Tim Allen: has he still got it?

Tim Allen has a new sitcom coming out this Fall called "Last Man Standing". The major networks must conduct focus groups to determine the most broadly appealing, yet semi-humorous / vaguely generic titles they can conjure up. But, I kinda like the new title. I don't know if the new show will be any good or not, but the ads look funny. It's about a man living in a world surrounded by women. Most sitcoms fail miserably, so I don't expect much. I was sort of a fan of "Home Improvement", though. Love it or hate it, that show provided the next step of evolution for mediocre sitcoms. It's hard to believe, though, that the final episode of "Home Improvement" was twelve years ago!
With that being said, Tim Allen has spent the last twelve years churning out hit-or-miss comedy movies. If you like him or not, he is a comedy force to be reckoned with. I decided to give you my favorite Tim Allen comedies. There are plenty of horrendously bad movies to choose from, but I like to live life on the sunny side. So, I'll give you the ones I think are worth seeing.

For Richer or Poorer (1997)
This is a comedy filled with all the usual slapstick and one-liners of a cheesy 90's comedy. However, it has a syrupy sweet heart that actually becomes the movie's saving grace. I have respect for Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley for choosing these roles. I watched it with my parents, and it was the perfect family tone. It's magically fun, and beautifully shot. The landscapes of the farm land, although I suspect much of it is fabricated, is still beautiful. It's a rich and funny vision. Even though it should have been mindless cliche, it comes through with wit, charm, and huge doses of genuine laughs. I laughed out loud many times during the movie.

Galaxy Quest (1999)
This is a funny, poignant comedy mocking all things Star Trek. A Star Trek mockery was long overdue, and Allen was perfect to play the sci-fi actor "ship captain" who is required to go to all the nerd fests and autograph signings. And, Allen Rickman is great as the holier-than-thou Shakespeare thespian who is reduced to playing a ridiculous alien. Sigourney Weaver was born to play her role, too. It's hilarious, and there have been rumors of a sequel. Although, I don't think it's going to happen.

The Santa Clause (1994)
This was Tim Allen's first major movie, and it was great. It's a funny, sitcom-style cheese-fest with a heart of gold.

Toy Story 3 (2010)
Allen adds a lot to the Toy Story series as the voice of Buzz Lightyear. Starting in '95, Allen has been in all three movies. Pretty cool legacy.

I am interested to see if this new sitcom is successful or not.