Ernest Goes to School (1994)

Jim Varney's recurring dim-bulb character Ernest P. Worrell returns in this film as a school maintenance man seeking to obtain a high school diploma.

Director:

Coke Sams

Writers:

Coke Sams, Bruce Arntson

Stars:

Jim Varney, Linda Kash, Bill Byrge

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Varney	...	Ernest
Linda Kash	...	Gerta
Bill Byrge	...	Bobby
Jason Michas	...	Donald
Sarah Chalke	...	Maisy (as Sarah Chalk)
Gabe Khouth	...	Rodney (as Gaber Khouth)
Corrine Koslo	...	Miss Flugal
Russell Porter	...	Brad
Will Sasso	...	Russell (as William Sasso)
Duncan Fraser	...	Coach Decker
French Tickner	...	Principal Procter
Kevin McNulty	...	Axwell (as Kevin Mcnulty)
Ron Robinson	...	Coach Carson
Judith Maxie	...	Ms. Nichols
Fran Gebhard	...	Miss Cosgrove

Storyline

Jim Varney's recurring dim-bulb character Ernest P. Worrell returns in this film as a school maintenance man seeking to obtain a high school diploma.

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Plot Keywords:

ernest p. worrell character | slimehouse | high school | stupidity | bus driver | 

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Taglines:

America's favorite class clown finally makes the grade!

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild mischief

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only "Ernest" movie not directed by John R. Cherry III. "Ernest" collaborator Coke Sams wanted credits for the DGA, so Cherry let him direct.

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Quotes

Ernest: Since the Hulkster was defeated by The Ultimate Warrior.

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Connections

References WrestleMania VI (1990)

User Reviews

It wasn't just Ernest that needed to go back to school

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

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 May 1994 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Ernest Goes to School

Filming Locations:

Vancouver Techincal Secondary School, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Emshell Producers Group, Ernest Partners, Pacific Motion Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1