Alright class, settle down, settle down! Pop quiz: what happens when you cross America’s favorite denim-vested handyman with the hallowed halls of high school? You get Ernest Goes to School, a 1994 entry in the seemingly inexhaustible adventures of Ernest P. Worrell, brought to life with manic, rubber-faced glee by the truly inimitable Jim Varney. By this point in the franchise, Ernest was less a box office draw and more a familiar face beaming out from the video store shelf, promising another dose of uncomplicated slapstick. And you know what? Sometimes, that’s exactly what hit the spot after a long week.
### KnowhutIMean? Back to Basics
This installment, directed and co-written by Coke Sams (who also helmed the delightfully goofy Ernest Scared Stupid), finds our hapless hero working as a janitor at Chickasaw Falls High School. The plot, penned by Sams and Ernest creator John R. Cherry III, is classic sitcom fodder given the Worrell treatment: Ernest needs a high school diploma to keep his job. Facing expulsion from academia (again!), he becomes a guinea pig for two eccentric scientists experimenting with a "brain accelerator" machine. The result? Ernest transforms from his usual well-meaning-but-dimwitted self into a hyper-intelligent polymath, acing classes, charming teachers, and even whipping the school orchestra into shape. It's a setup ripe for Varney's particular brand of physical comedy and character work.
One of the interesting production tidbits about Ernest Goes to School is that it marked a shift for the franchise. While the earlier, arguably more iconic films like Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) and Ernest Saves Christmas (1988) were backed by Disney's Touchstone Pictures, this entry was an independent production by Emshell Producers Group. Filmed primarily in Vancouver, Canada, it had a noticeably smaller scale and budget than its predecessors. This led to a very limited theatrical run before it found its true home – dominating the "New Releases" wall at Blockbuster and becoming a weekend rental staple for families across the country. It didn't rake in big theatrical numbers, but its life on VHS was robust, proving Ernest still had pull in the home video market.
### Two Ernests for the Price of One
The absolute core of any Ernest film is, of course, Jim Varney. His commitment to this character, born from countless television commercials, was total and unwavering. Here, the "brain machine" gimmick allows Varney to stretch beyond the usual Ernest persona. We get the familiar, bumbling Ernest, prone to disastrous misunderstandings and physical calamities (his attempts at chemistry experiments are pure Worrell chaos). But we also get "Smart Ernest," an almost unsettlingly articulate and sophisticated version who retains just a hint of the original's mannerisms. Varney handles the transition admirably, showcasing a versatility often overshadowed by the character's inherent silliness. Watching him rapidly switch between these two modes is arguably the film's main draw.
The supporting cast fulfills their roles adequately. Linda Kash plays Ms. Flugal, the sympathetic teacher who sees the good heart beneath Ernest’s goofy exterior, providing a grounding presence amidst the slapstick. And we get another welcome appearance from Bill Byrge as Bobby, the perpetually exasperated school bus driver – a familiar face offering a nice bit of continuity for fans of the series. The villains, scheming colleagues trying to sabotage Ernest, are serviceable comedic foils, but let's be honest, we're all here for Varney.
### Passing Grade for Goofiness
Does Ernest Goes to School hold up? Well, that depends entirely on your affection for the character and tolerance for straightforward, G-rated silliness. The humor is broad, relying heavily on pratfalls, funny faces, and Ernest's signature catchphrases. The "smart" Ernest sequences offer a slight change of pace, with humor derived from the incongruity of Ernest quoting Shakespeare or solving complex equations. The direction by Coke Sams is functional, keeping the focus squarely on the gags and Varney's performance. There are no attempts at cinematic flair here; it’s built like an extended episode of a kids' TV show, designed for easy laughs and a simple, feel-good message about being true to yourself.
The lower budget is sometimes apparent in the less elaborate set pieces compared to, say, the theme park chaos of Ernest Goes to Camp. Yet, the practical effects, particularly the delightfully retro "brain accelerator" machine (all flashing lights and dubious wiring), possess a certain low-fi charm common in early 90s family flicks. You won’t find deep thematic explorations here, but the film gently suggests that intelligence isn't everything and that Ernest's kindness and earnestness (pun intended) are valuable traits in their own right.
### Final Report Card
Ernest Goes to School isn't the peak of the Ernest mountain – Camp or Scared Stupid often vie for that title among fans. It arrived when the formula was well-worn, and the shift to independent production signaled a winding down of the character's big-screen adventures (though several more direct-to-video installments followed). Still, for those of us who grew up with Ernest popping up reliably on rental shelves, there’s a definite nostalgic comfort here. Jim Varney pours his unique energy into the role(s), delivering exactly the kind of performance fans expected. It’s harmless, goofy fun, perfectly suited for a lazy afternoon when you just want something simple and familiar.
Rating: 5/10
Justification: This rating reflects the film's status as a later, less ambitious Ernest entry. Jim Varney remains highly watchable and committed, providing the film's primary entertainment value (worth 3 points alone). The plot is simple but functional for the character (1 point), and there's a definite nostalgic charm for those who enjoyed these films on VHS (1 point). However, the lower budget, predictable gags, and lack of standout moments compared to earlier films prevent a higher score. It delivers exactly what it promises – an hour and a half of Ernest – but little more.
Final Thought: Like finding an old, slightly crumpled yearbook photo, Ernest Goes to School might make you chuckle fondly at the familiar face, even if it wasn't his most glorious moment. KnowhutImean?