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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.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.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.
Sarah Chalke
- Maisy
- (as Sarah Chalk)
Gabe Khouth
- Rodney
- (as Gaber Khouth)
Will Sasso
- Russell
- (as William Sasso)
Kevin McNulty
- Axwell
- (as Kevin Mcnulty)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
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.
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).
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).
OK, maybe it's not the best of the "Ernest" films, and it's certainly not the worst (that title goes to "Ernest Goes to Africa" the only "Ernest" film that I thought SUCKED), "Ernest Goes to School" is still a great "Ernest" film. The movie has Ernest going back to school to get his diploma in order to keep his job as a school custodian. Along the way, he encounters a machine that makes him smarter, but problems soon begin for him. In the end of course, Ernest does what's right, and he once again pulls off another accomplishment.
Once again, Jim Varney does a great job as knucklehead Ernest P. Worrell, and the supporting cast does a good job too in this "Ernest" installment. While not the best, nor the worst "Ernest" film it's still worth checking out.
Once again, Jim Varney does a great job as knucklehead Ernest P. Worrell, and the supporting cast does a good job too in this "Ernest" installment. While not the best, nor the worst "Ernest" film it's still worth checking out.
With a school threatened with closure to merge with another school, the staff are all told they must have graduated high school. This is no problem for all except janitor Ernest who returns to class to get his diploma. Despite some problems Ernest discovers a machine that makes him smart but will it create more problems than it solves.
This was my first Ernest film I have since watched several more (sucker for punishment). As this was my first I came to it with no preconceptions except that I knew it was going to be a silly comedy. In the first 30 seconds we have Ernest dragging a cart across the campus knocking people down as he goes that sets the mood for the comedy right away. The plot is absurd the basic set up about him returning to school is daft but when the whole thing about the machine that makes him smart come in it really just gets dumb!
However lets ignore the plot it's all about the laughs isn't it? Sadly this has very very few good laughs it has a handful of smiles but no real laughs. Most of the jokes involve someone getting hurt or Ernest mugging around. Really the level of comedy never gets above serving young children. It could easily have served adults too but this is far too basic for that to happen.
Varney himself is a very poor man's Jim Carrey nothing but mugging and silly voices. The only other cast member that is worth mentioning is a brief appearance by Sarah Chalke who played Darlene in Roseanne and is now in Scrubs.
Overall if you are between 4 and 11 then this will probably appeal to you. If you are outside of this demographic then you'll be as bored as I was. Another review said `it's a classic comedy like Police Academy 6' yeah! That's about right ..I rest my case.
This was my first Ernest film I have since watched several more (sucker for punishment). As this was my first I came to it with no preconceptions except that I knew it was going to be a silly comedy. In the first 30 seconds we have Ernest dragging a cart across the campus knocking people down as he goes that sets the mood for the comedy right away. The plot is absurd the basic set up about him returning to school is daft but when the whole thing about the machine that makes him smart come in it really just gets dumb!
However lets ignore the plot it's all about the laughs isn't it? Sadly this has very very few good laughs it has a handful of smiles but no real laughs. Most of the jokes involve someone getting hurt or Ernest mugging around. Really the level of comedy never gets above serving young children. It could easily have served adults too but this is far too basic for that to happen.
Varney himself is a very poor man's Jim Carrey nothing but mugging and silly voices. The only other cast member that is worth mentioning is a brief appearance by Sarah Chalke who played Darlene in Roseanne and is now in Scrubs.
Overall if you are between 4 and 11 then this will probably appeal to you. If you are outside of this demographic then you'll be as bored as I was. Another review said `it's a classic comedy like Police Academy 6' yeah! That's about right ..I rest my case.
Ernest Goes to School" remains a delightful trip down memory lane, offering a blend of humor, heart, and a simple yet entertaining storyline. Jim Varney's portrayal of Ernest continues to shine, captivating audiences with his comedic expressions and endearing mannerisms that define the character.
The premise centers around Ernest, a janitor at a high school, who finds himself compelled to return to school and graduate to retain his job. With the help of his scientist friends, he gains temporary super intelligence through an invention, leading to a series of amusing scenarios as the typically simple-minded Ernest navigates newfound intelligence.
While the plot may be straightforward, the film maintains a steady flow and pace, allowing for enjoyable viewing. The portrayal of high school characters adds depth to the story, and the solid script, despite its low-budget origins, delivers humor and charm reminiscent of childhood nostalgia.
"Ernest Goes to School" may not be hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, but its lighthearted nature and ability to evoke laughter make it a worthwhile watch. In a time where such family-friendly films are scarce, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic slapstick comedy.
The premise centers around Ernest, a janitor at a high school, who finds himself compelled to return to school and graduate to retain his job. With the help of his scientist friends, he gains temporary super intelligence through an invention, leading to a series of amusing scenarios as the typically simple-minded Ernest navigates newfound intelligence.
While the plot may be straightforward, the film maintains a steady flow and pace, allowing for enjoyable viewing. The portrayal of high school characters adds depth to the story, and the solid script, despite its low-budget origins, delivers humor and charm reminiscent of childhood nostalgia.
"Ernest Goes to School" may not be hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, but its lighthearted nature and ability to evoke laughter make it a worthwhile watch. In a time where such family-friendly films are scarce, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic slapstick comedy.
Did you know
- TriviaIn real life, Jim Varney dropped out of high school to pursue his acting career.
- GoofsErnest's school, Chickasaw Falls, are the Muskrats. But inside the school there are banners for "The Knights", and the football team runs through a large display of Native American Headdress (Feathers).
- ConnectionsFeatured in Cinematic Venom: The Reboot: Ernest Goes To School (1994) (2023)
- How long is Ernest Goes to School?Powered by Alexa
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- Ernest Goes to School
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- $3,000,000 (estimated)
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