Ernest Scared Stupid Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dim-witted sanitation worker accidentally releases an evil troll who turns kids into living dolls until Ernest realizes the power of love…and dairy products.

🍿 Ernest Scared Stupid: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Troll’s Ancient Curse

In Briarville, Missouri, during the late 19th century, a menacing troll named Trantor is captured by the townspeople and sealed beneath an oak tree. Before his imprisonment, Trantor places a curse, foretelling his release on Halloween night by a member of the Worrell family, whose descendants will grow progressively dumber.

Ernest’s Unintentional Release

Centuries later, Ernest P. Worrell, a well-meaning but clumsy sanitation worker, assists some kids in building a treehouse. Unknowingly, they choose the very tree sealing Trantor. During his antics, Ernest mistakenly recites the incantation, freeing Trantor from his prison. Trantor’s goal is to transform children into wooden dolls to resurrect his troll army.

The Town’s Disbelief

As children begin disappearing, Ernest tries to warn the town, but his claims are dismissed. He teams up with Old Lady Hackmore, an eccentric local who knows about Trantor, and a group of kids to stop the troll. They learn that “the heart of a child and a mother’s care” are key to defeating the troll.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney): A well-meaning but dim-witted sanitation worker who accidentally unleashes an evil troll.
• Trantor (Jonas Moscartolo): An evil troll seeking to transform children into wooden dolls to resurrect his troll army.
• Kenny Binder (Austin Nagler): A resourceful middle-schooler who becomes instrumental in the fight against the trolls.
• Old Lady Hackmore (Eartha Kitt): An eccentric, knowledgeable woman who warns Ernest about the troll’s curse and provides vital information.
• Tom Tulip (John Cadenhead): A scheming shopkeeper who tries to profit from Ernest’s predicament by selling fake troll traps.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ernest P. Worrell: “How ’bout a bumper sandwich, Boogerlips?” – Ernest says this as a taunt to Trantor, the troll, during their confrontation.
• Ernest P. Worrell: “Miak? EAT MIAK AND DIE!” – Ernest tries to use Bulgarian yogurt named ‘Miak’ to defeat the troll, misinterpreting the clue about needing ‘milk’.
• Old Lady Hackmore: “They’re trolls, Ernest! They’re after the children!” – Old Lady Hackmore dramatically warns Ernest about the impending danger posed by the trolls.
• Ernest P. Worrell: “Knowhutimean?” – Ernest’s catchphrase, used frequently throughout the film to punctuate his statements and engage the audience.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9.6M
• Domestic Gross: $14.1M
• Worldwide Gross: $14.1M

💥 Ernest Scared Stupid Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this every Halloween as a kid! Sure, it’s cheesy and the troll is kinda creepy, but Jim Varney’s Ernest is just so lovable. The scene where he’s trying to figure out what ‘Miak’ is still cracks me up. It takes me back to a simpler time. I think the ending with all the milk is just so funny! If you need a silly movie, this is for you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jim Varney”
  • “Families looking for a light-hearted Halloween movie”
  • “Those who enjoy slapstick comedy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild horror elements (troll makeup and scary scenes)”
  • “Some slapstick violence”
  • “Potentially frightening for very young children”

Professional Reviews

• Common Sense Media: “While it’s aimed at kids, the scares might be too intense for younger viewers. Ernest’s antics are over-the-top, but if you’re a fan, you’ll find some laughs. It’s a decent Halloween flick for older kids who enjoy silly horror.
• AllMovie: “Another entry in the Ernest series that offers slapstick and silly jokes with a Halloween theme. Jim Varney fully commits to his role, but the film relies heavily on predictable gags. It is not a film that I would highly recommend.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers found the troll surprisingly scary for a kids’ movie.: Fans appreciate the nostalgia and Jim Varney’s comedic performance.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing film; loved by those who grew up with Ernest, but seen as too silly or scary by others.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The opening credits feature clips from public domain horror movies, with Ernest reacting to them for comedic effect.”
• “The troll makeup and creature effects were created by the Chiodo Brothers, who also worked on ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’.”
• “Jim Varney ad-libbed many of Ernest’s lines and mannerisms, adding to the character’s unique comedic style.”
• “The film’s plot incorporates elements of folklore and classic monster movies, blending horror and comedy for a family-friendly experience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ernest Scared Stupid?

As of October 2024, “Ernest Scared Stupid” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these platforms for current pricing and availability. You can often find it as part of a bundle with other “Ernest” movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ernest Scared Stupid, you might like these similar films:

• Gremlins (1984): Both films blend horror and comedy, featuring monstrous creatures wreaking havoc on a small town.
• Goosebumps (2015): A group of kids teams up to fight monsters unleashed from books, similar to the kids battling trolls.
• Monster Squad (1987): A group of monster-obsessed kids face off against classic movie monsters in a comedic and action-packed adventure.
• Ernest Goes to Camp (1987): This is another Ernest movie with over-the-top comedy with Ernest’s signature slapstick style.

🛒 Ernest Scared Stupid Related Products

• Ernest P. Worrell ‘Know What I Mean?’ T-Shirt: Show your love for Ernest with this classic catchphrase tee, perfect for fans of Jim Varney’s iconic character. Made of comfortable, breathable material.
• Ernest Scared Stupid Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the film’s playful horror vibe. A great addition to any fan’s collection or home theater.
• Ernest Scared Stupid (Blu-ray): Own the physical media of Ernest Scared Stupid so you can watch it forever and always. This is the family-fun entertainment you know and love.
• Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Limited Edition Blu-Ray): Enjoy Killer Klowns from Outer Space, from the same creators of the trolls in Ernest Scared Stupid, with the Chiodo Brothers!

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Hallelujah Chorus” – performed by George Frideric Handel
• “Ernest Scared Stupid Theme” – performed by Bruce Arnston & Kirby Shelstad

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ernest Scared Stupid review

Curious what others thought of Ernest Scared Stupid? This review has a whopping 2.4 million views, so it’s definitely worth checking out to see if you agree with the reviewer’s take!

Robin Williams Meets Ernest P. Worrell!? (MUST SEE, RARE – 1989)

Ever wondered what it would be like if Ernest met Robin Williams? This rare backstage footage from 1989 shows Jim Varney and Robin Williams riffing off each other – it’s pure comedic gold!

Ernest Goes To Heaven: The Jim Varney Story #rip #teaser

Want to learn more about the man behind Ernest P. Worrell? This teaser hints at a documentary about Jim Varney’s life and career – definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of the character!

Ernest Scared Stupid – It’s Not THAT Bad – A 30th Anniversary Retrospective

Think Ernest Scared Stupid is just another silly kids’ movie? This 30th-anniversary retrospective argues why it’s actually better than you remember! Prepare to have your mind changed.

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