Ernest Goes to School

Ernest Goes to School is a delightful family comedy from 1994 that stars two-time Daytime Emmy award winner, Jim Varney whose comedic timing and versatile acting have endeared him to many comedy enthusiasts. He shares the screen with talented actors Linda Kash and Bill Byrge, whose performances significantly add to the charm and vibrancy of the plot. In the film, Varney plays the character Ernest P. Worrell, a well-intentioned but bumbling school custodian, in another installment of Disney’s popular "Ernest" series.

The movie is set in Chickasaw Falls, where Ernest works as a school maintenance man at the local high school. He's a beloved, if a bit hapless and bumbling figure, known for his unconventional approaches to handling the tasks at hand. He takes pride in maintaining the school, considers the staff and students as his extended family, and proves that valuable lessons can be learned outside the classroom. With the school's budget cuts posing a threat to Ernest's employment, the school board decides to save the institution by reinforcing the law that all employees must have their high school diplomas.

The glitch occurs when it is discovered that our dear Ernest doesn't have his high school diploma, thus putting him in a precarious situation. This sets the scene for an entertaining journey as Ernest—who is more familiar with fixing school infrastructures than sitting in a classroom—struggles to bridge the gap between his reality and these newly introduced academic demands. He's determined to keep his job and goes back to high school to earn his diploma. What follows is a string of hilarious misadventures that capture Ernest's audacious attempts to blend into student life and scholarly endeavors.

The concept of having an adult return to school is an inherent comedic trope, but the creators of Ernest Goes to School artfully use it to their advantage to create a series of funny scenarios. Varney’s natural comedic timing and slapstick delivery make him perfect as the likable Ernest, whose naivety and innocence keep audiences rooting for him throughout his academic journey.

Linda Kash plays the character Gerta, a science teacher at Ernest's school. She gets her own subplot filled with scientific experiments that get entangled with Ernest's endeavors. Her character portrayal brings an element of intrigue and comedy to the narrative, also making her eccentric scientist character a memorable part of the movie.

Bill Byrge plays the role of Ernest’s best friend and confidant, Bobby. Byrge's chemistry with Varney is enjoyable, as their characters support and complement each other. The scenes between Ernest and Bobby offer some great buddy moments, and their friendship forms the emotional core of the movie.

Director Coke Sams efficiently uses the school setting, allowing for classroom hijinx, cheeky pranks, and witty exchanges that contribute to the comedic brilliance of the movie. Despite its inherent humor, the movie also delves into themes of perseverance, self-realization, and the importance of education.

Ernest Goes to School is ultimately a charming, feel-good comedy that houses a parade of laughs within a heartfelt narrative. Its child-like innocence and wholesome humor make it a suitable choice for a family movie night, while its underlying message about the importance of education and belief in oneself will resonate with viewers of all ages. It reiterates the fact that everyone can learn, irrespective of age, and that determination and hard work can help overcome any obstacles.

All in all, Ernest Goes to School is a movie that champions the underdog, laughs at life's absurdities, and reminds everyone of the importance of not giving up. Varney's endearing performance, coupled with the consistent comedic undertones, adds to the overall appeal of the film. Whether you're a fan of the "Ernest" series or simply enjoy watching a light-hearted comedy, Ernest Goes to School is certainly a movie worth investing your time in.