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.

I simply "happened upon" this flick one afternoon when I had a couple of hours free which I hadn't expected.I never was a fan of either of the leads' television respective series. Tim Allen's appeal was lost on me, and I frankly found Kirstie Alley downright annoying.So this movie was a total surprise for me. When I tuned-in, I expected I'd probably switch channel within two minutes, but got interested and enjoyed it throughout.Neither lead displayed the least bit of "ham," nor gnawed any scenery, as I would have expected.Their performances were both excellent, their chemistry on-screen complete, and the supporting cast were plausible where appropriate and provided some comic hi-jinks, likewise.One of those thoroughly warm and pleasant films, which flies under the proverbial "radar," and appears with little notoriety.. It's a fine presentation which I'd also view again when opportunity presents.

"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.

granted this is not high brow sophisticated comedy, but it was actually a really fun movie! Kirstie Alley was not her usual annoying self, and it was enjoyable to watch her character change due to the Amish influence. Tim Allen was more relaxed and less of a ham, so his character was fun to watch. the Newman mailman guy from the Seinfeld show always cracks me up. the Amish child was cute too.the Amish were not disrespected, and this movie made me want to learn more about the Amish. just a quick and simple Google search for Amish brought up several good sites. perhaps this is the real success of this movie - that viewers hear the message of simplicity and virtue in living one's life, then take the next step to learn more about the Amish culture and beliefs, and finally take to heart these life lessons we learned as a child.