User reviews

This was the first "Ernest" movie, I think, that I watched and I was surprised that it wasn't as stupid as I thought it was or the title convinced me it would be. It really wasn't "stupid" until the last 20 minutes, but a lot of movies get really dumb in the last half hour.

For most of the movie, it was nice, lighthearted fun that - cliché aside - is fun for the "whole family." There is nary a bad one word in this movie and it's old-fashioned slapstick fun and about as innocent as it gets.

Having said that, I realize a lot of people would still consider the movie as a dumb one but I always liked Jim Varney and laughed at the most of the stuff he did, beginning with those famous TV commercials of his.

In the last 30 years, how many comedies do you see without a tons of sex and profanity? Almost none......so give "Ernest" some slack.

Ernest Scared stupid is my second favorite film in the Ernest series. Right behind Goes To Camp, Scared Stupid is an absolute comedy classic from my childhood. Jim Varney is a comedic legend and with director John Cherry created some of the most entertaining movies that are not only hilarious, but fun for the whole family.

The plot revolves around Ernest awakening an evil troll who goes after the neighborhood children, and it's up to Ernest and the kids to stop him.

The story is a little darker than most Ernest movies but packs just as much laughter as the rest in the series. It's a nice horror movie for kids and If you're a fan of Jim and the Ernest character, then you'll love this film.

I saw this movie on TV a couple years ago, but I didn't get to see the whole thing because I had to go to that one place in the world that is most pointless and very stupid----yes, school. But, when I saw it at the video store a few days ago, I bought it. And this movie is seriously one of the best comedies that are "so stupid, they're funny".

The late Jim Varney stars as Ernest as he tries to stop an evil Troll from killing all of town's children. The movie begins with a montage of classic horror film clips, some of which I recognized to be FRANKENSTEIN and the 1922 classic NOSFERATU. There are some scenes that might not be suitable for children, but otherwise this hilariously funny romp is surely a movie that everyone should watch. This film is a must-see for anyone who loves stupidly funny comedies!

Sleep tight....ERNEST SCARED STUPID gets 4/5.

As said before, the 'Ernest' films will always garner a mixed reception, with people finding it easier than others to take them for what they are and how they execute what they set out to do (that's how my judgement on any film always fares). Rather than having any stereotypical notion of what a film of a certain genre or overall ought to do (there are no rules in film-making, people seem to forget that, not trying to be arrogant in any way, it just seems that way).

The 'Ernest' films are in no way perfect films. They are not even great films, they do have obvious flaws and it is easy to see why there are those who struggle to see the appeal in them and also the character of Ernest. However, to me, none of the films are bad and much better than reputed, though they are more guilty pleasure sort of films that still get a lot of enjoyment out of me. 'Ernest Scared Stupid' is the fourth film, this time celebrating Halloween (inevitable after 'Saves Christmas' celebrated Christmas), and celebrates it it does and in a fun way too.

Yes, there is something perfectly apt about putting stupid in the title because that is what 'Ernest Scared Stupid' is. Even for an 'Ernest' film the plot is incredibly dumb and sometimes contrived with a thin plot that would have been old-hat in the Laurel and Hardy and Three Stooges days. Like most 'Ernest' films, not all the humour works with some of the slapstick oriented scenes being tiring.

Despite great production design and surprisingly not bad special effects, the cheap camera work mars things somewhat. And apart from Jim Varney and Eartha Kitt, the cast are not particularly memorable with the performances of the children being pretty grating.

However, as aforementioned, there is some atmospheric production design that captures the spirit of Halloween really well. The special effects are surprisingly not bad, in fact they're quite good considering the budget, was in all honesty expecting them to be terrible.

'Ernest Scared Stupid's' soundtrack is full of energy and creates unsettling atmosphere and a sense of nostalgia. Most of the humour does work, with some very entertaining writing and gags, even if not sophisticated or subtle (then again who expects either of those things in an 'Ernest' film?). Pacing is bright and breezy, and the film really captures the fun of Halloween and what it's like to be a kid again.

Varney is immensely likable and a lot of fun as Ernest, and to me the character appeals to me despite potentially being the sort of character that doesn't do it for me usually to put it mildly. Ernest is the sort of the character one can relate to easily, the sort of character that is a well-intended serial bumbler with a strong heart but always finding himself messing up. Eartha Kitt is alluring and snappy support.

In conclusion, a fun Halloween time, as long as you don't expect too much and take it for what it's meant to be. 7/10 Bethany Cox

'Ernest Scared Stupid' is a job well done for Ernest. This film combines the slapstick and subtle humor typical of any Ernest film, and it brings in the element of horror. The film is downright frightening for children, but it is not THAT frightening because of the reassurance that it is only a film. It's just made for children, after all.

In this film, a troll breaks free from a curse and starts capturing children and turning them into dolls. It is up to Ernest to save the day and bring Halloween back -- without frightening trolls. I was amazed at how entertaining this film was; I saw it when I was about 11, and it was my first proper 'movie' I saw at the cinema, not counting classic Disney animated films.

Halloween is mainly a children's affair anyway, and it is good to see that Ernest was able to bring it to the children: a little bit of laughter, a little bit of horror, and some child actors in important parts. It's what every child hopes for in a Halloween film.

This umpteenth screen appearance for Ernest P. Worrell has the bumbling handyman accidentally awaken an imprisoned troll a day before Halloween, leading to the creature going on a rampage through a small town. It's probably the most imaginative Ernest adventure and features appropriately gruesome creature effects by the Chiodo Brothers (who also created the Critters and the Killer Klowns from Outer Space). The production values are also quite good, but the kids are a little grating.

My only real complaint is the same thing that bugged with previous Ernest movies. Director John Cherry is so used to directing television and commercials that you can tell he's given every shot in the movie a maximum of two takes, giving everything a badly-rehearsed feel. Sounds like a petty grievance, but it would have made a difference to hone the acting a little more and tighten things up.

Probably not a Halloween classic, but it's hardly a time of year for family movies.

O.K. so this movie probably wasn't nominated for an Oscar for best original screenplay. Or best of anything else for that matter. And the film is what most folks would term "stupid" humor. So I like "stupid" humor, so sue me. Jim Varney's creation of characters like Ernest and the myriad others he pulled out of seeming thin air, in my opinion speak volumes of his talent and creativity. Sometimes it's enough just to be entertained with belly laughs and not stop and analyze every single line of dialog. If you're the intellectual type, don't bother with this movie, it'll go way over your head, or under your radar screen one. But if you're an otherwise intelligent and reasonably good humored person, and especially if you're looking for something that is decidedly NOT a gut-yanking, eyeball popping, gorey screamfest to watch with your kids on Halloween, this is a fun and easy on the brain flick.

Moronic garbageman Ernest (Jim Varney) inadvertently frees a troll from a centuries-long imprisonment beneath a tree. Well, it's an Ernest movie so keep expectations simple. It is funny in spots and completely earnest (no pun intended). It's something children should enjoy more than adults. There's lot of slapstick humor and face mugging. Jim Varney repeats many of the same gags that he uses in most of his movies. Eartha Kitt is fun. The troll looks pretty cool. I gotta admit I laughed when Ernest called the troll 'booger lips.' So there's some laughs to be had if you still have some kid left inside. Gets better as it goes along.

Okay, I'll be the first to admit that the Ernest films aren't exactly Oscar-caliber movies... okay, they aren't even good movies by most peoples standards. BUT, the Ernest P. Worrell movies sure are fun, something that you can just let go and laugh at.

Ernest Scared Stupid is my favorite of these movies. It may be just because I used to watch it all the time when I was like 12 years old, but either way, I still like it. Right from the credits you can tell it is going to be hilarious. The troll makeup and costumes are very well done for an Ernest movie, and it keeps you entertained all the way through. I'm 20 years old and I can still watch this one until the very end. The real question is, when is somebody going to get off of their ass and put the late, great Jim Varney's entire Ernest collection out on DVD?

We're waiting... I know I'm not alone here... right?

I loved this movie as a kid and now I'm enjoying it with my son. This is my favorite Ernest movie with jail coming in second. I think it actually Has a few moments that are a little scary for the age of the kids it's aimed at but nothing too bad. I hate to talk badly about child actors but the three main kids in this movie are pretty bad, especially the kid that plays Kenny. Obviously they're not going for an Oscar and it doesn't take away from me and my son enjoying the movie but its bad. I like Ernest's Rube Goldberge weapons in the tree house and the troll costumes were awesome. It also has my favorite quote of all his movies. My favorite character he does is the grumpy old woman. When he's talking about keeping out the Ottomans (which is weird for a kids movie. I doubt many would know who the Ottomans were), he says as the old lady "I knew an Ottoman Boy Scout. He got a merit badge in wholesale slaughter". That one cracks me up as an adult but probably went over my head as a kid which is funny to say about an Ernest movie. Check this out again if you haven't seen it in years, especially if you have kids who like Halloween a lot.

Stupid! Ernest is scared stupid and I was VERY stupid for watching the entire film. Not to say that Ernest movies are oscar-worthy, but this was one of the worst...I saw this as a kid and I hated it then. Some evil troll is trapped under a tree on Eartha Kitts property and the only person in the entire world who can release him from his grave is of course, Ernest. After Ernest accidentally says the magic words that release this evil, the troll runs around the woods capturing the local kids and turning them into wooden dolls...and of course the only one that can save them is of course, Ernest. It was not interesting, not funny, and not worth your time, know-what-i-mean!

This was the best Ernest movie of all. Jim Varney shines as the bumbling fool Ernest P. Worrell. The story basically has Ernest waking up a troll, who kidnaps and turns children to wood for his evil plans. Ernest must catch what he let out. Of course that ensures much mayhem and laughter (especially that giant bear trap). The plot resembles an old horror film but it works for Ernest. My opinion on the kids is, they help the plot work and make sense but got kind of annoying. The real reason to see this movie is to see what foolish thing Ernest does next. Overall a good film.

Not the most adventurous but nothing bad either. It is pretty silly and unimaginative. It is a children's film but it is quite fun for an adult. Ernest is the only memorable character, all the others are instantly forgettable. He's not even the best children's entertainment character in movies, Pee-Wee is my favourite!

This is not a great movie. This is a really dumb movie. However, I have never known a child between the ages of 5 and 12 who didn't absolutely love watching this around Halloween. If you've ever seen any of Jim Varney as Earnest, then you know what to expect, but this one is especially outlandish and goofy. Everyone involved in this movie looks like they are having a great time, Jim Varney's over the top utterly unhinged ridiculousness finds its highest potential in this unabashedly goofy concept, and very importantly the peril is all mild enough to not be truly threatening to any of its intended audience. This movie was never trying to be a great piece of cinema, but what it does try to do, it does exceptionally well,which is being dumb Halloween fun for kids.

"Ernest Scared Stupid" has been a part of my Halloween movie rotation for many years. I saw this movie in the theater (Fresh Meadows, NY). I liked it then and I still like it now. It has a lot of laughs. It has a nice story with characters you care about. Its monsters are pretty scary/pretty gross. Jim Varney was one of kind. I wouldn't call him a comic genius but he comes pretty close. He created a character that is as warm as he is funny. Ernest P. Worrell is always a welcome watch in my house.

While there is no debating that "Ernest Goes to Camp" will always be the greatest Ernest film, "Scared Stupid" ranks up there -- possibly third behind "Ernest Goes to Jail". It has classic Ernest humor, some good subplots, an interesting guest star (Eartha Kitt) and troll work from the Chiodo Brothers (the guys who made the Killer Klowns).

Sure, this is more of a kid film, but if you have kids or grew up with it, it may hold a special place in your heart. For kids who may not be old enough to watch a real Halloween movie without being scared, this is a good transition piece -- still has monsters, but shouldn't be too scary.

While building a tree-house in the woods, garbage collector Jim Varney (as Ernest P. Worrell) unwittingly releases a treacherous troll named Trantor. The mythological little monster proceeds to kidnap Briarville's children and turn them into little wooden dolls, in a plot to unleash an army of evil demons on an unsuspecting world. When Mr. Varney proves himself too stupid to stop the onslaught, heroic young Austin Nagler (as Kenny Binder) assists. Eartha Kitt has a witchy featured role. No doubt this film was most appreciated by the very young in 1991.

**** Ernest Scared Stupid (10/11/91) John Cherry ~ Jim Varney, Austin Nagler, Shay Astar, Eartha Kitt

This movie is easily one of the best Halloween movies ever made and it has Ernest so you know it's hilarious. It's just plain out amazing

"How about a bumper sandwich, booger lips?"

Madcap comedy hick Ernest P. Worrell (the late, great Jim Varney, in typically fine form) is a sanitation engineer in the small town of Briarwood. In his attempts to help his kid pals build a super-duper treehouse, he chooses exactly the wrong tree. In so doing, he manages to resurrect a dastardly troll (Jonas Moscartolo) from its Earthly tomb. Despite his lack of smarts, he must help to save the day when the town ends up inundated by the troll and HIS pals.

Although many adults may assert that the character of Ernest is very much an acquired taste, his films are usually a pretty safe bet for a younger audience. There is a certain harmless, if utterly goofy & silly, charm about them. Certainly Varney was a real talent, and here he gets a chance to portray different characters in a rapid-fire manner.

While "Ernest Scared Stupid" might be a little too spooky for the youngest of viewers (those creature effects by the Chiodo brothers are amusingly gross & imaginative), some family members are sure to have a good time. Director John Cherry, an old hand at the Ernest movies by this point, keeps it all pretty lively and moving along well to its chaotic conclusion. The child actors are appealing, and for adults of a certain age there is the added attraction of special guest star Eartha Kitt playing aged witch Old Lady Hackmore.

Perhaps the brightest bit is the opening credits sequence, with Ernest reacting to clips of various black & white horror movies, ranging from cheese such as "The Brain from Planet Arous" to a true classic in the form of the original "Nosferatu".

Six out of 10.