Alright, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to the mid-90s. Picture this: you’re scanning the "New Releases" wall at Blockbuster, maybe grabbing some Sno-Caps. The theatrical glory days of Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) feel a little distant, but there he is, that familiar denim-vested face grinning back at you from a fresh VHS box: Slam Dunk Ernest (1995). This wasn't playing at the multiplex; Ernest had officially slam-dunked his way directly onto our VCRs, and honestly? That felt kinda right for where the character was heading.
### Knowhutimean, Vern? He's Back!
The setup is pure, unadulterated Ernest P. Worrell. Our perpetually clumsy but good-hearted hero works as a custodian for a mall maintenance crew who moonlight as a truly terrible basketball team, the 'Clean Sweepers'. When Ernest accidentally wishes for basketball skills to help his pals (and maybe impress the girl), who should appear but an actual Archangel of Basketball? And not just any angel, but the celestial form of NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar! Yes, the Kareem, bringing a surprisingly warm and deadpan presence to the divine proceedings. His appearance alone was probably worth the rental fee for many a curious kid back in '95.
Ernest, imbued with heavenly hops and questionable coordination, must lead his team to victory against some vaguely defined bullies and save the day, all while learning lessons about teamwork and believing in yourself. It's standard family film fare, but the engine driving this whole goofy enterprise is, as always, Jim Varney.
### The Varney Vortex of Physical Comedy
Let's be honest, you didn't watch an Ernest movie for intricate plotting or nuanced character arcs. You watched it for Jim Varney. By 1995, Varney was Ernest, embodying the character with a rubber-faced, limb-flailing gusto that was genuinely impressive. Slam Dunk Ernest leans heavily into this. While there aren't pyrotechnics or exploding cars here, the "action" is Varney's relentless physical comedy. It’s a practical effect all its own – a human cartoon character brought to life. Remember those exaggerated falls, the wide-eyed double-takes, the sheer chaotic energy he brought to every scene? That was all Varney, performing with a commitment that belied the film's modest ambitions. While later Ernest entries sometimes felt a bit tired, Varney himself rarely phoned it in. He understood the assignment: deliver maximum Ernest-ness, Vern!
### Straight-to-Video Charm (and Constraints)
Slam Dunk Ernest marked a significant shift. After Ernest Rides Again (1993) underperformed theatrically, Disney stepped back, and the franchise moved to the direct-to-video market under Emshell Producers Group. This flick was actually the first of a multi-picture deal aimed squarely at home video audiences. You can feel the lower budget compared to, say, Ernest Scared Stupid (1991). The sets are simpler, the scope smaller, primarily centered around the mall and basketball court. Director John R. Cherry III, the creator and constant shepherd of the Ernest universe, keeps things moving efficiently, sticking close to the established formula. He knew exactly what the fanbase expected, even on a tighter budget. Much of the filming, like many Ernest productions, likely took place around Nashville, Tennessee, adding to that specific, grounded-yet-goofy Ernest aesthetic.
The basketball scenes themselves are… well, they're something. Forget the slick sports choreography of today. This is pure 90s family movie basketball – lots of slow-motion shots of Ernest defying gravity (thanks to his angelic assist), players mugging for the camera, and suspiciously easy baskets. It's less Hoosiers (1986) and more Air Bud (1997) before Air Bud. Supporting actors like Cylk Cozart as the team's straight man do their best to keep things anchored amidst Ernest's whirlwind antics. It's silly, predictable, and aimed squarely at a younger audience, but there's an undeniable sincerity to it.
### Hoops, Heaven, and Home Video
While critics at the time likely dismissed it (as they often did with Ernest), Slam Dunk Ernest found its audience on those video store shelves. It delivered exactly what it promised: 90 minutes of Jim Varney doing his thing, a recognizable sports star cameo, and a simple, feel-good story. It wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it was trying to keep the Ernest wheel spinning for the loyal fans. Watching it now evokes that specific mid-90s feeling – the slightly grainy picture, the straightforward storytelling, the earnestness (pun intended) of its execution. There’s a certain comfort in its predictability, a warmth in its silliness.
Was it peak Ernest? Probably not. The earlier theatrical releases had a bit more scale and perhaps slightly sharper gags. But as a direct-to-video offering, Slam Dunk Ernest holds a certain nostalgic charm. It’s a testament to Jim Varney’s unique comedic talent and the enduring, slightly baffling appeal of his most famous creation. It captures a moment when a character born from commercials could still command a dedicated following, even as the movie landscape was rapidly changing around him.
VHS Heaven Rating: 5/10
Justification: It's undeniably formulaic and shows its direct-to-video seams, lacking the polish of the earlier theatrical Ernest films. However, Jim Varney's energetic performance remains genuinely entertaining, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's presence is a fun novelty, and it delivers exactly the kind of goofy, harmless family comedy it sets out to be. It earns points for pure nostalgic comfort viewing for fans of the character.
Final Thought: Lacks the big-screen budget but not the big-hearted goofiness, Slam Dunk Ernest is a perfect example of late-era franchise fare finding its natural home on the welcoming shelves of the video store – flaws and all, knowhutimean?