Ernest frappe encore

This was probably one of the better "Ernest" movies in that it moves fast which means it's pretty entertaining without being too stupid, as some of Jim Varney movies were. However, even this you can except a lot of "stupid" but some of that is part of Varney's charm as the lovable "Ernest P. Worrell," a man he made famous first with TV commercials and then with a handful of inane-but- Innocent comedies.

This 100-minute film would have much better chopped to 80 or 85 because there are some legitimate laugh-out-loud scenes. Varney does a lot of impressions, some of which are very good. The two nerdy salesmen in here are also funny. As with all the "Ernest" films, there is nothing really offensive in here. Today, this could almost be rated "G."

With the 'Ernest' film series, there are people who get much entertainment out of them and finds a lot of appeal in Ernest. There are also people who dislike, or even outright hate, the films and find the character annoying. Both viewpoints are understandable.

For me, while they are not great films, the 'Ernest' films are mostly silly harmless fun that don't try to be any more than they need to be, and should be taken for what they are, rather than having any stereotypical notion of what a film of a certain genre or overall ought to do. They're mostly uneven but entertaining in a guilty pleasure sort of way, and Ernest is the sort of the character one can relate to easily. The sort of character that is a well-intended serial bungler with a strong heart but always finding himself messing up.

To me, the series' fifth film 'Ernest Rides Again' is an entertaining and worthy entry, if rather uneven. It's hardly one of the worst of the series, but to me there are better films too, such as the previous three films after 'Ernest Goes to Camp' (so 'Saves Christmas', 'Goes to Jail' and 'Scared Stupid').

'Ernest Rides Again' wasn't perfect from personal opinion. The final scenes are clumsily staged and improbable, even for an 'Ernest' film, while the villains are weakly and repetitively characterised (to me Tom Butler was slumming it and didn't really pose that much of an antagonist).

Character of Abner had his moments, he is more the straight-man guy and it's in these moments where the characterisation fares best, but the film also has a brasher side that jars and doesn't fit as a partner for Ernest or in the film. Ron James does play him well all things considered. Some of the physical comedy is a little childish and rather crude which also sticks out like a sore thumb.

However, 'Ernest Rides Again' is one of the better-looking 'Ernest' films. Loved the colourful locations and the photography is nowhere near as cheap and hasty as it can be. The soundtrack is nostalgic and energetic, and there are some very funny (if not particularly, but pretty much deliberately so, sophisticated) lines and wonderfully manic gags, anything with the cannon being among the highlights.

Another thing that 'Ernest Rides Again' does better than most other 'Ernest' films is that there is more story here and generally, apart from at the end, it takes itself more seriously, with more of a serious tone, which can be seen in the sincere and important (if not exactly subtle) moral. The energy levels are still high.

Jim Varney is still very funny and likable and James does quite well with a character that could have been better and more consistently written. Linda Kash is an amusing scene-stealer. It was only really with the villains where there were signs of bad acting, this said that may be just me.

Overall, entertaining if uneven. 6/10 Bethany Cox

This film really exposes William Akers as the cinematic genius that he is. While on the surface the story of goofy Ernest may see superficial and desultory, Akers manages to delicately weave a thought provoking and life-changing story that tugs at your heart while keeping you at the edge of your seat.

I have seen the film many times and each time I am reminded what an amazingly durable and lasting work it is. It endures because of the underlying meaning - a man is faced with the choice of being a responsible person or simply following his emotional whims.

There is an Ernest in all of us.

10 out of 10!!

I was one of the few people who watched this move in the theaters, and to say the least, I was disappointed. Granted, the series went back to a more believable story and a more subtle production design after the faults of Ernest Goes to Jail and Ernest Scared Stupid. But then again, this should have been a clear indication this series should have ended. But lo and behold, Hollywood had to further defile Jim Varney in this haphazard effort. And of note, where the heck was Bobby in this film!

"Ernest Rides Again" is yet another great installment of the "Ernest" movie franchise. With this film, the plot is much more solid, and more serious than the plots of past "Ernest" films, but that doesn't mean it's not a funny movie. The movie is funny, and enjoyable. Jim Varney once again does a great job as lovable knuckle head Ernest P. Worrell, and Ernest's sidekick Abner is OK. The movie overall is excellent, so if you're a die-hard "Ernest" fan, and haven't seen this installment yet, then check this out, and be impressed.