Ernest Goes to Jail Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Ernest gets mistaken for a criminal look-alike, goes to jail, gets superpowers from electrocution, and then flies around like a goofball to save a bank, which is basically a Tuesday for Ernest.

🍿 Ernest Goes to Jail: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ernest’s Ordinary Life

Ernest P. Worrell is a well-meaning but clumsy janitor at a bank. He dreams of becoming a bank clerk and tries his best to impress his boss and coworker, Charlotte. His life is filled with comical mishaps, highlighting his chaotic but good-natured personality. His neighbor and friend Chuck works as a security guard at the bank, frequently showcasing silly and exaggerated security measures.

Jury Duty and Mistaken Identity

Ernest receives a summons for jury duty. During the trial, a criminal, Rubin Bartlett, notices Ernest’s striking resemblance to a notorious death row inmate, Felix Nash. A crooked lawyer arranges for Ernest and Nash to switch places during a jury visit to the prison. Nash is eager to escape, while Ernest is oblivious to the danger he’s stepping into.

Imprisoned and Electrocuted

Ernest finds himself in prison, mistaken for Nash, and facing the electric chair. Despite his pleas, the guards don’t believe him. Meanwhile, Nash assumes Ernest’s identity and job at the bank, plotting to rob it. During his execution, Ernest survives and develops the power to generate electricity, which he uses to escape.

Showdown at the Bank

Ernest returns to find Nash has transformed his home and is about to rob the bank. A confrontation ensues, and Nash attempts to kill Ernest by electrocution. This gives Ernest even more power, including the ability to fly. Ernest flies away with the bomb and explodes it in mid-air, saving the bank and its employees.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney): The bumbling bank janitor who is mistaken for a criminal and sent to jail, ultimately gaining superpowers.
• Felix Nash (Jim Varney): The ruthless criminal who switches places with Ernest to escape prison and rob a bank.
• Chuck (Gailard Sartain): The overweight and bumbling security guard at the bank, known for his harebrained security schemes.
• Charlotte Sparrow (Barbara Tyson): The kind-hearted assistant at the bank who has a soft spot for Ernest and his antics.
• Lyle (Randall ‘Tex’ Cobb): A tough but ultimately sympathetic inmate who helps Ernest escape from prison after realizing his good nature.
• Warden (Charles Napier): The strict and unsympathetic warden of the prison where Ernest is wrongly incarcerated.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ernest: “KnowhutImean?” – Ernest’s signature catchphrase, used frequently throughout the movie to punctuate his statements.
• Ernest: “I came, I saw, I got blowed up.” – Ernest’s exhausted declaration after foiling Nash’s bank robbery and surviving a massive explosion.
• Ernest: “I’ve been vandalized – by Elvis!” – Ernest’s reaction to Nash redecorating his house, replacing his quirky style with something completely different.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,029,569
• Worldwide Gross: $25,029,569

💥 Ernest Goes to Jail Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit it, I have a soft spot for Ernest. This movie is pure ridiculousness, but that’s the point! The scene with the runaway floor polisher still cracks me up every time. Seeing Ernest become ‘Electroman’ and fly around is peak comedic gold. It’s not high art, but it’s a fun, nostalgic trip back to my childhood. I would recommend this movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jim Varney and the Ernest P. Worrell character.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick and silly humor.”
  • “Families looking for lighthearted, nostalgic entertainment.”
  • “Those interested in 90s comedies.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Cartoonish violence and peril.”
  • “Mildly suggestive humor.”
  • “Brief scenes of implied threat.”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Ernest Goes to Jail delivers exactly what you expect: Jim Varney’s signature brand of slapstick and goofy humor. While not a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a fun, harmless romp perfect for a family movie night. The dual role performance is surprisingly effective.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A silly but harmless movie. Varney’s physical comedy is in full force, but the plot is thin and predictable. This movie thrives on its absurdity and Jim Varney’s energy makes it passably funny. Those seeking sophisticated humor need not apply.
• AllMovie: “A fun low-brow comedy, with enough sight gags and action to amuse the targeted smallfry audience. Comedian Jim Varney has the bumbling cornpone character down to a science. He’s a rubber-faced creation that is genuinely amusing.

Audience Reactions

Jim Varney’s performance as both Ernest and Mr. Nash is hilarious and showcases his comedic talent.: Viewers appreciate the movie’s clean humor and family-friendly entertainment.

The scene where Ernest becomes magnetized and everything sticks to him is a memorable highlight.: The movie’s slapstick and physical comedy appeal to a wide audience.

Overall Consensus: Ernest Goes to Jail is a lighthearted, goofy comedy that delivers on its promise of simple, family-friendly fun, making it a guilty pleasure for many.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jim Varney plays dual roles as Ernest P. Worrell and the villainous Felix Nash, showcasing his versatility as an actor.”
• “The movie features several scenes of slapstick comedy and physical humor, which were a trademark of the ‘Ernest’ film series.”
• “The film’s plot involves Ernest gaining superhuman powers after being electrocuted, a departure from the more grounded scenarios of earlier films.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ernest Goes to Jail?

As of today, you can rent or buy “Ernest Goes to Jail” on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television broadcast schedules, as it occasionally airs on cable networks. Availability may vary based on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ernest Goes to Jail, you might like these similar films:

• Ernest Goes to Camp (1987): Shares the same comedic tone and character-driven humor as ‘Ernest Goes to Jail,’ with Ernest causing chaos in a summer camp setting.
• Turner & Hooch (1989): Features a comedic character in an unusual situation, similar to Ernest in jail, with a mix of slapstick and heartwarming moments.
• Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985): Shares the same quirky, lighthearted humor with an eccentric protagonist, Pee-wee Herman, embarking on a bizarre adventure.
• Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009): Features a bumbling but well-meaning character who unexpectedly becomes a hero, similar to Ernest, in a comedic setting.

🛒 Ernest Goes to Jail Related Products

• Ernest Goes to Jail [Blu-ray]: A high-definition Blu-ray version of the movie, perfect for collectors and fans who want to experience Ernest’s jail escapades in the best possible quality. Includes bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Ernest P. Worrell ‘Knowhutimean?’ T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring Ernest’s famous catchphrase, ‘Knowhutimean?’ Show your love for the bumbling character with this wearable piece of nostalgia.
• Ernest Goes To Jail Poster: Decorate your room with a poster of Ernest Goes to Jail, a classic piece of memoriabilia.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Doin’ Time” – performed by Bruce Arntson

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ernest Goes to Jail – DisneyCember

Ever wondered if ‘Ernest Goes to Jail’ is *actually* good? The Nostalgia Critic dives deep into this 90s classic to see if it holds up. Honestly, I’m curious to see what he thinks—prepare for some laughs and maybe a few surprises!

Ernest Goes To Jail DELETED SCENE #2: ‘Getting In/Out of the Washer’

Did you know there were deleted scenes from ‘Ernest Goes to Jail’? This short clip shows Ernest struggling to get out of a washing machine, and it’s pure gold! I can’t believe they cut this, you have to see it!

Tree Climbing Shoes mpeg4

Remember that hilarious scene with the tree climbing shoes? This video brings back that classic Ernest moment! Seriously, this scene is comedy genius, I could watch it over and over!

✨ Rate