Ernest Saves Christmas Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Ernest wreaks havoc on Santa’s retirement plans in Florida because nobody told Santa to use GPS to find his replacement.

🍿 Ernest Saves Christmas: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Santa’s Arrival and Urgent Mission

The film opens with Santa Claus arriving in Orlando, Florida, needing to find his successor. He intends to pass on the mantle to Joe Carruthers, a beloved children’s TV show host, as his own magic is fading. This sets the stage for a race against time to secure Christmas’s future.

Ernest’s Accidental Involvement

Ernest P. Worrell, a taxi driver with a heart of gold but a knack for chaos, unknowingly picks up Santa as a fare. Through a series of mishaps, Santa’s magic sack is left in Ernest’s care, thrusting him into the middle of Santa’s urgent mission. Ernest’s bumbling nature adds comedic energy to the quest.

Harmony’s Change of Heart

A runaway teenager named Harmony joins Ernest and Santa’s adventure. Initially, Harmony is self-serving and distrustful, but her experiences with Ernest and Santa lead her to rediscover the Christmas spirit and learn the importance of family and honesty. She plays a key role in helping Ernest save the day.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney): An enthusiastic but clumsy taxi driver who becomes Santa’s unlikely helper in finding a successor.
• Santa (Douglas Seale): An aging Santa Claus seeking a worthy successor to pass on his magical duties.
• Joe Carruthers (Oliver Clark): A kind children’s TV show host who is chosen to be Santa’s successor.
• Harmony (Noelle Parker): A runaway teenage girl who initially scams people, but eventually learns the importance of honesty and family with the help of Ernest and Santa.
• Marty Brock (Robert Lesser): Joe Carruthers’s money-driven agent who prioritizes profit over Joe’s well-being and the spirit of Christmas.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ernest P. Worrell: “Santa Claus. His name is Santa Claus! That’s it. Yuck it up. He happens to be a close, personal friend of mine.” – Ernest defends Santa’s identity when others laugh at the notion.
• Santa: “You see, being Santa Claus is more than just a job; it’s a calling. A gift.” – Santa explains the importance and the weight of the Santa Claus mantle.
• Ernest P. Worrell: “Knowhutimean?” – Ernest’s catchphrase, punctuating many of his sentences, especially when addressing the audience as ‘Vern’.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $28,202,109
• Worldwide Gross: $28,202,109

💥 Ernest Saves Christmas Reviews

Personal Review

I grew up on Ernest movies and *Ernest Saves Christmas* was always a holiday favorite. The slapstick is over the top, but Jim Varney’s energy is infectious. I still laugh at the scene where he’s trying to deliver the Christmas tree to Vern’s house and ends up destroying everything. The fact that he flies Santa’s sleigh is amazing. It’s pure, silly fun that brings back great memories, and puts me in the Christmas spirit.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a lighthearted Christmas movie”
  • “Fans of Jim Varney and the Ernest P. Worrell character”
  • “Those who enjoy slapstick comedy”
  • “Viewers who appreciate heartwarming holiday stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some slapstick violence and cartoonish mayhem”
  • “Brief scenes of mild peril”
  • “Potentially outdated humor for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Entertainment Weekly: “Varney’s brand of slapstick is an acquired taste, but *Ernest Saves Christmas* has a certain charm that’s hard to deny. While predictable, it’s a feel-good holiday flick.
• Common Sense Media: “Silly humor abounds in this Christmas movie. Ernest is a lovable goofball for kids, but adults might find him grating. A good choice for family movie night if you’re looking for something light and harmless.
• AllMovie: “Likable as Varney is, *Ernest Saves Christmas* is just a predictable slapstick comedy with a thin plot. Kids will enjoy the antics, but don’t expect a Christmas classic.

Audience Reactions

Jim Varney’s physical comedy and improvisational skills.: People love the nostalgic charm and humor.

Douglas Seale’s portrayal of Santa is heartwarming and delightful.: Santa Claus is so good as the character.

Overall Consensus: A cheesy, heartwarming Christmas comedy that’s perfect for kids and those who appreciate Jim Varney’s unique brand of humor.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Cherry, the director of this movie and of most of the other Ernest movies, considered this to be the best of the Ernest films.”
• “Several scenes were filmed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, adding to the movie’s festive atmosphere.”
• “The opening credits feature a collage of Christmas carols, creating a delightful holiday mood from the start.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ernest Saves Christmas?

Ernest Saves Christmas can be streamed on platforms like Disney+ during the holiday season, and rented or purchased on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability and special offers around Christmas time. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ernest Saves Christmas, you might like these similar films:

• Elf (2003): Shares the comedic spirit of Christmas and a heartwarming story of believing in the magic of Christmas.
• The Santa Clause (1994): Explores the passing of the Santa Claus mantle and the responsibilities that come with it.
• Miracle on 34th Street (1947): Features a department store Santa trying to prove he is the real deal.
• Jingle All The Way (1996): Comedy about a father desperately trying to get a popular action figure for his son on Christmas Eve.

🛒 Ernest Saves Christmas Related Products

• Ernest P. Worrell Bobblehead: A limited-edition bobblehead featuring Ernest in his taxi driver outfit. A must-have for any die-hard fan.
• Ernest Saves Christmas – Digital Download: High-definition digital version of the movie for instant viewing. Enjoy Ernest’s antics anytime, anywhere.
• Ernest ‘Knowhutimean?’ T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring Ernest’s famous catchphrase. Show off your love for the character with pride.
• Ernest Saves Christmas – Blu-Ray Collector’s Edition: Includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and deleted scenes. A treasure trove for fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ernest Saves Christmas features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Deck the Halls” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988) | Almost Cult Classics

Ever wondered why ‘Ernest Saves Christmas’ is so beloved? This video breaks down the film’s charm and cult classic appeal. It’s a fun watch that’ll give you a whole new appreciation for Ernest’s antics!

Ernest Saves Christmas – Filming Locations – 24 years later

Want to see what the filming locations of ‘Ernest Saves Christmas’ look like today? This video revisits those spots and compares them to scenes from the movie. It’s pretty cool to see how much (or how little) things have changed!

Ernest Saves Christmas At Vern’s House

Need a quick dose of Ernest? This montage features all the best moments at Vern’s house, guaranteed to make you laugh. It’s the perfect way to relive the movie’s funniest scenes!

✨ Rate