Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)

Thanks for the memories!

Expected more

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

"Ernest Goes to Jail" is one of the best films in the Ernest series, mainly because of the story and the actors. Of course, Jim Varney as Ernest P. Worrell, but Charles Napier as the Warden and Gailard Sartan as Ernest's neighbor Chuck (a security guard) all make for good laughs.The story goes that Ernest works for a bank, and he aspires to be a bank teller. However, when on jury duty for a homicide, the defendant, Lyle, sees a resemblance to his prison buddy Felix Nash (played by Jim Varney).When the jury takes a trip to the prison, Nash and Ernest switch places and no one can tell the difference. The comedy ensues from there, as Ernest tries endlessly to prove his innocence to the Warden.Everything ends well for Ernest, as does in all his films.

Some may say that people will get tired of Ernest. It's hard to believe. He's been gone for 11 years and there's still no sign of people forgetting Ernest. If people were tired of him much earlier on, why, I ask you, did Varney make 4,000 commercials? Yes, 4,000. I didn't add an extra 0 here. That's unheard of with any one else. Varney was the only one to reach cult status with 30 second ads. I don't even like commercials and I found his thoroughly entertaining. I loved them so much,I bought them on DVD. With that said, "Ernest Goes to Jail" is hilarious. And, we get to see him play bad-guy, Mr. Felix Nash-quite a difference from Ernest's goofball slap stick. Nash is far from Ernest, being organized, clever and mean. In this installment from the Ernest line, Varney shows off his God given rare talents. Looking in the mirror in jail, he tries to come off as Nash by using different voices and facial contortions. It never fails to make me laugh. The ink pen scene is classic. It's so funny watching him try to clean off the ink only to smear it worse all over his face. Plus, he gets electrocuted 4 times in this movie. "Hey,Vern! No one gets electrocuted like Varney, KnoWhutImean?" The beginning of the movie has Ernest trying to start the floor polisher only to have it take on a mind of its own by dragging Ernest all over the floor and up the wall. Ernest's screams are just adorable. Especially 4 minutes and 34 seconds into the movie. Any other jail movie would be loaded with violence and bad language and the fact is, I wouldn't care to watch them. This is probably the only jail movie that was free of vulgarity and was still a treat to watch. Varney made his Ernest movies kid friendly-for all ages to enjoy. C'mon, we all know that Ernest was Jim's true calling because mostly everyone refers to him as Ernest. And no one will ever be able to replace him. I know that Vern missed Ernest. He even left a note for Ernest at www.vernssuicidenote.blogspot.com. I've read it. It's quite humorous as well. When I first saw "Ernest Goes to Jail" at 14 when it first came out, I wanted a house like Ernest's, right down to that cool washer and dryer. The 'electric toothbrushes' would be pretty nice to have, too. Brush all your teeth at the same time in half the time. We all know that Jim paved the way for people like Jim Carrey and Larry the Cable Guy, but Varney kept it clean. Though, Jim Varney is still my number 1. Of course, with any Ernest movie, it will receive the highest rating possible.

If I had to decide which was the best Ernest movie, and don't act like that sort of thing doesn't happen all time, it would be this one.All of the Ernest movies are entertaining, but the best ones are the ones that have Jim Varney doing a number of different characters. Additionally, I am known to enjoy the comedy stylings of Bill Byrge and Gailard Sartain as brothers Chuck and Bobby Tulip. "Ernest Goes to Jail" contains all of those elements as well as a funny script and a supporting cast that features several beloved character actors.And that is why I have chosen "Ernest Goes to Jail" as the king of all Ernest movies. Disagree with me if you must, but deep down you know I am right.

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.