source: Ernest Goes to School

This Ernest flick was horribly predictable and there was only one joke I found funny and it wasn't unique. I did like the plumbing sequence in the beginning because it showed us that Ernest is an idiot that never went to school hence is where the plot takes place. If you were to compare this one with Billy Madison, I think the second option is the better of the two because the idea is more unique and the movie moves to different settings. There are more Ernest flicks out there that I think are more worth your time than this one will.

Rejoice, you fans of Ernest P. Worrell as "Ernest Goes to School" is finally on DVD. Released recently in Ernest's Wacky Adventures Vol. 2, you can now add this to your collection. In this film, we find Ernest going back to school to graduate, if he can. Sarah Chalke (of "Roseanne" and "Scrubs" fame) also stars as Maisy, a girl that befriends Ernest. If the film seems a little off compared to the other abundance of Ernest films, it is because the director of those, John R. Cherry, did not direct this particular entry. Coke Sams directs this sequel, he produced many of the other Ernest films.

So, I have grown up with the Ernest series (especially movies like Ernest Scared Stupid and Ernest Saves Christmas). Ernest Goes To School was the first of the final four films notable for being released directly-to-video, and boy, does that move start showing how stale the series got. Ernest is a janior for a high school, however, due to a rule change by the shool board who is planning to close it down and merge all schools into one. With the rule being all school system employees must have a high school diploma, Ernest must either resign or go back to school as he does not have one due to not completing high school. So now, he has to go back to complete twelfth grade in order to keep his job. Usual antics follow, along with a plot by a villain against the school. While it still has some of the Ernest charm, sadly, the move to direct-to-video would harm this movie. While Jim Varney still does a good job as Ernest, the film suffers from the same-old, same old. If you seen the past Ernest films, this is basically the same movie, but with a different setting and plot. Some of the jokes are hit-or-miss, and the acting for the other character is horrendous. This movie is the start of the Ernest films beginning to show how stale the poor guy has gotten (as he would have three more movies after this, each one being worst).

This film is so funny. The Ernest is a very funny man who makes funny faces and goes to the school with children. This movie had me in laughter for about three days after watching it. I highly reccomend you buy this movie. It is a classic comedy like Weekend at Bernie's and Police academy 6.

"Jim Varney is a very poor man's Jim Carrey". I find that statement insulting and, well, downright stupid. Varney paved the way for comedians like Carrey. At least Varney kept it clean in his Ernest movies. I like Carrey but even his supposed 'kid-friendly' shows have profanity. "Liar Liar", while not for the very young, had Carrey taking the Lord's name in vain. I've never in my whole life heard Varney say that. Has society been reduced to thinking that movies have to be laced with profanity, the same old mindless sex scenes, violence and nudity? Why is it okay for trashy movies with absolutely no heart, no plot and no moral message be given a higher rating simply because that 'hot chick' can't keep her clothes on or an overly buffed steroid-using man that blows everybody away or beats on a woman? I guess most wouldn't consider a movie unless someone had their butts hanging out of their shorts. Have people today turned into zombies? It seems Hollywood has taken over your minds. Do you see the crap out there in Hollywood now? Movies today suck. I haven't been to a theater since 'Harry Potter 3'. I doubt I'll be back. I have 'Ernest Goes to School' on tape and unfortunately, I try not to play it much because I know I will wear it out. I wish they would put this out on DVD so I can enjoy this movie more often. Varney plays one of his characters I love to hate but still love to watch: Astor Clement. Varney pulls off this character(like all the others) extremely well. Astor is a hoity-toity know-it-all that thinks he is smarter than the whole world. Quite a difference from that lovable sweetheart, Ernest. Ernest is the janitor at Chickasaw Falls high school and never graduated. But, another school wants to merge with Chickasaw Falls and requires all employees have a high school diploma. Fortunately, Greta(Kash) and Bobby(Byrge) have developed a machine capable of making Ernest super intelligent. He tries out the machine and immediately becomes knowledgeable in every subject but unfortunately, the more he uses the machine, the more of a jerk he becomes, alienating his friends and co-workers. Some football bullies eventually find out what Ernest is doing and go in and trash the machine, leaving Ernest as Ernest before a big test. His friends still help him by tutoring him day and night. Before the big test, Greta and Bobby fix the machine but Ernest decides against using it because his friends worked so hard at tutoring him and he doesn't want to let them down. Ernest had it in him all along. Hard work does pay off and taking the easy way out is not always the smartest way out, 'KnoWhutImean?'

Ernest P. Worrell isn't just a man, but an icon. And to think, through all of his travails, he never had a high school diploma. While this film kind of embodies the childish nature of my favorite facial contortionist, this was nothing more than a silly "B" movie. Why couldn't anybody stop beating this concept on the head and let the series die for crying out loud! I've gone through enough pain experiencing the downfall of one of the most likable movie characters of all time, why couldn't they just let it be. The humanity!

Ernest movies are a staple in my house. The priceless humor of Jim Varney is entertainment perfection for children of any age. My absolute favorite is Ernest goes to Africa, but honestly it has only slightly edged out the other titles. As for critics, I do not see how Ernest humor differs much from such accepted classics as Lucille Ball or Jerry Lewis brand of slapstick or Mr. Bean's lame'o humor which I also enjoy. Ernest is not a dumb character set out for ridicule. He is an innocent sweetie with a giant heart who never lets life events get the better of him. His movies always contain a good, positive message for all. I only have one question...When will Ernest Goes to School be published in R1?

I found out that this was ranked as the worst Ernest movie in the series and I think I can see why. It's so bad even people who liked the other movies hated it. What can I say for someone who isn't a fan at all? The Ernest character started off in commercials and those are rarely made into good things. Seriously though, ten movies? This film uses the tired cliché of a dumb character becoming smart. Obviously, he starts acting like a jerk and everyone wants him back. There's this machine that makes him smart and later he learns to do his school work without it. It becomes hypocritical because at the end of the movie when the characters are played football, they use the machine again. Wasn't it just said that was cheating? The only good joke was when Ernest was asked who shot Abraham Lincoln and he replied, "Some guy with a gun". I guess the Ernest films were mostly harmless, but they were pretty dumb. *1/2

Just to make things clear, am not an Ernest detractor and actually consider most of the films imperfect but fun in a guilty pleasure sort of way. Watched 'Ernest Goes to School' with the same mindset as watching the previous five films (all better) and, while not terrible, still consider it one of the weaker 'Ernest' films. 'Ernest Goes to School' is certainly not without its redeeming qualities. The school setting is nicely rendered with a fun vibe, while the music is affectionate and full of breezy energy without being too loud. It's hard still not to relate to Ernest, the sort of character that is a well-intended serial bungler with a strong heart but always finding himself messing up. Jim Varney does do a good job with what he has, he is enjoying himself and is a likable presence even though he overdoes it slightly in the mannerisms. Some of the dialogue while not exactly sophisticated is funny and there are a few scenes that raise a laugh, especially the music room scene. However, too much of the humour is too childish, crude, overdone and recycled. Even for someone very quick to defend Ernest and his previous films, the dumbness was overkill and there is not a shred of originality or sharp timing. The football scene is pretty embarrassing. The story lacks the lively pacing to make up for its paper-thinness, the direction is close to inept and the film is one of the cheaper-looking films in the series (we're talking amateur cheap here). Of the cast only Varney works. The rest are either barely trying or annoy the heck out of you, the younger cast members do grate. Overall, one of the weaker 'Ernest' films and one of the more difficult ones to defend. 5/10 with sincere apologies. Bethany Cox