For Richer or Poorer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich, unhappy couple tries tax evasion, ends up playing house on a farm with the Amish and rediscovers what marriage is about. Source: Original

🍿 For Richer or Poorer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Unhappy Anniversary

Brad and Caroline Sexton, a wealthy Manhattan couple, are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, but their relationship is strained. During a party, disaster strikes when a model of Brad’s religious theme park explodes, ruining the gown of a prominent judge. Their hidden animosity boils over, leading to a decision to divorce.

Trouble with the IRS

Their lives take a dramatic turn when they discover their accountant, Bob Lachman, has been embezzling money and falsifying their tax returns, leaving them owing the IRS millions. With their assets frozen and wanted for tax fraud, they flee New York to avoid arrest. A comical car chase ensues with overzealous IRS agents, Lester and Hall.

Hiding in Amish Country

The Sextons find themselves in Amish country after swerving to avoid a cow and crashing. They overhear a conversation about the Yoders expecting cousins from Missouri and decide to pose as them. The Amish family, Samuel and Levinia Yoder, welcomes them, believing they are from a more liberal Amish community. Brad and Caroline struggle to adapt to the simple, hardworking Amish lifestyle.

Adapting to a New Life

As they try to fit in, Brad and Caroline face challenges learning Amish customs and chores. Brad is tasked with training a stubborn horse named Big John, while Caroline learns to cook and sew. Despite the hardships, they begin to reconnect and rediscover their love for each other. They also contribute to the community, with Caroline organizing a fashion show to introduce colors to their clothing and Brad helping a young couple buy a farm.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brad Sexton (Tim Allen): A wealthy and materialistic real estate mogul who must adapt to a simple Amish life while on the run from the IRS.
• Caroline Sexton (Kirstie Alley): A disgruntled and extravagant socialite who rediscovers her passion for design and her love for her husband in Amish country.
• Samuel Yoder (Jay O. Sanders): The head of the Amish family who provides shelter to Brad and Caroline, offering them a chance at redemption.
• Bob Lachman (Wayne Knight): The Sextons’ embezzling accountant whose actions set the entire plot in motion.
• IRS Insp. Derek Lester (Larry Miller): The overzealous and inept IRS inspector relentlessly pursuing the Sextons.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brad Sexton: “This is bullshit!” – Brad exclaims this in frustration while standing under the rear of a bull statue, expressing his disgust with their situation.
• Caroline Sexton: “Minute lice.” – Caroline jokingly explains why Brad doesn’t have a beard to the Amish to cover up their lie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,642,995
• Worldwide Gross: $32,748,995

💥 For Richer or Poorer Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley were hilarious together as the bickering couple forced to live a completely different lifestyle. The scenes with the Amish family were so heartwarming and funny, especially when they tried to fit in. I laughed so much when Brad was struggling with Big John, the horse, and when Caroline tried to do needlepoint. The ending made me feel all warm and fuzzy, and it’s a great reminder that money isn’t everything. This movie is a classic feel-good comedy that I could watch again and again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted comedies”
  • “People interested in fish-out-of-water stories”
  • “Families looking for a feel-good movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive humor”
  • “Brief scene with gun violence (IRS agent shooting phone)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While “For Richer or Poorer” may not be a cinematic masterpiece, Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley deliver hilarious performances. The humor, combined with a feel-good storyline, makes it an enjoyable watch. The movie also touches on themes of materialism versus simple living. This film is a fun, lighthearted experience. It’s a testament to the charm of its leads and the power of a well-executed comedic plot.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite its predictable plot, “For Richer or Poorer” offers moments of genuine laughter. The clash of cultures between the city slickers and the Amish community provides ample comedic fodder. While not groundbreaking, the film’s gentle humor and positive message make it a pleasant viewing experience. The supporting cast adds to the charm, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.
• AllMovie: “While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, “For Richer or Poorer” succeeds as a lighthearted comedy. The film’s strength lies in its cast, particularly Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley, who bring their comedic talents to the forefront. The simple yet effective storyline, combined with charming performances, makes it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a feel-good movie.

Audience Reactions

Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley’s comedic chemistry made the movie hilarious and enjoyable.: Viewers praised the film’s humor, heartwarming storyline, and the cast’s performances, making it a feel-good movie.

The cultural clash between the city couple and the Amish community provided many laugh-out-loud moments.: Audiences appreciated how the movie gently poked fun at both lifestyles while delivering a positive message about love and simplicity.

Overall Consensus: “For Richer or Poorer” is a lighthearted comedy that delivers laughs and heartwarming moments, despite its predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The farmhouse used in the film was located in Westminster, Maryland and was torn down a few years after the movie.”
• “The movie spoofs elements of the film ‘Witness’ (1985) where a city dweller goes into hiding with the Amish.”

🖥️ How to Watch For Richer or Poorer?

For Richer or Poorer is available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed For Richer or Poorer, you might like these similar films:

• Witness (1985): Shares the theme of outsiders hiding within an Amish community, though ‘Witness’ is a thriller rather than a comedy.
• Green Acres (1965-1971): Similar fish-out-of-water concept of a wealthy couple adjusting to rural life.
• Kingpin (1996): Features a clash of cultures and humor that relies on putting characters in absurd situations.

🛒 For Richer or Poorer Related Products

• For Richer or Poorer [DVD]: Own the hilarious comedy on DVD and enjoy the witty banter between Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley anytime. Relive the comedic moments and heartwarming story of a couple rediscovering their love in an Amish community.
• Amish Country Cookbook: Traditional Amish Recipes: Experience the flavors of Amish country with this cookbook featuring authentic recipes. From hearty main courses to delicious desserts, discover the simple and wholesome cuisine that inspired the movie.
• Tim Allen Collection: Home Improvement & Other Classics [Digital]: Enjoy a curated collection of Tim Allen’s best works, including “Home Improvement” and other comedy classics. Stream or download and laugh along with his iconic performances.
• Amish-Made Quilt: Bring the warmth and comfort of Amish craftsmanship into your home with a beautiful, hand-stitched quilt. These unique pieces reflect the simplicity and artistry of Amish culture.

🎧 Soundtrack

For Richer or Poorer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cheek to Cheek” – performed by Sarah Vaughan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Leigh Whannell reviews “Snake Eyes” & “For Richer or Poorer” (1998)

Ever wonder what critics thought of ‘For Richer or Poorer’ when it first came out? Leigh Whannell (from Saw!) gives his honest take, and it’s pretty interesting to hear what he had to say back then!

✨ Rate