Ernest Movies - A Look At Jim Varney's Classic Character
For many of us, the name Ernest P. Worrell brings a smile, doesn't it? That, is that character, with his rather distinctive way of speaking and a knack for getting into all sorts of scrapes, really left a mark on our memories. He was, you know, a lovable figure who seemed to stumble through life's little challenges with a good heart and a funny way of seeing things. This collection of movies, starring the one and only Jim Varney, holds a pretty special spot for a lot of people who grew up laughing at his antics.
You see, the whole story of Ernest P. Worrell began, more or less, as something quite small. He first popped up in local television ads back in 1980, a creation of the talented Jim Varney himself. From those humble beginnings, this very unique fellow grew to become a household name, eventually appearing in a television series and, of course, nine feature films. His famous saying, "knowhutimean?", became something people would say to each other, a bit of a shared joke, and his surprising ability to bounce back from harm was, frankly, a big part of his appeal.
These pictures, the Ernest movies, truly show a kind of simple, honest growth and plenty of laughs. They mix a lot of silly, physical comedy with some pretty heartfelt stories, which made them fun for people of all ages to watch. We’re going to take a closer look at these films, seeing how they unfolded, what made them so popular, and what kind of lasting impression they made on popular culture, too it's almost.
Table of Contents
- Jim Varney – The Man Behind the Laughter
- What Makes the Ernest Movies So Memorable?
- The Start of the Ernest Movies – From Ads to Features
- How Many Ernest Movies Are There, and Do They Tell a Story?
- Exploring the Ernest Movies – Themes and Adventures
- Which Ernest Movies Are Considered the Best and Worst?
- The Legacy of Ernest Movies – A Pop Culture Icon
- Specific Ernest Movies – A Glimpse into the Fun
Jim Varney – The Man Behind the Laughter
The person who brought Ernest P. Worrell to life was, in fact, Jim Varney. He was a Kentucky native, a really famous name for many reasons, including his connection to this particular character. Varney had a way of performing that just drew people in, making Ernest feel very real and relatable, even with all his silly antics. He had a gift for physical comedy and a voice that was just right for the part, which, you know, made Ernest truly unforgettable.
It's interesting to think about how one person could create such a lasting character, too it's almost. Jim Varney's portrayal of Ernest wasn't just about being funny; there was a certain warmth to the character that made you root for him, even when he was making a mess of things. He managed to give Ernest a kind of innocent charm, which, in some respects, is why so many people still remember him with fondness today. This performer's work extended beyond just the movies, reaching into television and commercials, cementing Ernest's place in popular memory.
Here are a few personal details about Jim Varney, the actor who gave us Ernest:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Famous For | Portraying Ernest P. Worrell |
| Origin | Kentucky, USA |
| Character Creation Year | 1980 |
| Number of Feature Films | Nine |
| Other Appearances | Local TV ads, TV series |
What Makes the Ernest Movies So Memorable?
So, what exactly is it about the Ernest movies that sticks with people? Well, for one thing, it's pretty much all about the character himself, Ernest P. Worrell. He's this lovable, you know, kind of clumsy person who, despite his best intentions, often finds himself in rather funny predicaments. His unique way of speaking, especially that famous line, "knowhutimean?", became a signature part of his appeal. It was a simple phrase, but it really captured his easygoing, conversational style, which people seemed to connect with.
Then there's his surprising ability to bounce back from, well, pretty much anything. Ernest would get into all sorts of scrapes, facing harm that would make anyone else give up, but he always, more or less, kept going. This resilience, combined with the often slapstick comedy, made for some truly memorable moments. You could count on Ernest to try his hardest, even if his efforts usually resulted in some kind of humorous chaos. This blend of physical gags and a bit of heart is, in fact, what made the films so endearing to many.
The humor in these films, too it's almost, often came from Ernest's perspective on the world. He was a simple fellow, a bit of a dreamer, and his reactions to unusual situations were always, you know, genuinely funny. Whether he was trying to be a hero or just trying to get through his day, his earnest (no pun intended) efforts to do good, even if they went sideways, made him a character you couldn't help but like. That, is that core appeal, a good-natured person trying his best, really helped the Ernest movies stand out.
The Start of the Ernest Movies – From Ads to Features
The story of Ernest P. Worrell, and by extension, the Ernest movies, has a rather interesting beginning. This character, as a matter of fact, didn't start on the big screen at all. He first came to life in 1980, created by Jim Varney, for local television commercials. These were short, often quirky advertisements that used Ernest's unique personality to sell all sorts of things, from milk to car services. His appearances in these ads were, you know, quite popular, and people started to really take notice of this funny fellow.
Because of this popularity, the idea grew to bring Ernest to a bigger audience. What began as brief, funny spots on TV, you know, gradually expanded. The character's charm and Varney's performance were such a hit that it made sense to see if Ernest could carry a longer story. This transition from short commercial segments to full-length films was, in some respects, a pretty big step, showing just how much people enjoyed his particular brand of humor and his simple, good-hearted nature.
So, from those early, small-screen appearances, Ernest P. Worrell found his way into feature films. This progression allowed for more detailed stories and bigger adventures for the character, while still keeping that familiar, friendly tone that people had come to love. It's a pretty cool example of how a character can grow from a simple idea into something much larger, all thanks to a connection with the audience, and, you know, a very talented actor bringing him to life.
How Many Ernest Movies Are There, and Do They Tell a Story?
When you think about the Ernest movies, you might wonder just how many there are, and if they all connect in some way. Well, there are nine feature films that star Jim Varney as Ernest P. Worrell. This collection, in a way, gives you quite a bit to watch, offering many hours of his particular brand of humor and adventure. Each film, you know, presents a new situation for Ernest to bumble through, usually with the best of intentions.
The good news is that the release order of these Ernest movies generally aligns with how Ernest's story progresses. This means that if you watch them in the order they came out, you'll get a sense of the character's evolution and how the whole film series developed over time. It's not a super complex, you know, deeply interconnected saga, but you do see Ernest in different roles and facing new challenges, which, in some respects, shows his growth as a person.
You get to follow Ernest's journey, which, in fact, changes quite a bit from one movie to the next. He starts out, for example, as a camp counselor, and later on, you see him even become an army enlistee. This chronological approach, pretty much, lets you see how the character adapts to various situations, always bringing his unique perspective to whatever job or adventure he finds himself in. It’s a simple way to track his path through the film series, offering a bit of insight into the overall development of the films and the character, too it's almost.
Exploring the Ernest Movies – Themes and Adventures
The Ernest movies, you know, cover a wide range of themes and adventures, which is part of what makes them so engaging for people of all ages. Ernest, as a character, is often a janitor by trade, but he finds himself in all sorts of different professions and situations. Each new role brings its own set of challenges and, naturally, plenty of funny scenarios. This variety keeps things fresh, allowing the films to explore different settings and ideas.
For example, you see Ernest take on the role of a summer camp handyman, where he, you know, dreams of becoming a guidance counselor. This particular setting, as a matter of fact, lets the film explore themes of inspiration and responsibility, as he tries to motivate a group of young people. He also, in a way, has to stop a shady strip mining company from closing the camp, which adds a bit of environmental adventure to the mix. These stories are pretty much always about Ernest trying to do good, even if he's not always the most graceful at it.
Other films in the Ernest movies series touch on things like education, sports, and teamwork. You might find him trying to get a high school diploma as a school maintenance man, or perhaps involved in some kind of sporting event. The underlying message is often about believing in yourself and working together, even when things seem a bit hopeless. These adventures, you know, are always filled with his signature slapstick and a good dose of heartfelt storytelling, making them more than just simple comedies.
Which Ernest Movies Are Considered the Best and Worst?
When it comes to the Ernest movies, like any long-running film series, people tend to have their favorites, and some they might not enjoy as much. You can, for instance, find out which movies are generally thought of as the best and worst by looking at reviews from places like Rotten Tomatoes. These kinds of sites collect opinions from many different viewers and critics, giving you a general idea of how the films were received. It's a way to see, you know, what resonated most with audiences and what perhaps fell a little flat.
For example, "Ernest Saves Christmas," which came out in 1988, is often considered a real bright spot among the Ernest movies. Directed by John Cherry, and starring the very iconic Jim Varney, it's a delightful American Christmas comedy. This film, you know, was the third one to feature Ernest, and it seems to have captured a lot of people's hearts with its festive spirit and Ernest's good intentions. It's often praised for its charm and humor, making it a favorite for many during the holiday season.
On the other hand, some of the later Ernest movies might not have received quite the same level of praise. While the original text mentions a ranking of "best to worst," it doesn't give specific titles for the lowest-rated ones. However, typically, as film series go on, sometimes the later entries don't quite hit the mark in the same way the earlier, more fresh ones did. But, you know, even the ones that weren't as highly rated still offered that unique Ernest P. Worrell experience, which for many fans, was enough to keep watching, pretty much.
The Legacy of Ernest Movies – A Pop Culture Icon
The Ernest movies, and the character of Ernest P. Worrell himself, really became a pop culture icon. His face, his voice, and that particular catchphrase, "knowhutimean?", were everywhere for a while. This kind of widespread recognition doesn't just happen; it means the character connected with a lot of people on a rather deep level. He was, in a way, a reflection of the everyday person, someone who tries hard and means well, even if they're a bit clumsy.
The creation, the popularity, and the lasting impression of Ernest P. Worrell are, frankly, quite significant. What started as a local advertising gimmick grew into a media phenomenon that spanned films, television, and, you know, general public awareness. It's a testament to Jim Varney's talent and the simple, relatable nature of the character that he managed to stay in people's minds for so long. He wasn't a superhero or a super spy; he was just Ernest, and that was enough.
The cultural significance of this character goes beyond just being funny. Ernest represented a certain kind of innocent, good-hearted spirit that many people appreciated. His resilience to harm and his optimistic outlook, even when facing crazy situations, gave him a kind of enduring appeal. So, basically, even years later, the mention of Ernest P. Worrell still brings a sense of nostalgia and a smile to many faces, showing just how much of a mark he made, you know, on popular culture.
Specific Ernest Movies – A Glimpse into the Fun
Let's take a quick look at a few of the specific Ernest movies to get a better feel for the kinds of adventures Ernest P. Worrell got himself into. These films, you know, each offered a different setting and a new set of challenges for our lovable hero. They really showcase the range of stories that could be told with this very unique character at the center.
- Ernest Goes to Camp: This film is, in some respects, where many people first got to know Ernest on the big screen. Here, he's a summer camp handyman, and he's got this dream of becoming a guidance counselor. He's tasked with trying to inspire a group of young people who are, you know, a bit mischievous. On top of that, he has to try and stop a shady strip mining company from shutting down the camp entirely. It's a classic setup for Ernest's brand of helpful, yet often chaotic, efforts.
- Ernest Saves Christmas (1988): As mentioned earlier, this one is often a favorite. Directed by John Cherry and starring Jim Varney, it's a delightful Christmas comedy. Ernest, in this one, gets caught up in helping Santa Claus himself, which, you know, leads to all sorts of festive mishaps and heartwarming moments. It really captures the spirit of the season with Ernest's good nature leading the way.
- Ernest Scared Stupid: This movie takes a turn into the supernatural, which, you know, is a bit different for Ernest. In this story, Ernest accidentally releases an ugly troll from its sacred tomb. This creature, as a matter of fact, has a rather creepy plan: to transform children into wooden dolls in the town of Briarville, Missouri. It's a pretty wild adventure, full of spooky elements mixed with Ernest's usual comedic reactions to danger.
- Ernest in the Army (1998): Here, Ernest, played by Jim Varney, finds himself as an army enlistee. The film runs about 85 minutes and features other performers like Linda Kash, Bill Byrge, and Jason Michas. It's a different kind of setting for Ernest, putting him into a more structured, yet still very funny, environment where his unique personality can, you know, really shine through.
- Ernest Goes to School: In this one, Ernest P. Worrell returns as a school maintenance man. His goal here is to obtain a high school diploma, which, you know, sounds simple enough for most, but for Ernest, it becomes a whole new adventure. It's another example of him trying to better himself, leading to all sorts of funny situations within the school setting.
The Ernest movies, featuring Jim Varney as the lovable and bumbling character Ernest P. Worrell, explore his journey from local TV ads to nine feature films and a TV series, showcasing his unique humor, catchphrase "knowhutimean?", and resilience to harm. These films blend slapstick comedy with heartfelt storytelling, following Ernest's varied adventures from camp counselor to army enlistee, and addressing themes like adventure, education, sports, and teamwork. The article also touches on the character's creation, popularity, and legacy as a pop culture icon, including mentions of specific films like "Ernest Saves Christmas" and "Ernest Scared Stupid."
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Ranking the Ernest Movies - HubPages
Ranking the Ernest Movies - HubPages
Ernest Goes to Jail DVD Release Date
