Ernest Goes to Jail

Okay, this is another Ernest movie and a lot of people just don't like them because they think they are dumb. I like them because they are dumb. There is no pressure to follow a complex, involved plot, the gags are juvenile yet funny, and the end is always predictable with Ernest inadvertently winning the day. In this movie he actually gets to stretch himself by playing not only playing the insipid, bumbling character of Ernest but also the hard case gangster who he is the twin of. Jim Varney made a career (until his untimely death) out of playing Ernest and he did it well, after all look at how many Ernest movies are out there.

While saying this is the best Ernest movie is NOT a glowing endorsement, this is a decent film and you could certainly do worse. It's a time-passer, certainly--not a film you run out to rent or buy for full retail! What makes this movie more tolerable is that the movie is not aimed solely at stupid people and small children. No, adults might also be mildly amused by the antics. It certainly isn't high art but for what it is, it works well. So, if your kids are nagging you to see it, give it a chance. It's not bad--really! PS--if you tolerate or actually love this film, also try watching Ernest Saves Christmas. Then, STOP. You'll have seen all the Ernest movies worth watching.

The last good Ernest movie, and the best at that. How can you not laugh at least once at this movie. The last line is a classic, as is Ernest's gangster impressions, his best moment on film. This has his best lines and is a crowning achievement among the brainless screwball comedies.

Bank janitor Ernest unwillingly switches place with lookalike convict Felix Nash. Now Ernest is stuck in prison and has to figure out a way to survive until he can set things right. Jim Varney plays both parts, of course. Oh, and I forgot to mention Ernest gets super powers in this one. Yeah. Let's face it, Ernest movies are about as low-brow as it gets. But they also can be entertaining. This one's no "Ernest Goes to Camp" but it's better than the rest of the dreadful Ernest movies from the '90s. It's admittedly pretty dumb stuff but if you shut your brain off for awhile and let your inner kid out, you might find some laughs here.

I have to be in a special mood to watch this, but it's one of those movies that I watch with my dad, and we end up holding our sides from laughter. 'Ernest goes to jail' is the only one of the Ernests that I can watch on a tolerating level. Although the more I've watched it with my dad, the more I've come to enjoy it. The movie is filled with quotable lines and memorable moments that just get funnier by the moment. Hats of to Jim Varney. Even though this movie really doesn't take itself seriously, he puts on an incredible performance playing two difficult roles on opposite extremes. He nails both roles to perfection. Maybe it's the family tradition that has made me warm up to this movie. Maybe it's the over-the-top drama or the quotable lines, but one thing is certain, it's never fails to make me laugh.