Wow! Such a good movie.

Simply A Masterpiece

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Ernest P Worrell was my favorite comedian as a kid. He was just nutty, yet really lovable since you knew his heart was in the right place, and his humor was clean. This movie captures the spirit of not only summer camp but also a bit of Native American undercurrent as well. Brings back good memories of Boy Scouts every time I watch it. The way Ernest brings the Second Chancers around in their life and how Nurse St. Cloud chastises the boys for their behavior at one point really brings to light how much someone can care for you regardless of your behavior. Add that to some of Ernest's famous comic pratfalls, the respect for Native American culture and the sense of genuine lunacy (particularly in the final defense sequence) and you've got a winner that stands the test of time. RIP Ernest P. Worrell

He is an amazing guy in person..though I have not talked with him since 94 when I was living in Vegas he was proud of what he got to be. He's just a really nice person. When I was 14 I had to do an accapella star spangled banner for school talent show. He encouraged me to try. I did it even though my family did not attend. But he made me feel special. He patted my back and said I should be proud I did an awesome job. That was years ago but I still remember as though it was yesterday. He may have had secondary roles in the films but he was a number one actor in my heart. Thank you Mr. Schumacher. I will always remember your kindness and creativity. You star shines bright. I wish you would have acted more. It was something you loved. As do I.

When I was a kid, Ernest was the man. Even if he was not the typical "man," he was still someone I looked up to and laughed with and I saw someone that could entertain with a heart.Ernest Goes to Camp was a movie I finally got my hands on following my multiple views of (Part II) Ernest Saves Christmas and (Part III) Ernest Goes to Jail. Back in those days, movies weren't always readily available. Sadly, I wasn't as impressed back then with this outing when I already was in love with the improved sequels.In today's times, I'm still on the fence. I did have fun, and did laugh a lot with this romp of a camp counselor wannabe, but it wasn't as good as I remember his follow-ups to be.What is nice about the character Ernest, from the dearly departed Jim Varney, was how big his heart was and how well he could connect with children, even as an adult. Literally, despite the slapstickness of his act, he was a genius in his connection with the youth. At the time, I was part of that, and I will never forget him or his "Ernest." Ever.Poor, dysfunctional Ernest. He yearns to evolve from a maintenance/janitor at a summer camp to full-fledged Camp Counselor. The kids don't really respect him, the staff pities him and yet, his pure heart strives on.When the opportunity arises, he's assigned troubled kids and does all he can to lift their spirits while…running into objects, getting bit, providing poor advice and eating goo not fit for man. But, when the going gets tough, he leads the rascals against the big, bad man who wants to harvest the camp's land for profit.In all honesty, it may not be the best message to send to kids in the climax, but it's just for fun. And it is a lot of fun. Even some unintentional sexually explicit statements are made, but maybe I twisted those from my warped mind.I digress. I think this is great for young kids and adults who remember him from their childhood. And let me tell you: It's refreshing to see a wooded camp movie without a killer on the loose!

Maybe the Ernest movies had no cinematic value, but you have to accept them for what they are: pure, unadulterated fun. In this case, Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) is working at a summer camp, where some "second chance" kids have just arrived. Most of the movie is an excuse to have Ernest get into a series of embarrassing situations, but then he has to try and protect the camp from an unctuous developer (John Vernon).Like I said, you have to accept the Ernest movies, if only to watch him mess everything up all the time. He's like Gilligan: he always tries his best, but always manages to bungle things. It's quite certain that Jim Varney will be missed.