Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)
Release Date:
1990
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 21m
Synopsis:
Ernest Goes to Jail follows the misadventures of Ernest P. Worrell, a bumbling bank janitor who dreams of becoming a bank clerk. His life takes a wild turn when he is summoned for jury duty and ends up in a courtroom where a criminal mastermind, Felix Nash, is on trial. Due to an uncanny resemblance, Nash hatches a plan to switch places with Ernest, leading to a series of comedic events. Ernest finds himself in jail, while Nash takes over his life on the outside. As Ernest tries to navigate the challenges of prison life, he must also find a way to expose Nash's scheme and reclaim his identity. With the help of his friends, Ernest embarks on a mission to set things right, leading to a chaotic and entertaining showdown.
Ernest Goes to Jail, released in 1990, is a comedy film that falls under the genre of slapstick humor, making it a movie for kids. The film is generally light-hearted and filled with the kind of physical comedy that appeals to younger audiences. Most parents find it entertaining and harmless, though some are split on its educational value, noting that it primarily serves as a fun, silly escape rather than a source of meaningful lessons.
Why Kids Should Watch Ernest Goes to Jail
The movie's strengths lie in its humor and the positive messages it subtly conveys.
- Promotes the idea of perseverance and staying true to oneself.
- Features a memorable scene where Ernest's clumsiness leads to unexpected heroism.
- Offers visual gags and slapstick humor that kids find amusing.
- Showcases the importance of friendship and loyalty.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Ernest Goes to Jail
Some parents express concerns about the film's lack of educational content and occasional chaotic scenes.
- May confuse younger viewers with its exaggerated comedic violence.
- Includes scenes where characters engage in risky behavior without clear consequences.
- Some visual elements might be too intense or chaotic for very young children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its lack of educational content.
What Parents Should Know About Ernest Goes to Jail
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ernest's determination and loyalty to his friends are positive traits that children can emulate. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's comedic violence and chaotic scenes might require parental guidance to explain the humor. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | While some risky behaviors are shown, they are often resolved humorously without clear consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Ernest's interactions with his friends highlight the importance of teamwork and loyalty. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about staying true to oneself and the value of friendship, delivered through Ernest's adventures. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Ernest Goes to Jail is praised for its humor and light-heartedness, making it a fun watch for kids who enjoy slapstick comedy. While it may not offer deep educational content, its positive messages about friendship and perseverance are appreciated. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the comedic elements and ensuring children understand the difference between real-life consequences and on-screen antics. For those seeking more educational content, alternatives like "The Sandlot" or "Home Alone" might be considered.
Official Ernest Goes to Jail Trailer
Ernest Goes to Jail, released in 1990, is a comedy film that falls under the genre of slapstick humor, making it a movie for kids. The film is generally light-hearted and filled with the kind of physical comedy that appeals to younger audiences. Most parents find it entertaining and harmless, though some are split on its educational value, noting that it primarily serves as a fun, silly escape rather than a source of meaningful lessons.
Why Kids Should Watch Ernest Goes to Jail
The movie's strengths lie in its humor and the positive messages it subtly conveys.
- Promotes the idea of perseverance and staying true to oneself.
- Features a memorable scene where Ernest's clumsiness leads to unexpected heroism.
- Offers visual gags and slapstick humor that kids find amusing.
- Showcases the importance of friendship and loyalty.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Ernest Goes to Jail
Some parents express concerns about the film's lack of educational content and occasional chaotic scenes.
- May confuse younger viewers with its exaggerated comedic violence.
- Includes scenes where characters engage in risky behavior without clear consequences.
- Some visual elements might be too intense or chaotic for very young children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its lack of educational content.
What Parents Should Know About Ernest Goes to Jail
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ernest's determination and loyalty to his friends are positive traits that children can emulate. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film's comedic violence and chaotic scenes might require parental guidance to explain the humor. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | While some risky behaviors are shown, they are often resolved humorously without clear consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Ernest's interactions with his friends highlight the importance of teamwork and loyalty. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about staying true to oneself and the value of friendship, delivered through Ernest's adventures. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Ernest Goes to Jail is praised for its humor and light-heartedness, making it a fun watch for kids who enjoy slapstick comedy. While it may not offer deep educational content, its positive messages about friendship and perseverance are appreciated. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the comedic elements and ensuring children understand the difference between real-life consequences and on-screen antics. For those seeking more educational content, alternatives like "The Sandlot" or "Home Alone" might be considered.
Official Ernest Goes to Jail Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Ernest Goes to Jail
Ernest Goes to Jail's most common core values include Determination, Problem-solving, and Resilience. Throughout the movie, Ernest's determination is evident as he refuses to give up on proving his innocence despite the odds stacked against him. His problem-solving skills shine when he devises creative ways to navigate the challenges of prison life and outsmart the villain.
Resilience is a key theme as Ernest bounces back from setbacks, showing kids the importance of not giving up even when things seem tough. For example, when faced with a seemingly impossible situation, Ernest's ability to think on his feet and adapt to his surroundings demonstrates these core values in action, teaching children the importance of perseverance and creativity in overcoming obstacles.
Other Core Values Explored: Bravery | Courage | Doing the right thing | Friendship | Perseverance | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Ernest Goes to Jail
Believing in Yourself: In Ernest Goes to Jail, kids learn the importance of believing in themselves through Ernest's journey. Despite his clumsy nature, Ernest never doubts his ability to overcome the challenges he faces. His unwavering self-belief helps him navigate the tricky situations he finds himself in, teaching children that confidence in oneself is key to tackling life's obstacles.
Doing What’s Right: The movie emphasizes the importance of doing what's right, even when it's difficult. Ernest's determination to expose the truth and clear his name shows kids that standing up for justice is crucial. His actions demonstrate that doing the right thing often requires courage and persistence, but it's always worth it in the end.
Finding Courage: Ernest's story is a great example of finding courage in unexpected places. Despite being thrown into a daunting situation, he musters the bravery to confront his fears and take action. This teaches children that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.
Never Giving Up: Ernest's relentless pursuit to reclaim his life highlights the lesson of never giving up. No matter how many setbacks he encounters, he remains determined to achieve his goal. This persistence shows kids that perseverance is essential, and that they should keep trying even when things seem impossible.
Supporting Your Friends: The movie also showcases the value of supporting your friends. Ernest relies on the help of his friends to navigate his challenges, illustrating the importance of teamwork and loyalty. Kids learn that having a strong support system can make a big difference in overcoming difficulties.
Other Lessons Learned: Solving Problems Creatively | Using Talents Responsibly
Why Kids Love Ernest Goes to Jail
Ernest Goes to Jail is a whirlwind of laughter and chaos that keeps kids on the edge of their seats. With its funny characters and silly jokes, the movie is a rollercoaster of slapstick comedy and outrageous stunts. Kids will giggle at the pranks and mishaps that Ernest, the lovable and clumsy hero, finds himself in. The film is filled with awkward situations and near misses that add to the hilarity. As Ernest navigates his topsy-turvy world, he makes unexpected friendships and learns the value of teamwork.
The movie's action-packed scenes and comedic twists make it a fun ride, as Ernest tries to outsmart the adults and fix the problems he encounters. With its blend of humor, adventure, and a touch of heroism, Ernest Goes to Jail is a delightful experience that captures the imagination and keeps kids entertained from start to finish.