt to the new life, whilst keeping up the pretence of being Amish, and is quite remarkable in portraying the Amish way of life sympathetically. Even the Amish accent is a little more accurate than is normal in a comedy (having lived there myself). It is understandable why it was not a great hit in the Cinema, as it has no big blockbuster special effects, but for the TV it is just what is required when a good laugh is required and the language is suitable for all (except for possibly an Amish viewer).
49 Reviews
Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley. Hardly A Match Made in Heaven
possumopossum25 November 2006
Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley made one of the most mismatched couples I have ever seen, but that was the beauty of this movie, and the key to why it was so funny. They played off of each other very well. I also liked the fact that it didn't bash religion the way a lot of movies do nowadays, and that it won out at the end of the day.
My only complaint about this movie was the scene where they spent the night sleeping in a cow pasture. Kirstie Alley was either very distracted or had to have her nose cut off not to notice until early the next morning that she was sleeping in cow manure. Whoever wrote that script obviously didn't spend much time in the country. To him (or her), I say if you're standing or sleeping in the middle of cow manure, you would notice it right away. Kirstie Alley is a Kansas girl. I'm surprised she didn't take the writers to task over this.
Otherwise, this was a pretty upbeat, pretty funny movie. (I guess Big John was saying in horsease "I don't think so, Tim."). Seven out of ten for this one.
My only complaint about this movie was the scene where they spent the night sleeping in a cow pasture. Kirstie Alley was either very distracted or had to have her nose cut off not to notice until early the next morning that she was sleeping in cow manure. Whoever wrote that script obviously didn't spend much time in the country. To him (or her), I say if you're standing or sleeping in the middle of cow manure, you would notice it right away. Kirstie Alley is a Kansas girl. I'm surprised she didn't take the writers to task over this.
Otherwise, this was a pretty upbeat, pretty funny movie. (I guess Big John was saying in horsease "I don't think so, Tim."). Seven out of ten for this one.
much better than expected
johnral3219 December 2019
I missed this movie for about 22 years. It's not great --- don't get me wrong. But the humor, acting, timing, plot, and underlying message are all well-done. It's a very watchable movie, with some laughs, and a solid story-line. Nice pairing of Kirstie and Allen.
Lots of Fun
wavylady13 December 2002
This movie may not be Academy Award material, but I found it very entertaining. The performances by Kirstie Alley and Tim Allen are hilarious. There's also a "moral to the story." I've seen "For Richer or Poorer" several times and highly recommend it.
Cute story, easy target.
Rumples15 November 1998
Well, another gentle poke at the 'wacky' Amish while doing the city folk move to country - Green Acres thing. Kirstie Alley gets to expose all of her acting ability - bitchy/whiney/pouty but can't quite stretch to 'likeable'. Tim Allen once again does well in his 'good hearted simple rogue' character. In all, a cute story and watchable enough. Not too taxing on the old grey matter and rather pleasant. Of course, it's always easy to mock the Amish and talk in atrocious German/Penn. accents because you know they'll never get to watch the movie!
A cute mushy comedy with Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley!!
Doc_Who29 December 1999
This movie is about a rich couple who flees the I.R.S because of a mistake made in their takes. They end up in Amish country!!Eventually , they fall in love again!The FBI and the IRS eventually find the hiding couple!This movie also spoofs movies such as "Witness" with Harrison Ford!!It is a must for die hard Tim Allen fans!!!If not then at least see it for the cool amish fashion show!!!
A Comedy Version Of "Witness"
sddavis6325 April 2012
Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley star in this as Brad and Caroline Sexton, an unhappy but high-rolling couple who suddenly find themselves in trouble with the IRS and flee to an Amish community to hide out in by posing as their distant relatives and being accepted into the fold. If that sounds vaguely familiar, it's because it is. This is basically a comedy remake of 1985's "Witness," in which Harrison Ford hid out in an Amish community to escape the corrupt cops pursuing him.
The comedy was mixed. There was what I would consider to be some pretty typical farm humour (things like Brad being dragged on the ground behind a plow horse) but there was nothing outrageously funny. The film did a good job of portraying the change that the Amish community begins to make in the Sextons' life as they begin to rediscover their love for each other and as they start to buy into the Amish version of morality - simplicity, hard work and honesty. The Amish community really didn't come across to me as especially authentic. Mind you, it also wasn't a parody. There was no disrespect for the Amish; it just seemed to lack a degree of authenticity, at least to me.
Allen and Alley did a good job of portraying the Sextons' change of heart, but they had no real spark with each other in my opinion. The movie is nothing to write home about, and in a handful of places - especially some of the early scenes between Brad and Caroline - it's a bit crude. It's passable - but nothing more to be honest. (4/10)
The comedy was mixed. There was what I would consider to be some pretty typical farm humour (things like Brad being dragged on the ground behind a plow horse) but there was nothing outrageously funny. The film did a good job of portraying the change that the Amish community begins to make in the Sextons' life as they begin to rediscover their love for each other and as they start to buy into the Amish version of morality - simplicity, hard work and honesty. The Amish community really didn't come across to me as especially authentic. Mind you, it also wasn't a parody. There was no disrespect for the Amish; it just seemed to lack a degree of authenticity, at least to me.
Allen and Alley did a good job of portraying the Sextons' change of heart, but they had no real spark with each other in my opinion. The movie is nothing to write home about, and in a handful of places - especially some of the early scenes between Brad and Caroline - it's a bit crude. It's passable - but nothing more to be honest. (4/10)
For Better or Worse
gavin694219 November 2005
"For Richer or Poorer" was something I dreaded, even more than girls dread Shannon Hamilton. How could Tim Allen and that waste-of-flesh Kirstie Alley make a good film? Well, I was shocked and awed. Should you run out and buy this movie? No. But don't go running away from it either. You'll find a film that is generally heart-warming, sincerely funny, and underneath its comedy exterior a good moral tale. Allen and Alley assume the roles of two Amish folk to escape the IRS. As their lawyer fights to get them acquitted, they find a whole new world they had been missing while enjoying caviar and martinis. You might not be able to get the modern world into the Amish, but maybe you'll find a little bit of Amish in us modern folk. While not something you "must see", recommended if you're stuck home and you see it listed on Comedy Central. You could do worse.
Someone thought this might be funny?
mozart18212 October 2003
This is a good example of why script rewrites are done up until the last minute. When not done right, the jokes just fall flat. I don't think I laughed a single time while watching this movie. The ending was obvious a few minutes in, and the way it all came about was so predictable. But, the thing that amazed me the most was the fact that whoever made this movie thought for a second that it sounded like a good idea. There are some actors that just shouldn't pick their own roles, and some movies that shouldn't have been made. This movie is definitely a good example of what happens when you let those things take place.
Avoid at all costs.
Avoid at all costs.
Alley--Allen, Great Team!
davidtraversa-11 April 2013
Very enjoyable film indeed! Just imagine the shock of finding yourself, accustomed from birth as a limousine liberal, iPhone user, city dweller (Manhattan), huge luxury Penthouse, Armani wardrobe, all of a sudden thrown amid an Amish community, android users for sure (if not older generation devices as to make them Luddites from a bygone era) and put to pound over rural handwork from past times --as Amish do-- with such intensity as to make you forget your previous and recent big economic and legal problems.
The situations are hilarious and Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley go through them with flying colors, both superb comedians.
Their situation within that community lasts only a few weeks, and during that time they changed a lot from their previously artificial, secluded by money (plenty of it) Manhattan Walled Life of the Ultra Rich to become appreciative of humane qualities that they've forgotten living the "glamorous" type of life of the Limitless Credit Card world.
Inconsequential movie, maybe, but very funny?: YES INDEED!!
The situations are hilarious and Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley go through them with flying colors, both superb comedians.
Their situation within that community lasts only a few weeks, and during that time they changed a lot from their previously artificial, secluded by money (plenty of it) Manhattan Walled Life of the Ultra Rich to become appreciative of humane qualities that they've forgotten living the "glamorous" type of life of the Limitless Credit Card world.
Inconsequential movie, maybe, but very funny?: YES INDEED!!
OK for if your bored and in a really good mood.
miss_niss5 January 2005
For Richer or Poorer is very predictable. There's no denying it. It's not a particularly well thought out movie and it's not very believable. But I was able to stand it, because there was nothing else on television and when Tim Allen isn't making that stupid Ogh Ogh noise from Tool Time he is actually mildly amusing. It was light it was fluffy and there were massive sausages.
I'm ashamed to say I actually laughed at this movie. Kirstie Alley falling on her butt, Tim and Kirstie arguing, I don't know, the big horse. If you are going to watch it, don't have any expectations. And I wouldn't bother paying to see it., but hey if it comes on TV on a Sunday night and it's a choice between CSI reruns and this, I'd watch this.
I'm ashamed to say I actually laughed at this movie. Kirstie Alley falling on her butt, Tim and Kirstie arguing, I don't know, the big horse. If you are going to watch it, don't have any expectations. And I wouldn't bother paying to see it., but hey if it comes on TV on a Sunday night and it's a choice between CSI reruns and this, I'd watch this.
Excellent movie, especially to a Pennsylvanian
buddha1329 April 2005
I saw this movie originally in NYC (Times Square) after I couldn't get seats to the Broadway show I wanted to see. After watching this movie, I was glad I missed the play. I laughed so hard, I was afraid I was going to be asked to leave the theater. I am a resident of Pennsylvania and have spent lots of time in Amish country. Their life style makes me hunger for the simple life, the peace and tranquility of sensible living. I have watched this movie about 25 times and I still look forward to seeing it again. Some thought should be given to a sequel perhaps. In these times of turmoil and discontent, maybe this blue-print for the simpler life should be considered. Incidentally, I know that Maryland locations were used as Pennsylvania stand-ins, but that okay. The scenery was almost as beautiful as ours.
A funny comedy
DogeGamer201512 September 2020
don't expect to laugh much
petshop1 March 1999
A poorly written, directed, and acted fluff with a couple of laughs. Kirstie Alley supplies the film's only electricity. It follows a rich New York couple evading the IRS, as they hide out in the home of an Amish family (a la Witness).
The humor sprouts from your basic clash of cultures fare. The forced sentimentality is dredged up as the New Yorkers realize they may have something to learn from the Amish. Actually, a fairer treatment of the Amish than most films. However, why one of them has a French accent is beyond me.
The humor sprouts from your basic clash of cultures fare. The forced sentimentality is dredged up as the New Yorkers realize they may have something to learn from the Amish. Actually, a fairer treatment of the Amish than most films. However, why one of them has a French accent is beyond me.
When Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley meet....
mrsanta_is_dead6 April 2001
They are absolutely hilarious! I thought this movie was funny. The story wasn't bad either. It's a regular "Good" comedy movie. The CIAs were hilarious too. Well, the fashion show stuff was pretty dumb, but it seemed neccessary for the movie. If you like comedy movies, watch this flick. I don't think you'll hate it.
An amusing riches to rags to happiness tale
SimonJack30 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Another reviewer commented that Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley are very mismatched in this film. And that that works perfectly for the plot, and how they play off one another. I agree.
"For Richer or Poorer," by its title, gives a hint that this is about someone finding happiness as a result of losing their wealth. The beginning is a very clever montage of high spending, fancy meals, huge purchases, credit cards and bills. It set the stage, at least for me, with a bad taste in my mouth for the consumerism and almost glutinous lifestyle. It's no wonder the couple isn't happy or content.
On their 10th anniversary, Brad and Caroline agree to a divorce. And, with the IRS on their tale, they no longer have credit anywhere. So, they go on the run to escape a gun-happy IRS agent. While their lawyer tries to straighten things out, the couple land in Pennsylvania Amish country and assume the ID of a cousin couple going to visit their Amish relatives. One can guess the antics that take place as these two learn to do chores and menial work for a change. And, in time, how it changes them.
I think the film is a kind look at the Amish, possibly with a couple of light jabs. At one point early in the film, Brad unveils a proposed theme-park development that appears to mock most religions. It goes over like a lead balloon with his audience – and I suspect, most of us in the film audience as well. Other than that, this light comedy is a pretty good story of redemption. Brad and Caroline learn about real life, and the happiness and love it brings.
It's a story about recovering one's life away from the fast lane of consumerism and hedonism. It's about finding freedom from enslavement to things and money. And that all works nicely in this comedy format.
"For Richer or Poorer," by its title, gives a hint that this is about someone finding happiness as a result of losing their wealth. The beginning is a very clever montage of high spending, fancy meals, huge purchases, credit cards and bills. It set the stage, at least for me, with a bad taste in my mouth for the consumerism and almost glutinous lifestyle. It's no wonder the couple isn't happy or content.
On their 10th anniversary, Brad and Caroline agree to a divorce. And, with the IRS on their tale, they no longer have credit anywhere. So, they go on the run to escape a gun-happy IRS agent. While their lawyer tries to straighten things out, the couple land in Pennsylvania Amish country and assume the ID of a cousin couple going to visit their Amish relatives. One can guess the antics that take place as these two learn to do chores and menial work for a change. And, in time, how it changes them.
I think the film is a kind look at the Amish, possibly with a couple of light jabs. At one point early in the film, Brad unveils a proposed theme-park development that appears to mock most religions. It goes over like a lead balloon with his audience – and I suspect, most of us in the film audience as well. Other than that, this light comedy is a pretty good story of redemption. Brad and Caroline learn about real life, and the happiness and love it brings.
It's a story about recovering one's life away from the fast lane of consumerism and hedonism. It's about finding freedom from enslavement to things and money. And that all works nicely in this comedy format.
Hilarious!
brookenichole-9805417 May 2021
For Richer or Poorer is an okay movie. Honestly, I was really bored with the beginning until the car chase scene. The couple didn't have great chemistry, yet it wasn't awful. I loved seeing the little girl be so attached to Caroline/Emma. Also how the group bonded with each other. It taught a great lesson that money isn't everything. What really saved the movie, though, was the comedy. Plus, the dinner scene with the prayer had me laughing for the rest of the night.
I didn't love this movie, but I found it to be really funny!
I didn't love this movie, but I found it to be really funny!
Dated, but with hysterically funny moments
Davalon-Davalon4 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a heavily massaged story, obviously created with tons of "notes" from the top. I could just see the people involved with making this film laughing uncontrollably at things they thought were funny.
The problem is: the first thirds of this film has intermittent laughs as the story tries to find its way. An obnoxious rich couple in New York are taken advantage of by a colleague, accused of being tax evaders, steal a cab, run away, land in a pond and reemerge dressed as Amish and wander into an Amish village. They pathetically try to pass themselves off as Amish to the real Amish. All of this set-up was mostly dumb, awkward and somewhat offensive.
But... once it is clear that Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley, as estranged husband and wife, are going to be staying in the Amish town for a while, watching them trying to get with the program is really funny. Especially Kirstie Alley. Kirstie really knew how to deliver a punch line. There were many instances where I was howling in laughter. Even in the cut scenes that ran side by side with the credits, Kirstie knew how to get a laugh.
Yes, it was dumb. Yes, it has not aged well. Yes, the whole thing ripped off moments and musical themes from other stories. No, not everything worked. But when Kirstie does a "fashion show" to introduce "new fall colors" to convince the Elders that it would be all right to let their women folk wear "pastels" -- I'm sorry, it was laugh out loud funny.
If the idea of this kind of movie was to entertain, then, at least the last half of it did the job.
This is a movie of its era. It could never be done now. And Tim and Kirstie did their jobs well. There wasn't really a lot of spark between them, but they were two pros and brought their comic gifts to the table.
I don't know that I'd watch it again, because it isn't what one would call a "deep" movie, but I might watch the fashion show again, because it was truly a classic.
The problem is: the first thirds of this film has intermittent laughs as the story tries to find its way. An obnoxious rich couple in New York are taken advantage of by a colleague, accused of being tax evaders, steal a cab, run away, land in a pond and reemerge dressed as Amish and wander into an Amish village. They pathetically try to pass themselves off as Amish to the real Amish. All of this set-up was mostly dumb, awkward and somewhat offensive.
But... once it is clear that Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley, as estranged husband and wife, are going to be staying in the Amish town for a while, watching them trying to get with the program is really funny. Especially Kirstie Alley. Kirstie really knew how to deliver a punch line. There were many instances where I was howling in laughter. Even in the cut scenes that ran side by side with the credits, Kirstie knew how to get a laugh.
Yes, it was dumb. Yes, it has not aged well. Yes, the whole thing ripped off moments and musical themes from other stories. No, not everything worked. But when Kirstie does a "fashion show" to introduce "new fall colors" to convince the Elders that it would be all right to let their women folk wear "pastels" -- I'm sorry, it was laugh out loud funny.
If the idea of this kind of movie was to entertain, then, at least the last half of it did the job.
This is a movie of its era. It could never be done now. And Tim and Kirstie did their jobs well. There wasn't really a lot of spark between them, but they were two pros and brought their comic gifts to the table.
I don't know that I'd watch it again, because it isn't what one would call a "deep" movie, but I might watch the fashion show again, because it was truly a classic.
Mildly amusing
steiner-sam24 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Set in 1997 New York City on an Amish farm near Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
Brad Sexton is a rich real estate developer. His wife, Caroline, is a professional designer but has given up her career and is unhappy after their ten years of marriage. After a disastrous 10th anniversary party, they agree to divorce. Unfortunately, they learn their assets have been seized by the IRS because their accountant, Bob Lachman, has been embezzling money claiming illegal deductions on their returns. After pursuit by two overeager IRS agents, Brad and Caroline escape to Pennsylvania, ending up in an accident while trying to avoid a cow.
The next day, after walking into Intercourse, Pennsylvania, they end up on the Amish farm of Samuel Yoder and his wife Levinia. They pose as their cousins Jacob and Emma Yoder from a more liberal "Ordnung" in Missouri. They provide glib answers to explain the absence of a horse and buggy, "Jacob's" lack of beard, etc. They slowly become part of the regular farm of the Yoders. Jacob manages to tame a horse, and Caroline helps the Amish district to relax its strict Ordnung on the color of clothing.
The IRS finally catches up with Brad and Caroline on the farm, and there is a symbolic "shunning" scene when they depart. Accountant Bob is extradited from Zurich, and Brad and Caroline have the case against them dismissed. They return to see Samuel and Levinia to apologize for deceiving them and thank them for saving their marriage. They learn the Yoders knew they were imposters from the beginning but recognized that they needed help.
This was a mildly funny movie. It's received mixed reviews and was on some long lists for worst films of 1997. Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley were on the shortlist for the worst on-screen couple. There didn't seem to be a lot of chemistry between them, but I still enjoyed seeing it. It did not mock the Amish generally, though the character of Henner, who is engaged to one of the Yoder daughters, seems a bit simple.
As one expects of Hollywood films, there were many errors in the depiction of the Amish, including the lack of capes on women's dresses, the odd use of "Ordnung," the council of elders that operated like a court, the fashion show initiated by "Emma," and many more.
Brad Sexton is a rich real estate developer. His wife, Caroline, is a professional designer but has given up her career and is unhappy after their ten years of marriage. After a disastrous 10th anniversary party, they agree to divorce. Unfortunately, they learn their assets have been seized by the IRS because their accountant, Bob Lachman, has been embezzling money claiming illegal deductions on their returns. After pursuit by two overeager IRS agents, Brad and Caroline escape to Pennsylvania, ending up in an accident while trying to avoid a cow.
The next day, after walking into Intercourse, Pennsylvania, they end up on the Amish farm of Samuel Yoder and his wife Levinia. They pose as their cousins Jacob and Emma Yoder from a more liberal "Ordnung" in Missouri. They provide glib answers to explain the absence of a horse and buggy, "Jacob's" lack of beard, etc. They slowly become part of the regular farm of the Yoders. Jacob manages to tame a horse, and Caroline helps the Amish district to relax its strict Ordnung on the color of clothing.
The IRS finally catches up with Brad and Caroline on the farm, and there is a symbolic "shunning" scene when they depart. Accountant Bob is extradited from Zurich, and Brad and Caroline have the case against them dismissed. They return to see Samuel and Levinia to apologize for deceiving them and thank them for saving their marriage. They learn the Yoders knew they were imposters from the beginning but recognized that they needed help.
This was a mildly funny movie. It's received mixed reviews and was on some long lists for worst films of 1997. Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley were on the shortlist for the worst on-screen couple. There didn't seem to be a lot of chemistry between them, but I still enjoyed seeing it. It did not mock the Amish generally, though the character of Henner, who is engaged to one of the Yoder daughters, seems a bit simple.
As one expects of Hollywood films, there were many errors in the depiction of the Amish, including the lack of capes on women's dresses, the odd use of "Ordnung," the council of elders that operated like a court, the fashion show initiated by "Emma," and many more.
For Allen or Alley.
anaconda-4065815 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
For Richer or Poorer (1997): Dir: Bryan Spicer / Cast: Tim Allen, Kirstie Alley, Jay O'Sanders, Larry Miller, Wayne Knight: Rich in terms of message yet poor in everything else. Title suggests our little regard for what little we have particularly within relationships. Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley play a bickering couple on the run after their accountant commits fraud. Their marriage is on the rocks but they must put their difference aside and hideout. They find refuge in an Amish community where Allen is put to work training Big John the horse and Alley tries to convince them to wear color. Plot has appeal but the screenplay wears thin with formula structure and predictable happy ending. An improvement for Bryan Spicer who previously directed the wretched McHale's Navy, also the same year. Allen and Alley are a superb comic pairing who rise above the clichés and formula storytelling although no one should be surprised at the outcome. Flat supporting roles with Jay O'Sanders as an Amish citizen whom they deceive but eventually must confess to. Larry Miller plays a brainless cop with good comic potential despite cardboard role. Wayne Knight plays the scoundrel accountant in a cardboard appearance. Strong marriage theme, which is a plus considering the industry's lust for the forbidden, however it is within a screenplay that is more poor than rich. Score: 6 / 10
Passable
bigverybadtom17 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A rich but bickering couple have been cheated and framed by their crooked accountant, and the police come after them. They put their feud aside as they end up fleeing and running far away from the city into Amish country, where they find a local family and pose as distant relatives, living with them and helping on their farm.
Getting a sense of deja vu? Fear not, for the same theme was used in the 1985 movie "Witness", although that movie was meant to be serious. This is supposed to be a comedy. Trouble is, it is not very funny or well-performed, and the story ends utterly predictably. Okay if you want to pass the time and there is nothing better to watch.
Getting a sense of deja vu? Fear not, for the same theme was used in the 1985 movie "Witness", although that movie was meant to be serious. This is supposed to be a comedy. Trouble is, it is not very funny or well-performed, and the story ends utterly predictably. Okay if you want to pass the time and there is nothing better to watch.
Funny movie
chitowndale27 July 2006
This movie strikes me as the reverse of Tim Allen's Home Improvement. There, Tim's the over the top ham and his sidekick Al is the tempering force trying to contain him. Here, the Amish do the job and they are the greater force that really tone him down while still giving him plenty of opportunities to be funny. The theme of materialism getting into the way of relationships is needed in 2006 even more than in 1997 when this movie was released. It would be well for everyone to re-watch it now to realize that materialism has gotten totally out of control in today's world. Another thing that makes this movie enjoyable is that it isn't frantic like most comedies are. Too many try to emulate the Marx Brothers. In the frantic lives we do lead today to sustain our materialism, it is nice to have something slower paced yet still not bore you to death.
A well-to-do couple need to hide out from the IRS and do so in Amish Country
ltlacey26 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, so most of this movie is not plausible, such as a lot of what happens once Brad and Caroline manage to convince an Amish family that they are relatives, but we'll let that one go for now. This is Tim Allen, as Brad, and Kirstie Alley as Caroline, and they are not two of our better actors out there now. But what they do, for the most part, is entertaining, if not predictable. And that is what this movie is: entertaining and predictable. The plot centers around a couple, who we learn early on cannot stand each other, and the fact that their financial manager has been cheating them on their taxes. We'll let it also go that a smart business person would not check his or her own taxes before signing. Then we have an armed IRS agent, obviously a nut-case, who goes after Brad and Caroline with a passion, and the couple somehow manages to end up in the same cab in their escape from New York (sorry, could not resist). They end up in PA and convince an Amish family that they are relatives, and thus are allowed to stay. We find out later why this man allowed them to stay, which also is not plausible, but a gap had to be filled in, and I guess that this was the best the writers could come up with at the time. This is your typical fish-out-of-water story, and some of the jokes are funny as are Allen's facial expressions. He does do that well. His little speech to Big John is actually very funny, as are most of the scenes with this horse. Sanders as Samuel Yoder was okay, but he did not behave the way we all know the Amish do, and that did not sit too well with me. So, if you can set aside the fact that what happens really would never happen, and this includes running away from the IRS, then just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Lighten up Folks its HUMOR not ROFL
flash-10826 November 2003
This is a nice fun movie that I really enjoyed. OK, its not great art, but it serves very well as entertainment. I thought it was not insulting to Amish or their way of life, it was very amusing to see how caught up we sometimes allow ourselves to get in things that in the long run don't really matter. I like how the characters interacted with one another. This is light humor with a little depth, its not slapstick. If you enjoy being amused, without having to "LAUGH OUT LOUD", you will probably enjoy this film.
Okay movie with cruel, unusual punishment
Yonhap S16 January 2000
The movie's main plot is nothing new. One or more jerk or losers flee from their problem and find refuge somewhere they never been to pretending to be something they're not. Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley do good performance here. They hide from the IRS by pretending to be long lost Amish cousins. The terrible, cruel and unusual punishment is having Tim Allen eat a casserole of lung, liver and kidney (Do Amish really cook that?). Something I can't forget now. Darn. Blech!
The verdict: 3 of 5 stars.
The verdict: 3 of 5 stars.
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