Ernest in the Army (1998)
Synopsis:
Ernest in the Army follows the adventures of Ernest P. Worrell, a lovable but bumbling character who decides to join the Army Reserves. Despite his lack of military experience, Ernest finds himself in the middle of a mission in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Karifistan. Tasked with driving a big rig, Ernest inadvertently becomes involved in a conflict when he stumbles upon a plot involving a dictator and a secret weapon. Alongside his fellow soldiers, Ernest navigates a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings as he tries to complete his mission. The film is filled with slapstick humor and light-hearted antics as Ernest attempts to save the day in his own unique way.
Where To Watch: Ernest in the Army
Parental Feedback
"Ernest in the Army" is a comedy film released in 1998, featuring the character Ernest P. Worrell, known for his slapstick humor and lighthearted antics. This movie is intended for kids, with a PG rating, and generally offers a fun and silly experience that many parents find suitable for younger audiences. While some reviews suggest mixed feelings about the film's humor and plot, it remains a nostalgic choice for those familiar with the Ernest series.
Why Kids Should Watch Ernest in the Army
The movie's strengths lie in its comedic approach and positive messages.
- Promotes the value of friendship and teamwork.
- Ernest's character consistently shows kindness and a willingness to help others.
- Features colorful and engaging visuals that capture kids' attention.
- Offers a lighthearted escape with plenty of laughs.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Ernest in the Army
Some parents express concerns about the film's simplistic humor and lack of depth.
- May present a simplistic view of military life that lacks realism.
- Contains slapstick humor that might not appeal to all children.
- Some scenes may be confusing without parental context.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the film's simplistic humor and lack of depth.
What Parents Should Know About Ernest in the Army
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ernest consistently helps his friends and shows kindness, modeling positive social behavior. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Some scenes involving military settings may require parental guidance to explain context. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Ernest's mistakes often lead to humorous consequences, reinforcing the idea of learning from errors. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as Ernest collaborates with others to solve problems. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the importance of friendship and helping others in need. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
"Ernest in the Army" is appreciated for its comedic value and the positive messages it conveys about friendship and teamwork. While some parents feel the humor is too simplistic, others enjoy the nostalgic charm of the Ernest character. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by providing context for certain scenes. For those seeking similar family-friendly comedies, other Ernest films or classic slapstick comedies may be worth exploring.
Official Ernest in the Army Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Ernest in the Army
Ernest in the Army's most common core values include Bravery, Teamwork, and Perseverance. Kids can see how these values are important as they watch Ernest, a character who may not be the typical hero, step up to face big challenges. Even though he doesn't have any military experience, Ernest's bravery shines through when he decides to join the Army and tries his best to help his new team. His journey shows kids that even when things seem tough or scary, working together and not giving up can make all the difference.
One moment that shows these values is when Ernest finds himself in the middle of a tricky situation involving a dictator and a secret weapon. Despite not knowing what to do at first, Ernest teams up with his fellow soldiers to figure it out. They all work together, each using their unique skills to help and support one another. This teamwork helps them get through the mission. Ernest never gives up, even when the odds are against him, demonstrating perseverance. Watching Ernest's courage and how he leans on his friends can inspire kids to do the same when facing their own challenges.
Other Core Values Explored: Courage | Friendship | Helping others | Leadership
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Ernest in the Army
Believing in Yourself: Ernest continually demonstrates the importance of believing in yourself, even when you might feel overwhelmed. His lack of military experience doesn't stop him from trying his best, highlighting that confidence can help overcome obstacles.
Learning from Mistakes: Throughout the movie, Ernest makes a series of blunders, yet each mistake offers him a learning opportunity. This shows kids how important it is to reflect on errors and improve with each experience.
Doing What’s Right: Ernest often finds himself at moral crossroads, and his decisions emphasize the importance of doing the right thing. Despite the comedic turns, his mission is guided by a sense of justice and integrity.
Supporting Your Friends: The camaraderie Ernest builds with his fellow soldiers underlines the importance of helping and supporting friends. Their shared experiences deepen their bond and show cooperation's role in overcoming challenges.
Finding Courage: Ernest's unexpected bravery in tricky situations inspires a message of finding courage within oneself, reminding viewers that bravery doesn't mean the absence of fear but pressing on despite it.
Other Lessons Learned: Never Giving Up | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love Ernest in the Army
Ernest in the Army is a whirlwind of hilarious antics and unexpected twists. Kids are swept into Ernest's playful world filled with silly jokes, slapstick comedy, and awkward situations that keep them on the edge of their seats, laughing all the way. Ernest's antics, whether he's donning funny disguises or getting slimed, create a fun-filled chaos that kids can't resist. The outrageous stunts and pranks add an extra layer of excitement, making every scene unpredictable and entertaining. With each mishap, Ernest finds himself on wacky adventures that take him to surprising places, keeping kids curious and eager to see what crazy thing happens next.
The movie's plot is a tapestry of comedic mishaps and laugh-out-loud moments. As Ernest embarks on his journey, he gets entangled in a wild mission where being quick on his feet and teaming up lead to all sorts of funny scenarios. Kids marvel at how Ernest and his friends navigate these sticky situations, turning potential near-misses into outrageous successes. His attempts to solve problems often lead to hilarious consequences, turning serious situations into moments of humor and fun. Teamwork wins the day, and kids love watching the team’s unique mix of talents come together in the most unexpected ways, proving that even the most unlikely heroes can make a big impact.