Y'all this is probably the hill I'm going to die on
Posted by Historical-Newt6809@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 502 comments
I have talked to multiple friends tonight who are all in their early to mid thirties and have never seen an Ernest movie. They don't know who Jim Varney is at all. I raised my kids on all The Ernest movies. I .. I don't know what to do....
TheJokersWild53@reddit
I only never saw the movies by choice. I was one of those people that got my fill of Jim Varney from the commercial he was in.
Confident_Dirt_1950@reddit
This is disheartening… might as well grow up without air to breathe!!
Scary-Ad9646@reddit
Slinky the Dog is the more relatable role for the millenials.
aroundincircles@reddit
Ernest Goes to Camp and Ernest Scared Stupid were two of my favorite movies as a kid. I still write Miak on shopping lists when we need milk, much to my wife's annoyance, though she does find herself saying "Miak" when we're out shopping.
Dude-from-the-80s@reddit
Best 2 Ernest movies. I taped Ernest goes to camp as a kid and rewatched over and over.
Local_Debate_8920@reddit
Earnest goes to jail is up there too.
Responsible_Ebb7108@reddit
Don’t forget Ernest Saves Christmas. Thats annual staple here
childerolaids@reddit
I remember thinking that girl (Melody?) was the absolute pinnacle of beauty, maturity, and coolness.
Neither-Mycologist77@reddit
Harmony Star!
Toblogan@reddit
I wait all year long for Mr. Santos!
Canadatron@reddit
Saw that in the theater when it came out.
TAckhouse1@reddit
I think Saves Christmas is the best one of his movies
nevertoolate1983@reddit
"Air breaks 😏"
hacksawomission@reddit
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, , oh Christmas tree...oh Chriiisstmas tree...
beebeeteepee@reddit
So that's why I sing it like that! 😂
apollyon_53@reddit
I sing this all the time during the holidays
Upstairs_Slip_8980@reddit
I am one with the Yuletide, you know what I mean?
anarchetype@reddit
My favorite:
anarchetype@reddit
And the sequel:
daniellaroses1111@reddit
Totally forgot about this one!
hurl9e9y9@reddit
I say "These steps might as well be mount everest" all the time lol.
I managed to find the same stocking he has hanging in his truck and hang it up every year.
mule111@reddit
Real pumped to give this a spin this Christmas!
Prossdog@reddit
That one’s still my favorite
railmanmatt@reddit
Loved his old lady disguise. I howled when that bowling ball fell out of the huge bra. Classic.
lostnthenet@reddit
I love that one. He plays a different character and shows how good of an actor he was.
parrisjd@reddit
The way the jail scenes go from typical prison movie to pink guard uniforms and crazy lighting once Ernest arrives is so wonderfully odd.
aroundincircles@reddit
It's been a while since I've seen that one, I'll have to watch it. I bought them all on DVD a few years ago. We watch scared stupid every Halloween. I do remember "ELECTROMAN!"
ApexInvisible@reddit
How about a bumper sandwich booger lips.
Mysterious-Heat1902@reddit
I wouldn’t think you could find any this time of year.
thrwwytdy999@reddit
I thought I was the only one
blahblahsnickers@reddit
And Ernest saves Christmas was one of my favorite Christmas movies! I watched it every year!
chocki305@reddit
Every year I am annoyed that Earnest save Christmas is not included in the holiday movies played on repeat.
Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Earnest Saves Christmas.. watched every year.
Obvious-Judge3804@reddit
Lethal Weapon? I get Die Hard, but Lethal Weapon?
I’m too old for this shit.
gravatorious@reddit
Came here to claim Ernest Saves Christmas also! It's the only(?) Christmas movie filmed and set in central Florida and it was such a special thing to see where I grew up on the big screen. It's also a legitimately good Christmas movie, plot wise, and only a tiny bit problematic. Score!
Cool_Dark_Place@reddit
"It's snowing in ORLANDO!!!"
VikingForklift@reddit
Air brakes. Know what I mean?
TheFoxandTheSandor@reddit
You should put “bumper sandwich” -for boogerlips.” On the grocery list
Prossdog@reddit
I watched Scared Stupid with a buddy of mine within the last couple years. We hadn’t seen it in decades. That was the line that we’d both forgotten about and totally set us off. 😂
“HOW BOUT A BUMPER SANDWICH, BOOGERLIPS?!”
QueenCity3Way@reddit
I knew I wasn't the only one who used Sweet Bulgarian Miak on grocery lists to my wife's annoyance! I used to homebrew and I made a milk stout called Sweet Bulgarian Miak. She rolled her eyes, but her best friend and husband started quoting the movie once they heard the name. The husband has a PhD which was the perfect counterpoint to my wife's judgment of a seminal part of my childhood.
Mysterious-Twist-693@reddit
Love these two as well! Such a fun childhood.
cataholicsanonymous@reddit
We also love genuine Bulgarian miak in this house.
SnareHanger@reddit
Goes to Camp immediately makes me think of Eggs Erroneous and makes me want to vomit
PoisonMind@reddit
Authentic Bulgarian miak!
EagleEyezzzzz@reddit
Ernest scared stupid so was good! 🎃
cbih@reddit
I think they were foundational in the development of my moral character, especially Ernest Goes to Camp
the__ghola__hayt@reddit
Your wife reading the shopping list:
HistoricalReason8631@reddit
Ha me too! I showed my 8yo Earnest Scared Stupid this year for Halloween. He didn’t find the miak line nearly as hysterical as I do.
Constant_Concert_936@reddit
There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t ask my kids if they’d like some Bulgarian Miak. They know what’s up.
chocki305@reddit
Every year I am annoyed that Earnest save Christmas is not included in the holiday movies played on repeat.
alwaysintheway@reddit
Hungarian miak?
aroundincircles@reddit
Fresh Hungarian Miak.
nicunta@reddit
Lmao!!! I call it Miak sometimes too, and it always gets strange looks!
Joeva8me@reddit
I had to bad off of that, it seemed so natural of a joke until I realized it made no sense if you didn’t watch that one movie repeatedly. All of my other references: KEEP FIRING ASSHOLES.
Soma2710@reddit
Oh thank god I thought I was the only one!
garnett21mn@reddit
We’re a Miak family. Sometimes just say, “I need a glass of Bulgarian”
Money_Magnet24@reddit
Ha ha that reminds of this post 😂
micholob@reddit
starmartyr11@reddit
Did it turn out this dude wasnt native either.? Or am I misremembering
Cyno01@reddit
Yeah, dude was Italian. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Eyes_Cody#Personal_life_and_death
Super weird, like if Mickey Rooney started insisting he was Japanese.
Abidarthegreat@reddit
When I read this, I almost choked on my breakfast... at Tiffany's.
Cyno01@reddit
micholob@reddit
same dude
SatoshiBlockamoto@reddit
That's it I'm downloading them tonight and forcing the kids to watch them this weekend.
Cyno01@reddit
Hell yeah.
k3n0b1@reddit
Ernest goes to Africa, I don't remember that one? There are so many to choose from .
Money_Magnet24@reddit
lol
Boomalabim@reddit
I still remember the camp chef making Lobster bouillabaisse and talking for the lobsters “no,no,not me!” YES YOU!
Kellbows@reddit
As a child, I was always amazed they had an entire record of toilet sounds. Me and my brother wanted that record so bad! Haha!
curiouserthangeorge@reddit
well, ahoy then Matey!
PetuniaPicklePepper@reddit
Ah, Ernest and Mr Bean.
FelixMcGill@reddit
NotAUsefullDoctor@reddit
My mother would put this movie on every year when I was growing up. She got it as soon as it came to VHS in '90; and it olayed til the vcr ate it in the early oughts. (It was this, claymation rudolph, Garfield, Charlie Brown, and the grinch)
Neither-Mycologist77@reddit
Our copy was taped from TV. It was the last thing put on a crazy-long tape after Crocodile Dundee and The Last of the Mohicans. For this reason, the tape ran out right when Ernest opened Santa's sack for the first time, and a few minutes were lost before my parents had managed to resume recording it onto a different tape.
Good times.
FelixMcGill@reddit
Same! We also watched Christmas Vacation religiously every year, and I added Gremlins to the mix pretty fast.
NotAUsefullDoctor@reddit
Ah forgot Christmas Vacation. That was in the rotation. Not Gremlins though I'm sure my older brothers would have liked it.
maddit5to1@reddit
Omg me too! I’m 82’ and all those shows are the true meaning of Christmas! 🎄
gvsteve@reddit
Samta is the voice of the Sultan from Aladdin
FelixMcGill@reddit
I had to go look it up because that sounded crazy, but this is my favorite thing ive learned today. Thank you!
emotyofform2020@reddit
I saw this in the theater.
FelixMcGill@reddit
I think I did, too... but i was five. I know for sure I saw Land Before Time in theaters. But my memory isnt the sharpest of back then, haha
TriStarSwampWitch@reddit
Did you know there's an Ernest Day every year? It's hosted at a state park near my house.
sick_of-it-all@reddit
There are Earnest commercial compilations on YouTube. I didn’t realize that’s where Jim Varney got his start, doing commercials for all these local Southern products. There’s even blooper reals from the commercials. They’re all great, I highly recommend if anyone’s never seen them.
Money_Magnet24@reddit
I think Jim Varney did those same commercials but for local businesses here in Los Angeles as well
Gen X here in L.A. is familiar “know what I mean Vern”
nefastvs@reddit
His Cerritos Auto Square spots?
Money_Magnet24@reddit
Yes 🙌
keelanstuart@reddit
He also did kids TV show spots.... he was on in central Florida on WOFL (when they were indie) in the very early 80's. They did time lapse footage of him running around climbing ladders and then talking to the camera as Vern. Falling down... all the Ernest gags.
Pharmere@reddit
I remember him doing commercials for a/c companies “heat pump smeet pump
Initial_Drama3816@reddit
Natural gas is where it's at - know whut I mean, Vern?
Roonil-Wazlib-314@reddit
Don’t touch that, it might be luke!
Cool_Dark_Place@reddit
Eastern NC here. I remember first seeing him doing commercials for Pine State Dairy back when we moved down here in the mid-80s. Actually thought he was local for a while.
TriStarSwampWitch@reddit
Jim Varney was a national treasure.
squarebodynewb@reddit
Links?
NW_Forester@reddit
It's not even necessarily southern products, its like Mtn Dew at the grocery store on sale and shit like that.
johnvalley86@reddit
I agree they are absolutely golden
PizzaBoxIncident@reddit
I did know that because I grew up in the next county over. Hello, neighbor!
TriStarSwampWitch@reddit
Hi, neighbor!! ❤️
Nicobeak@reddit
Jim Varney is a local treasure in Nashville. Almost up there with Dolly
lothartheunkind@reddit
Seen some of the houses in East Nashville where Scared Stupid was filmed
TriStarSwampWitch@reddit
I've been in the prison from Goes to Jail!
mule111@reddit
Back this deets truck up! Beep beep beep
TriStarSwampWitch@reddit
https://www.ernestday.com/
There's an amazing Korean BBQ restaurant close by too.
CunnyMaggots@reddit
I need to watch them because I'm 44 and my mom didn't allow me to watch them because she didn't like him. She also didn't allow me to watch power rangers because it was too violent. Pee-Wee Herman was another hard no for her. And she thought the Simpsons would turn me into a juvenile delinquent lol
Soggy_Porpoise@reddit
werent the power rangers like mid 90s? You were in your teens wtf.
CunnyMaggots@reddit
Yup. You are correct. I wasn't even allowed to hang out with kids who did watch them.
SpaceIco@reddit
Midwest catholics? Sounds like my parents. The moral panic and hysteria around the Simpsons is hard to explain to people who weren't there.
ARC4067@reddit
My parents didn’t forbid us from watching it, but my mom wasn’t a fan because she thought Bart’s attitude set a bad example.
CunnyMaggots@reddit
No. No religion in my home at all and California. She probably saw someone say something negative and just took it at face value lol kinda like how she told me so many vegetables were disgusting and couldn't be eaten.... only to find out she had never even tried them when I confronted her about it
MeanSam@reddit
Sounds like you need to make up for lost times & have a movie night or two!
CunnyMaggots@reddit
Lol yeah I did eventually(like 4 years ago) watch the Simpsons from the beginning. But they're definitely some movies i still really need to see.
WileyPap@reddit
Help me follow the timeline. How'd you settle on "CunnyMaggots" before the Simpsons turned you delinquent?
CunnyMaggots@reddit
Lol literally thought of the grossest thing i could think of because I'm a 10 year old boy at heart? The Simpsons just helped me polish up my humor!
WileyPap@reddit
Well something drove you to it. I bet you listened to a music or played a video game.
CunnyMaggots@reddit
In all honesty i was an extremely sheltered kid and teen. I didn't have access to video games until I was around 21, and I bought an OG Xbox. TV was pretty much limited to what my mom wanted to watch.... but my dad loved to read and if he read it, I wanted to read it so I was reading tons of totally age inappropriate stuff from age 10 onwards. And when we got internet when I was 18, I spent months learning everything I could about sex and sexually. Spent about 10 years being a very promiscuous human too. Basically I lived under a rock until I was 18 and then I went kinda wild lol
WileyPap@reddit
Lol. I feel you man. My parents had MTV blocked and I vaguely remember not being allowed to listen to Michael Jackson because he'd done that satanic Thriller song. Parents in the late 1900's were really something when they were around.
CunnyMaggots@reddit
Yeah. A lot of the strictness of my parents was because of my grandmother. I was 26 i think before I was home alone for the first time. She was wildly racist and just awful. She constantly lectured me that all men are rapists, but if I ever married a Black man, he'd beat me to death before he raped me. She also, from like age 6 onward, told me that in a variety of ways, I would be raped to death if I ever went against her and regretted to me as the whole from about age 13 on. So in a way, one i was am actual technical adult, I was just living the life every other kid had been living for years.
Awful woman and I'm not afraid to say I'm glad she's dead.
countessofgroan@reddit
Or ten or twenty!
BpositiveItWorks@reddit
If you have free time for Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure in addition to the Ernest movies, I would like to recommend it :)
CunnyMaggots@reddit
The Pee-Wee movies will be happening!
Ok-Pomegranate-9481@reddit
I had no idea I had an invisible older sibling.
AiringOGrievances@reddit
Sounds like we had the same mom.
Working_Estate_3695@reddit
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.
Nicobeak@reddit
At least be grateful that you’re not traumatized by large Marge
shmehdit@reddit
He missed out on two Marges
blessthefreaks1980@reddit
Was your mom my mom? No MTV, especially not Beavis & Butthead. They’ll teach me to burn the house down.
Guess what I got blasted and watched a few weeks ago? Fuck you, adults!
CunnyMaggots@reddit
We only had 5 channels until I was like 17 so I missed out on a lot! But when we got satellite she definitely did not let me watch Beavis and Butthead... lol.
guidevocal82@reddit
Parents like that don't deserve to have children. I'm really glad I got a good Mom, she watched them with me and also laughed at them with me.
sdavidson0819@reddit
I remember going to my grandparents' house once as a kid and asking if my Grandpa would switch to the Simpsons between innings of his baseball game. He didn't know what it was of course, but then Grandma chimed in, "You remember the Simpsons. It's those horrible yellow people." "Oh, yeah. We're not watching that."
professorpumpkins@reddit
Just going to leave this here…
jtho78@reddit
"Bad Jim Varney lookn' kinda nice"
KittyWrongTime@reddit
I've always had a crush on Ernest 😭
QuietlyLosingMyMind@reddit
I'll leave this here too
Aggravating-Wrap4861@reddit
Ernest Goes to an Alternate Dimension and kills himself
TreezusSaves@reddit
Ernest Goes to a Cocaine-Fueled Sex Party
bigfancydelta@reddit
Ernest Goes to Camp and Ernest Sacred Stupid are 2 amazing movies for young folks! Gee Im glad its Raining gets me to the day, and I still thing about authentic Hungarian Miak everytime I go to the grocery store 😉
one_among_the_fence@reddit
Not surprised, Ernest got famous in the mid-80s, before a lot of the younger 30 somethings were even born.
TheFoxandTheSandor@reddit
The downfall of America didn’t start with the tea party or MAGA, but instead with the lack of watching Ernest movies.
They are all amazing, but Camp, Jail, Christmas, and Scared Stupid are goddamn amazing cinema and should be treated as such.
I worked at a school in Georgia where kids would glance around and say with great pride “well we own all them Ernest movies” and the other kids would gasp and shower them with well earned praise and adoration.
SerpentineSorceror@reddit
This is the way
kymreadsreddit@reddit
Alternatively, I had a ten year old in my class announce today that "The Sandlot" is on Netflix. He announced it to the entire class. Apropos of nothing.
When questioned, he told me it didn't matter how old it was because it was a great movie.
Which, fair.
Toblogan@reddit
Fooorrrreeevvveeerrrr!
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Sandlot is epic. The kid had some for taste. Someone is teaching him correctly. 🙂
BlindMouse2of3@reddit
Ernest? Don't you mean Felix Nash
Toblogan@reddit
Slick!
wrathiest@reddit
How did you write all this and not end it with “Know what I mean, Vern?”
Toblogan@reddit
My dad and uncle called each other Vern for decades!
Dr-McLuvin@reddit
That was gonna be my reply.
Reasonable_Leg_4664@reddit
I hear this. Heheheh
Salmonella_Cowboy@reddit
The guy had an absolute craft
mule111@reddit
He’s got rizz
ATheeStallion@reddit
Oh this is rizz?!? I get that.
_its_a_SWEATER_@reddit
An absolute crime. LOCK UP OP
sexyass2627@reddit
sleepy_unicorn40@reddit
LadyBirdDavis@reddit
Awww. My dad used to say that to me all the time! Thanks for the flashback!
This-Opportunity2695@reddit
imagine a world where ernest still gets the last laugh in living rooms
Few-Grapefruit-3019@reddit
imagine a kid today discovering earnest and asking who vern was anyway
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I was shook. I honestly was so surprised that so many people that I knew had never watched his movies that I neglected on one of the most famous quotes. 😞
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I was slacking.... 😕😕😕
DoodleJake@reddit
My dad’s been saying that all my life how tf did I never pick up on that reference
Direct_Sir_2012@reddit
you captured the vibe and that burn for folks who forgot vern
pmpork@reddit
Yes!!! My wife and I say this to our kids all the time!
simoriah@reddit
It's a pumpin in the summer. And a pumpin in the winter. Until, suddenly... It pumped its little guts out.
It's been 35ish years, and I still remember that commercial. But I don't remember what company used it for appliance sales, so it STILL doesn't matter.
silkroadbrian@reddit
Heat pump shmeat pump. Probably your local LP or Nat gas service
ThatThingOnTheFloor@reddit
Came here just to say this, thanks.
Know what I mean Vern?!
OhYayItsPretzelDay@reddit
I say this to people all the time and they don't get the reference and think I'm nuts.
Browndogsmom@reddit
I say this at least once a day!
Fraggle_Rockers@reddit
My favorite line I always used growing up and now will be resurrecting!!
RobertBDwyer@reddit
This is a lifestyle quote in my house
Toblogan@reddit
Eeeooooow!
WendyPortledge@reddit
Ernest was a staple in our home! There was Pee Wee, and there was Ernest.
Epicardiectomist@reddit
Jim Varney is unfortunately being lost to time, which is a tremendous shame. While Ernest is what he was known for, he was so much more than that. From everything I've read, he was an incredible person on top of it all. So much so that his nephew wrote a biography about him titled The Importance of Being Ernest: The Life of Actor Jim Varney (Stuff that Vern doesn't even know).
CaveJohnson82@reddit
Never even heard of em let alone seen them. Are they like American Carry On films?
LordLaz1985@reddit
I used to watch the TV show, but for some reason mom never let us rent the movies.
Justkeeptalking1985@reddit
I remember being really affected by Ernest getting the electric chair in "Ernest Goes to Jail" being old enough to know the character wasn't a cartoon, but also young enough to be unsettled by what would be an undead man exacting revenge on people.
You_need_a_drink@reddit
Your problem is the age range of your friends. Someone in their mid thirties was born in 1990. Ernest movies were mostly made in the eighties. I was born in 1978 and remember them fondly but no one I know under the age of 40 knows them at all.
No-Watercress2354@reddit
I didn't comment because I'm imitating the guy who doesn't talk.
BlueJayMorning@reddit
I still call milk “miak” to this day. Reliably, without fail…miak.
Possible-Complex7804@reddit
Ummm. 1990s baby here. I have no idea what you are talking about either.
FormidableMistress@reddit
You show them the Ernest movies, that what you do. And then you show them this picture.
Pillars_of_Salt@reddit
Ernest Scared Stupid is a masterpiece.
Rhizobactin@reddit
Had a colleague the other day who didn’t have any idea what Police Academy was.
Seriously? Imho, Mahoney is the genesis of genx/xennial’s distrust and hatred of authority
Zelengro@reddit
I get this a lot with things like the Jetsons, Captain Caveman and sitcoms like Bewitched. Like if you’re 25, I kind of get it. If you’re 35 it’s like, dude, didn’t you ever turn on a TV? Cus I know all that was still rerunning through the whole 90s.
How has anyone in their mid thirties never seen an Ernest movie 😂
dcapo55@reddit
Speaking of Captain Caveman, I once spent a half hour explaining “Wacky Races” to a younger co-worker (early 30’s) and they looked at me like I was nuts. Even worse, they didn’t know ANY of the Hannah-Barbara characters; and you can forget it when I tried to talk about how it was inspired by the Jack Lemmon/Tony Curtis/Natalie Wood movie “The Great Race”. Growing up in the Northeast in the 80’s, I feel like those cartoons and that era of movies were always on WPIX, WSBK, WWOR, etc.
alysli@reddit
I'm 47 and I've never seen one. I just thought they looked dumb.
dcapo55@reddit
43 here and always felt the same way. Just never had any interest.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
This is what I'm saying!!! 🤣
lakeviper@reddit
Sadly, most of the people who've replied 'didn't' get it.
EmpressNuevaGabor@reddit
I wasn’t allowed to watch it as a kid and I eventually forgot about it. I’m 39 and I’ve never seen an Ernest movie.
guidevocal82@reddit
There's nothing at all risque in the Ernest movies. I don't get why so many parents didn't let their kids watch the films, that's wild (and also sad.) If it's a Christian thing, that's really sad.
EmpressNuevaGabor@reddit
I think my mom just found him annoying. Haha.
Brief_Ebb_3791@reddit
I begged my parents every week at the video store to let me rent an Ernest movie. They never once let me get one. I am now a 40-year old who has still never watched one :((
Exitcomestothis@reddit
Scared stupid was awesome!
Scared me as a kid, but was awesome!
mediocreterran@reddit
Even my solidly Genz kids know Ernest P. Worrel. Because I raised them right.
Easy_Engineer8519@reddit
You MUST see a Billy Bob Thornton, written movie, also stars in it, called daddy and them. Freaking hilarious. Billy Bob Thornton, Laura Dern, Andy griffith, JAMIE, Lee Curtis, Ben Affleck, John Prine, stephen Root, jim VARNEY, many more… If you can even imagine, Andy griffith saying something dirty you have to see this. And if you grew up in a small town, oh my God. Too funny
randouser2019@reddit
I start with Ernest scared stupid and we’ve barely gotten through that. They don’t do much with scary elements.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the others.
Start with Ernest scared stupid I would say to show your friends. Maybe throw it on during Halloween times.
Show them old Cerritos auto square commercials.
Johnoplata@reddit
I saw MULTIPLE Ernest movies. In theaters. For my own birthdays.
RKsu99@reddit
My dad was the age I am now and Ernest was his favorite thing. I guess the rest of us went along.
ottis1guy@reddit
Hey, Vern! We got a new show, Vern! We only do it once a week, Vern! Hey, Vern we're on TV!!!!
Topwingwoman2@reddit
Mid to early 30s isn't Xennial.
Ok-Freedom-1485@reddit
Never got into him. He was annoying.
Thenadamgoes@reddit
The pen scene in earnest goes to jail is literal masterclass in comedy film making.
the scene in question
Obvious-Judge3804@reddit
I lived in Killeen when Jim Varney did ads for some furniture store or tire shop in Austin. He got big locally and suddenly had a movie.
Vic “The Brick” Jacob’s? Not so much.
Embarrassed-Fix-1741@reddit
Wild. That age range is well within the timeframe those movies would've been popular.
I dunno though, man. I'm 35 and I remember years ago when I was in a band, my drummer's girlfriend had no clue who Jimmie Hendrix was. Some people are just oblivious to cultural sensations.
A_Girl_Has_No_Name58@reddit
Get better friends.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I think I do. Or... Or I just educate them
A_Girl_Has_No_Name58@reddit
I did just show my kid Ernest Scared Stupid and she’s <10 and adored it, so… I supppppppose there’s some hope for your woefully ignorant friends.
Marshmallow_99_413@reddit
I'm 24 but idk who he is either
mosleymose21@reddit
Just bought Ernest goes to camp on eBay I can’t wait to watch it!
temporary_bob@reddit
Sorry my friend, I'm late 40s and I never saw them.
Morriganx3@reddit
Oh thank goddess. I just turned 47 and I have never even heard of these.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Consistent-Ad-6506@reddit
I’ve also never seen an Ernest movie. As a kid I just found him annoying and dumb and as an adult I just forgot about him.
photinakis@reddit
I’m with ya. None of my friends did either.
Dandibear@reddit
I've never seen them but sure as heck still know who Earnest is. Not sure how you'd get through the 80s without knowing Earnest unless you never watched tv.
temporary_bob@reddit
Oh I certainly know who Earnest is. I just never watched the movies. On purpose.
runjeanmc@reddit
I'd never seen them until my husband showed them to the kids. Now I've seen them plenty 😅
mtmtnmike@reddit
Neither-Principle139@reddit
Pushing 50 here and have watched them all. Many times.
purpleteenageghost@reddit
Sweet-Marsupial606@reddit
I would have to start calling them my former friends
EyeFit4274@reddit
Ernest Goes to Jail is a post-modern masterpiece.
yogzi@reddit
32 and I love Ernest. Showing friends Ernest scared stupid is a top 10 childhood memory for me.
nofunatallthisguy@reddit
When he died, his obituary said he would dress up as Ernest and go visit sick kids in hospitals and make them laugh.
PANSIES_FOR_ALL@reddit
Was.
Jim Varney died in 2000.
MacrossX@reddit
Follow up test. How many of them know who Max Headroom is? Have they watched Aliens?
RushBubbly6955@reddit
My sister is 32 and because of me and my mom she knows these movies well.
Jets237@reddit
My dad made sure I was a cultured kid. This meant the Ernest movies were a must…
That’s like… not making sure your kid has seen every naked gun…
Inconceivable
DrakonFyre@reddit
Here ya go! https://youtu.be/VNOpADr1vKs?si=ZaZ1efnMttXAvcuS
IamJohnnyHotPants@reddit
So a “hill I’m going to die on” involves an opinion. You didn’t express one.
SpliTTMark@reddit
He hasn't made a movie in 25 years
Plenty-Paramedic8269@reddit
Tv-Junkie1@reddit
Ernest Scared Stupid was the scariest movie for the longest time lol 💯❤️🇨🇦🖖
ProfPazuzu@reddit
Be grateful your friends have good taste.
TheMadDaddy@reddit
Just going to leave this here...
https://youtu.be/wDNP9sNh8ks?si=57v_oVofoLTwTcXZ
Some_guy_in_WI@reddit
I feel your pain that people under 40 don’t know the power of Ernest. it’s why I weep for future generations who don’t know his purity and goodness. Evangelize the man and spread his gospel! 🤣
Overall-Bullfrog5433@reddit
I never saw an “Ernest” movie, but he had a small part in one of my favorite movies, “Wilder Napalm” … about two brothers who could start fires telepathically with hilarious, sometimes disastrous, results . It starred Debra Winger and Dennis Quaid and was quite entertaining. And the guy who conceived or wrote “Breaking Bad” had something to do with it I think. It was a scifi horror romance comedy and a bit of a musical in one thing.
cheddercaves@reddit
Jim Varney is the only reason i know the song by the turtles "So Happy Together"
lakeviper@reddit
Only reason I know this song is because it was on a Reese's commerical in the 80s.
edwigenightcups@reddit
I just commented about this! Apparently it was edited out of the home video version due to licensing issues? I haven't seen Ernest Goes to Camp since I saw it in the theatre in 1987, but now I'll have to watch again to see if it's still in there in whatever version I can find
Wackiefresh@reddit
Have you tried spraying them with Milk?*miak
monkeetoes82@reddit
If you are our age and grew up in Oklahoma, you remember the Braum's commercials.
https://youtu.be/zn08pk6A_64?si=O9KFaGvhDdLXpkUz
poopy_poophead@reddit
They definitely know slinky dog from Toy Story.
Jim Varney was a great dude. One of the few childhood heroes i ever got a chance to bump into and shake his hand and thank him.
UnslakableTemperance@reddit
Was looking for this before I commented. This is my go to if somebody isn't immediately familiar with the genius that is Jim Varney and Earnest.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I forgot he was in toy story!
StillhasaWiiU@reddit
lakeviper@reddit
Kaiser-Sohze@reddit
I work with a guy who is just barely 30 and he has personally visited the location where they filmed Ernest Goes to Camp and he knows all of the movies along with the other two 30 year olds he works with. There is hope, Vern.
Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit
I'm 43 and have never seen one all the way through, just bits and pieces. I never thought Ernest was funny.
lakeviper@reddit
Yeah it was definitely brain rot. A.k.a., some skibidi toilet type shit.
lavasca@reddit
Leave them be.
I spent childhood and adolecense dodging Ernest.
lakeviper@reddit
Way to go
valleysally@reddit
To restore faith, last December my favorite theater ran a double feature with Ernest Saves Christmas. It truly was an incredible experience to see it on the big screen.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
🥰 I would love to see them on the big screen again. You're so fortunate!
valleysally@reddit
They also did scared stupid at Halloween, it was so impressive and you can really appreciate the creature designs
devineassistance@reddit
Man, he starred in so many commercials for Braun Ice Cream Shops before the movies; I always considered him to be a local boy made good.
lakeviper@reddit
Yeah, that creep was on Braum's Ice Cream (and burgers- the 2/3 pounder) commercials in Dallas. Couldn't fuckin stand him. Who the fuck is Ernest?
emptybeetoo@reddit
If none of your friends know who Ernest is, I’d say you don’t have any friends
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
My kids know, because... Because they're cultured. I don't know about these swine that I call my friends. Lol
bluemitersaw@reddit
You call them what they are -- Philistines!
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Umm..... What??
bluemitersaw@reddit
plural noun: philistines a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them. "I am a complete philistine when it comes to paintings"
I learned it from a Simpsons episode.
lospotatoes@reddit
My sister and I loved Ernest Goes To Camp, specifically anything about Eggs Erroneous.
QueenCity3Way@reddit
My wife and I use a note app for a grocery list. I can't bring myself to write milk anymore. My phone recognizes Sweet Bulgarian Miak. I made a milk stout by that name five years ago and she didn't appreciate the reference. Her best friend and her husband, however, spouted off lines between sips.
Mysterious-Twist-693@reddit
I just watched Ernest Saves Christmas this week to get into the Holiday spirit. Although my brother and I both agree Ernest Scared Stupid is probably the favorite followed by Ernest goes to Camp. Just as a reference my brother is 43 and I am 37.
lilchippy_D@reddit
How about Ernest goes Israel
anothertenyears@reddit
I know of them but have never seen one.
SiliconAutomaton@reddit
I didn’t even think they were good movies before my brain fully formed.
You do you, just saying
thepiratespokesman@reddit
Xennial mom with a five year old. He doesn’t know Ernest yet. But he loooves Slinky Dog.
Economy_Insurance_61@reddit
Ernest Saves Christmas is one of my fave holiday movies still to this day.
Subtlelikeatrex@reddit
I have never watched an Ernest movie on purpose. I was born in ‘82. I’ve avoid his movies and Mr. Bean as well because I hate their faces.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Socks to suck
Subtlelikeatrex@reddit
No idea what that means at all.
BasilCraigens@reddit
Did you hit'em with, "how 'bout a bumper sandwich, booger lips?"
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
No I didn't because I was So taken aback..I had to lift jaw from ground
eraserhead3030@reddit
yeah he had fleeting appeal but people over 40 now probably loved him as kids. I definitely did.
Turbulent-Jaguar-909@reddit
i can't quote like any movies at all at my job, the 20-somethings have not watched like literally any movies, they just watch youtube and tiktok.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I feel you on this, But quote them and educate them and make them watch movies to be cultured. 🧡
Nickolotopus@reddit
I put on Ernest Scared Stupid at work the other week exactly for this reason.
TouchGraceMaidenless@reddit
I'm 33 and have no idea what the topic of this post is, please be gentle with the insults.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Sweet summer child. Do a movie marathon of the Ernest movies. I promise that you will love them. 🧡
mstrdsastr@reddit
The Ernest movie with the trolls scared the absolute shit out of me.
AmeliaBitchLady@reddit
“Slam Dunk Ernest” anyone? My daughter and I watched it a few weeks ago on Tubi. She loved Scared Stupid. My husband and I told her this was quality entertainment when we were kids. Wasn’t there also a tv show on Saturday mornings?
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Yes. He did have a TV show. And I agree with your husband. It is quality entertainment and I'm so glad that you're raising your kid to be cultured. 🥰
bgregory1004@reddit
Ernest is definitely a core xennial thing. My wife is in her mid 30s and 8 years younger than me and she had no clue who he was. I explained to her the genius of Jim Varney and she looked at me like I was crazy.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
You're not crazy. I gave all my friends homework and that homework was to do a movie marathon of all the Ernest movies.
Tylerdurden389@reddit
Knew about those movies all my life and never saw one. From what I've heard, the first 2 or 3 are the only ones I might enjoy now as a man in his early 40s. What say you guys? Full disclosure i did grow up on Pee-Wee and still love Big Adventure to this day, so its not like I don't find kids movies funny (though it could just be nostalgia here).
I did finally see Crocodile Dundee last year and got some laughs outta it (assuming thats also something only kids really found funny back then).
Someone-is-out-there@reddit
Just keep going until you don't want to. They're movies.
guidevocal82@reddit
The problem with the films after the first 5 were budget cuts. The ones that were in the theaters were given all the bells and whistles, so of course they still hold up today.
1pt20oneggigawatts@reddit
I saw a few episodes of the TV show and hated it.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Ok, and...
7empestSpiralout@reddit
Wow. Thats sad. What kind of childhood did they live?
Ok-Pomegranate-9481@reddit
I'm checks calendar 41, apparently, and while I am aware of the Ernest movies, I have never seen one. They were tacitly forbidden by my parents as 'the wrong kind of comedy' (or somesuch. I do recall watching a lot of Mel Brooks movies with my family, so I don't quite know how that works) and were also never brought up among my friends.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Lol. You were allowed to watch Mel Brooks films but at the Ernest films. I see a movie marathon in your near future. Also, Mel Brooks films are fantastic.
SpikeDawgIII@reddit
They absolutely know Jim Varney. They just know him as the voice of Slinky Dog in the Toy Story films.
FalseVeterinarian881@reddit
Their parents clearly did not love them. What a shame.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
That's what I'm saying!! Movie marathon is in our near future.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
That's what I'm saying!! Movie marathon is in our near future.
j4pMan@reddit
I bought a used compilation VHS of 80’s Ernest commercials for $.99, from Video Venture, when I was like 9. That felt like the biggest score.
It would still feel like the biggest score.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
He rates right up there with Steve Irwin. You have a great treasure within your possession.
j4pMan@reddit
Sadly, the VHS was lost to 30+ years. A nice memory, nonetheless.
draculawater@reddit
I’ve shared Ernest movies and the TV show with my son and my sister’s kids. I will not let Jim Varney’s legacy fade!
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
🧡🧡I love this! I'm going to go over to my sister's for Thanksgiving and the one thing I asked is that we watch some movie with Jim Varney in it.
Useful-Worry1304@reddit
Elder millennial here. I wasn't allowed to watch very much that wasn't Christian and even I grew up watching Ernest movies!
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Because Ernest is Ernest
thats_taters@reddit
My wife never watched his movies either and I grew up with him, she said he was a redneck Mr Bean, which is pretty accurate
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
He was way More comedic than Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean was very dry and British which is way different than American humor which I get also. But he was one of our most iconic comedians growing up.
Usual_Concern1590@reddit
Looks like he could be related to Theo Von…anyone else see it?
Lanky-Wheel8330@reddit
Why would you do that to your kids
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Why wouldn't I? He was one of the most comedic actors while we grew up.
Andrewsgirl1981@reddit
Tell them they are uncultured swine!
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I told them this and then I told him that we have to have a marathon!
ApprehensivePass5077@reddit
35 here, I grew up on Ernest movies, Jim was also in Atlantis. Surely they knew Cookie!
https://i.redd.it/kj0cdtrhoi2g1.gif
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
😞 2/3 did not.....I asked
sageamericanidiot@reddit
I haven't seen an Ernest film since then early to mid 90s. I didn't like them. I can't remember the last time I even saw Ernest saves Christmas advertised during the holiday film rotation. Makes sense that a young 30s person wouldn't remember or never saw one of the films.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
LLPhotog@reddit
What do you mean you don’t know what to do? Movie marathon obviously! Have them bring 80s and 90s snacks. If it was me, I’d bring the dunkaroos.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
I told one of them that we are definitely going to have to have a movie marathon. The other two live pretty far away from me so I can't exactly hop on over to their houses to have a marathon
FionaGoodeEnough@reddit
I still say ew like “ooooOOOooooOoOooOoOOoo” because of Ernest.
Historical-Newt6809@reddit (OP)
Same! That is what started this whole thing is because I sent my friend a gif of Ernest going eeeewwww and he had no idea who it was.
AshDogBucket@reddit
I've never watched one either. Sorry lol
Crusty-Watch3587@reddit
Ernest Goes to Camp was easily one of my top 3 favorite movies as a kid.
geopimp1@reddit
For shame!
Squegieee@reddit
My husband and I say, "These steps might as well be Mount Everest" at least once a week.
thetinkerbelle44@reddit
“Know what I mean, Vern?” I still say this and now I know that there are people who don't know what I am talking about!
Treadingresin@reddit
47 here, I have never seen an Ernest movie. That will not be changing.
darkwillow1980@reddit
40, same. Think it's something you had to experience at the time because these gifs do NOT appeal 😅
Treadingresin@reddit
Maybe, but it just never appealed to me the same way that the Three Stooges didn't appeal to me. Just a type of humor I don't typically enjoy.
darkwillow1980@reddit
Ah, these gifs are my first exposure. When I read the comments here, the names Ernest Goes to Camp and Ernest Scared Stupid sparked the tiniest bit of familiarity, but having heard the name is the extent of my awareness.
leeloocal@reddit
Auntie Nelda would be very disappointed in you.
Treadingresin@reddit
Since I don't know who that is it doesnt really matter.
nuskit@reddit
We denounce you. Drink our kool-aid and be Vern!
My husband is 57 and has been correctly educated by me in the ways of Enest/Vern, PeeWee Herman and more.
Neither-Principle139@reddit
At least you squeezed in the gold that is Pee Wee Herman!
Treadingresin@reddit
Love Pee Wee Herman! That playhouse was dadaism for kids.
PriorityFast79@reddit
puppysmuggler@reddit
46 here joining you.
itriedicant@reddit
👎
jmerrilee@reddit
I loved Ernest and had them all too.
Senior-Pomegranate50@reddit
Heat pump shmeet pump
WelderBig3104@reddit
Im 38 and Ernest goes to camp and scared stupid are two of my favorite movies from childhood.
Accomplished-Dot5707@reddit
Ernest Scared Stupid is legendary
mule111@reddit
Ernest is the man. Mr Rodgers, Bob Ross, LeVar Burton, Steve Erwin level of GOAT!
mule111@reddit
Goodness, can’t wait to watch Ernest saves Christmas now!
bananaHammockMonkey@reddit
They are dumb, you saw magic, know this, move on.
JDinkalageMorgoone69@reddit
I'm in my mid-40s and proudly have never seen an Ernest movie. I definitely know who Jim Varney is though.
m8k@reddit
I never saw them, my parents wouldn’t let me watch it and by the time I could I didn’t want to.
Trixie1143@reddit
Don't even know about Ernest saving Christmas in the 80s???
Salads_and_Sun@reddit
I loved Ernest but I think Varney's best performance was as Jed Clampett!
AiringOGrievances@reddit
I just watched Ernest Goes to Camp after probably 30 years and I laughed my ass off and could still recite lines. Core memory.
420cat-craft-gamer69@reddit
Whaaaaatttt?!?! I LOVED Ernest and so did my bf! We're both 34
cmaxim@reddit
I think it’s clear what you have to do.. dust off the VCR and start shoveling in enough coal to last the night. You’ll need to get them through at least scared stupid and goes to prison before the sun comes up.
Agitated-Travel2506@reddit
It’s time to reevaluate the people you surround yourself with. Or a movie night.
nernst79@reddit
I thought this was going to be another Mandela Effect moment, and you were going to say the movies weren't real.
At which point, I would have officially given up on sanity.
Santa__Christ@reddit
I never saw them because his character is annoying as fuck
therobotscott@reddit
https://i.redd.it/lqzbhullsh2g1.gif
Never seen an Ernest movie?!
Ernest Goes to Camp is my favorite. Admittedly I've only seen the first five.
goodnewzevery1@reddit
A comment above claims Disney scrubbed that film and I cannot find it on any streaming services, but all the rest are still there plus a few I never heard of lol
therobotscott@reddit
I'm glad I got it on DVD.
Sirnando138@reddit
Early to mid 30s is like 10 years younger than most of us in this sub. It would make sense that those movies might have already been outdated or you probably had your own facsimile?
Verbull710@reddit
MIAK
Mopa304@reddit
A penis is hard to find. What? Oh, Happiness.
krombough@reddit
Cuz they sucked.
Sorry not sorry.
GutsAndBlackStufff@reddit
We never got the Pee-wee/Ernest crossover we deserved.
Sidetrackbob@reddit
That's troubling, it's like never going lake swimming or eating a on&j or drinking out of the hose. That's a tragic childhood if it's without Ernest.
Ill-Capital9785@reddit
Also, John cena looks exactly like Ernest 😂
Ill-Capital9785@reddit
They are young. Those are 37-30 years old movies xennials are in early to mid 40’s now. The early 30’s missed it 🤷♀️
DogReasonable7277@reddit
Juat tell them hes Slinky Dog from Toy Story
doiwinaprize@reddit
Eeewweweweww
ginger-inside-007@reddit
My dad got a photo autograph from him back in the 80s. It was in our dining room. I so wish I had it. I grew up watching Ernest.
cyberllama@reddit
I have no idea what you're talking about, never heard of any of these things/people
lilacsforcharlie@reddit
I feel you OP, I was the only one of my friends growing up who had seen them as well lol. Luckily, I had an older brother and dad with an amazing sense of humor, and exposed me to all of the Ernest movies lol.
PlayedUOonBaja@reddit
It pisses me off a bit that they don't exist on BluRay except Goes to Jail.
ProperMirror8551@reddit
Nah, not cool
He saved Christmas for heavens sake
Where's the respect??
JACK8URT0N@reddit
I know what you mean.
adimadoz@reddit
Ernest Saves Christmas is on Disney+. Spread the word!
Fearless-Celery@reddit
The core Ernest movies were 1987-1991. A 32 year old would have been 87(peak Ernest viewing age) in 2000, when Ernest Goes to Camp was already 13 years old. A lot of kids media was produced in the interim.
Myself, I remember going to see Ernest Goes to Jail in the theater. We rarely went to the movies so it was a big deal.
Thin-Atmosphere3166@reddit
I was born in Florida and lived there until age 3 or 4 and remember the Ernest orange juice commercials that he did
LeftSmile806@reddit
Know what I mean, Vern?
Separate_Today_8781@reddit
Vern Vern Vern Vern vern
whistleridge@reddit
I am aware they exist, but they were always dumb to me and I never watched them. Don’t know a single line from them, don’t know the actor’s name, nothing.
The point being only, even among our generation they had to be a thing you were into. So it’s not surprising younger folks don’t get it at all. 🤷♂️
321c0ntact@reddit
I was born in 82 I’ve never seen an Ernest movie! But my husband, born in 86, loves them!
DramaticErraticism@reddit
Makes sense, I probably haven't seen half the stuff they watched as kids. I'm 44, pop culture is very short lived and a few years means all the difference.
JRH2009@reddit
I'm 42, and I remember the first time I ever laughed until my stomach was sore was the scene in Earnest Rides Again when the power tools started chasing him. I didn't know that was possible until then.
Rip Jim Varney.
Ill_Tour_7294@reddit
I met an Eagle Scout ottoman once. He got a merit badge in wholesale slaughter. Probably my favorite line in any Ernest movie.
korbendallas13@reddit
❤️Ernest!
NeedsMoreTuba@reddit
This is my very first school photo. I'm sharing it because I was in between a perfect smile and saying, "Ewwww!!!" Like Ernest does. The photographer decided to say, "Say pickles!" Instead of "Say cheese!" And I do not like pickles.
Unicornholers@reddit
Well they obviously don't knowyutmean Vern.
R0botDreamz@reddit
Millenials missed out on so much bro. The gap between them and us is larger than we think.
jeophys152@reddit
I’m not sure what the hill is
CelestialFury@reddit
Yeah, I was expecting OP to say they love the movies but their other friends don't, not that they simply haven't seen them (or don't remember them). There is no hill here.
ArtDecoModerne@reddit
Next thing you're gonna tell me is they've never learned a hobby by watching an instructional Dorf video. And thats just crazy talk.
Allenies@reddit
Wasn't allowed to watch them because my mom said it was dumb humorless humor. At this point I'm alright with it. I still know who the man is tho!
xeroid051@reddit
I grew up watching Ernest too.. I wonder if they're ever going to try to remake Ernest..
actualelainebenes@reddit
I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Ernest movie. I do remember his show on Saturday mornings though lol
CharismaticAlbino@reddit
Obviously these supposed friends must watch the movies as soon as humanly possible. Ya know what I mean, Vern?
tgerz@reddit
My first name is Vernon. Used to get “Know what I mean, Vern?” All the time.
BlackestHerring@reddit
The world is wrong. You are not.
Jibbajaba@reddit
Born in '77 and have never seen an Ernest movie.
TinyRandomLady@reddit
I’m 42 and only ever seen Ernest saves Christmas because it was my algebra 2 teacher’s favorite Christmas movie and we watched it before Christmas break back in 2000.
CaveMonsterBlues@reddit
Jim Varneys genius has never been properly recognized.
guidevocal82@reddit
He was also excellent in The Beverley Hillbillies, another one of my favorite films from that era.
LastCallKillIt@reddit
I'm really looking forward to seeing that documentary on Jim Varney
ketamineburner@reddit
I know who Jim Varney is. I remrmber the cimmercials. In my area, mostly car dealerships.
I am aware of the Ernest movies, but have never seen one.
irate_alien@reddit
those are not friends you need, know what I mean?
guidevocal82@reddit
I still watch the Ernest movies, by myself. I chose not to have children, but those movies are still magical.
PresentationLost1006@reddit
He lived down the road from me when I was a kid. Never saw him and avoided his movies. Probably because I was a little too close to the lifestyle his movies portrayed.
Appropriate-Neck-585@reddit
I loved the Ernest movies! My Dad took me to see every one, even though he hated them, lol.
Twixtova@reddit
Classic. Guess we're raising the next generation on YouTube cat videos instead of Ernest adventures huh
hamburgler26@reddit
I will defend that hill with you. Hopefully armed with an exploding toilet catapult and snapping turtle paratroopers.
WishieWashie12@reddit
Plan a slumber party/ movie marathon. Send the kids to grandma, break out the booze, edibles, and bongs.
ArdenElle24@reddit
I remember watching Ernest Saves Christmas in my fifth grade class.
At the end of the movie, when Santa revealed his real name, all my classmates turned to look at me (my maiden name is Applegate).
My one small win in 5th grade.
My three kids have watched that one several times.
sassass13@reddit
That's a sin. Shame on their parents
kingmob-76@reddit
I have found my people
jenncrock@reddit
My 32 year old friend never watched dumb and dumber… I quote it every day.. it’s shocking to me. Also, Ernest Scared Stupid is my favorite.
scrotanimus@reddit
I spoke to some new hires at work and they didn’t get a reference to a flux capacitor. They had no idea what it was.
aravarth@reddit
Ayyyyyeewwwwwwwwwwww!
altsex2025@reddit
I'm late 40s, I remember Ernest, but he died when I was relatively young. I'm not super surprised he's not known by people ten plus years younger. I feel like he was kind of a flash in the pan.
iwantmy-2dollars@reddit
You mean Aunt Jackie’s love interest the Prince?
ImHere4TheGiggles@reddit
Thank you for the reminder to show these gems to my niece and nephew! One of the few movies I remember my dad laughing out loud to, so it’s nice to share the memory of him, and Ernest, with them!
Ippus_21@reddit
I mean, I was never a HUGE fan, but it's not like you could live through the 80s and 90s and not even know who Ernest is!
So-Called_Lunatic@reddit
You know what I mean Vern? He used to do our local utility commercials too!
rootsquasher@reddit
My personal favorite Ernest IP is Ernest Goes to Hell.
Not real (that I know of), but a running gag I have amongst my friends, so—go the Hell!
No_Proposal7812@reddit
I remember loving those movies as a kid. Did they actually hold up well? I haven't watched one in forever
edwigenightcups@reddit
Ernest Goes to Camp was the first movie I saw in the cinema without a parent! I went with my next door neighbour who was the same age as me, 6! Can you imagine sending 2 six year olds to see a movie unsupervised now? They would call the police!
We sang "Happy Together" for weeks after that, which apparently was stripped out of the home video version. Does anybody else remember Happy Together in Ernest Goes to Camp?
Tdk1984@reddit
I lived in the Los Angeles area until I was 10, so I knew him from the auto dealer ads he did.
Letsgogehls@reddit
Doesn’t know Ernest?? I don’t know what you mean Vern
squish059@reddit
42 yo here. I can’t stand that fucking guy
IceSmiley@reddit
I envy them because he sucks and they weren't robbed of their time
CorgiMonsoon@reddit
Hey, Vern, help me get my head outta this toilet!
a-fabulous-sandwich@reddit
I'm in my early 40's and have never seen an Ernest movie, BUT I do know Jom Varney because I loved the Beverly Hillbillies movie as a kid. Does that count?
dadlyphe@reddit
Only thing to do is get new friends
Foreign_Donkey463@reddit
I moved to Orlando the same year Ernest Saves Christmas came out. That movie was filmed in my new city. It holds a special place in my heart.
Suitable_Database467@reddit
RIP Jim Varney
Choice_Sandwich_9367@reddit
Ernest Saves Christmas is a staple in my family's Christmas movie playlist.
ChaucersDuchess@reddit
Jim Varney was originally from my home state and is buried here ❤️
D0fus@reddit
He was a passable Jed Clampett.
Sharpshooter188@reddit
Didnt Varney star as like a mascot on a chevy ad originally? Seem to remember him from 80s car commercials.
Drslappybags@reddit
I don't think I've seen past Ernest goes to Jail. But those take me back.
IGuessIamYouThen@reddit
Where can you stream Earnest Goes to Camp? I was looking for it last week.
pineapples_are_evil@reddit
No toy story? They don't know Slinky Dog?
Simply_Serene_@reddit
I’ve never seen the Ernest movies, but my step dad had two VHS tapes of just hours of Ernest commercials. Like Mountain Dew and what not. I watched those all of the time for some reason. I need to watch Ernest Saves Christmas! I love Christmas movies and my kids get so excited when I ask them if they want to watch a “Santa movie” during our wind-down time at the end of the night lately!
Awkwardpanda75@reddit
I feel the same way about a Christmas story. I feel like that’s a classic and all of my employees at work would benefit from knowing exactly what I’m talking about when I reference scenes they all just look at me like OK grandma
Grathmaul@reddit
I think you do know what to do.
You just haven't decided if it's worth it.
Brilliant_Addendum56@reddit
Ernest saves Christmas is a much watch this time of year.
kimness1982@reddit
It’s on my list as well. My Gen X husband had never seen it!
TheBigBangClock@reddit
My co-worker (he's 49) made a reference to Mr Ed the other day and nobody under 40 knew what the hell he was talking about. Someone else made a joke about their prolonged business trip being a 3-hour tour and one of the younger folks thought it was a reference to one of the recent Spiderman movies.
taleofbenji@reddit
Get new friends
Ok_Researcher_9796@reddit
I saw Ernest Goes to Camp at the movie theater with my little brother in 1987.
No-Oven-1974@reddit
I've also alienated my children from their own generation by enjoying Ernest movies with them. No regrets, we miss you Jim Varney.
justpassingby_thanks@reddit
You are safe now, Scared and Goes to Camp, plus the commercials are core memories. We didn't even have a bootleg VHS recorded off TV version but I somehow saw these movies a lot.
Kink_Candidate7862@reddit
I liked him for the commercials, his movies? Ok for 8-13 year olds, as an adult I found them to be boring.
Possible-Tangelo9344@reddit
jocundry@reddit
I'm 45 and I've never seen any of the movies.
I do know who he is because I watched TV as a kid and the commercials for the movies were everywhere
VonFacington@reddit
There ain't no trees in Botswana. Nuh uh, I know. I AM a Botswanian lumberjack, and I ain't never had a job.
SlobZombie13@reddit
WE'RE THE OTTOMANS
gpo321@reddit
Hold for Helper Elmes
NightMgr@reddit
I’d read he had a habit that would explain his energy.
Spiniferus@reddit
You know I don’t think I ever saw one of the movies… I saw the trailers in cinemas a lot and on the video previews and always thought fuck that looks sick. I probably have to fix this situation and live out a childhood dream!
FrankieTheAlchemist@reddit
Alien Reporter: “Where do you think the humans went wrong, oh Exalted Zebulon, ruler of the galactic rim world conclave!?”
Zebulon: “it’s clear to my 3 eye-tentacles and the palpitations in my 12 lung sacs, that entire generations grew up without Ernest movies!”
Alien Reporter: ::horrified silence as zey contemplate this terrible knowledge::
Nanashi_Kitty@reddit
It was banned in my house so while I've seen an episode or two I didn't really get in the Ernst collective. Same can be said of PeeWee Herman, as that too was banned.
They banned Beavis and Butthead, but I found a loophole and watched Liquid Television instead. Far more appropriate for my 11 year old eyes.
spacedicksforlife@reddit
Had the same conversation with my wife and my kids. I might as well have been talking about alum and Abner.
mrnoonan81@reddit
Things come. Things go.
Funandgeeky@reddit
Bad Jim Varney looking kind of nice…
sexyass2627@reddit
creddittor216@reddit
Those friends? They are not your friends. Know what I mean?
TonyNoPants@reddit
Yo! His saturday morning sketch comedy show did not get enough love.
Phyzzx@reddit
My friend loved him.
TheLastBoat@reddit
I still remember seeing ‘Ernest Saves Christmas’ in the theater. I watched the VHS of ‘Ernest Goes To Camp’ on repeat for a while.
lm_goat48@reddit
Earnest Scared Stupid is a must for my family on Halloween
el_n00bo_loco@reddit
I went as Ernest for Halloween this year... Went to about 50 houses with my kids...and only one family recognized me.
affectionateanarchy8@reddit
Yeah i never saw em either
dudly825@reddit
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree…
…Oh Christmas tree
fullthrottle13@reddit
100% I’ll die on that hill with you..
EARMUFFS-GAMING@reddit
Sounds like you need some new friends.
Kidding. Kinda.
noonesaidityet@reddit
I love Ernest Goes To Camp, still think it's the best. BUT, Auntie Nelda monologing in Ernest Goes To Jail gets me every fucking time.
WhydIJoinRedditAgain@reddit
I am there was never a Medea/Ernest crossover. Would have moved race relations in America forward decades.
MartyMcFlysBrother@reddit
Ernest saves Christmas will absolutely be blessing my television screen a few weeks from now
Pankosmanko@reddit
I’ve seen all the Ernest movies, including the one that’s just fake ads for an hour
OskeyBug@reddit
I think Ernest is definitely for the 40+ crowd
jtho78@reddit
What’s the hill?
Barkerfan86@reddit
This actually was a topic of conversation with me and some friends the other night. We are starting up a horror podcast and have decided to do Ernest Scared Stoopid as our first show. We will also go into a lot about Jim Varney. Being from Kentucky we thought we owed the man our respect.
A lot of people just don’t get it because its Appalachian humor, and so if you’re not from the area and don’t know people like what his movies portray you just won’t get it.
Fools_Errand77@reddit
Start them out easy with the “Hey Vern, It’s Earnest” show. It holds up surprisingly well.
SuddenCraft2299@reddit
my dad constantly says "know what i mean?" and i respond "vern." this has been going on for years. i've only recently found out he had no idea why i was saying vern - and was shocked.
Lawrenceburntfish@reddit
Dude. I have to ask people if they know anything about Star Wars now. Half the people I ask say sleeping like "I haven't seen the movies" or "ummm kinda, I've seen some stuff"...
You👉⛵👈me
Dependent_Sentence53@reddit
Ernest Scared Stupid was a Halloween ritual when I was a kid.
SteveEcks@reddit
Gee I'm Glad It's Raining is a devastating banger and has no business being in a slapstick comedy.
Battle-Any@reddit
I made my 9 year old watch Ernest Scared Stupid, and she asked why everyone smoked too much weed "100 years ago in the 80s."
Chemical-Flan-5700@reddit
I grew up in pretty chaotic environment, so there wasn’t a whole lot of movie watching. Most movies my peers were quoting, I hadn’t and largely still have not seen. Hubby forced me to watch Mean Girls a few months back and it definitely didn’t hit like I’m assuming it did back then.
AquaValentin@reddit
I saw Ernest Goes to Camp in the theaters with my friends. We loved it
Longster_dude@reddit
I'm 48 and our family grew up on Ernest movies. Ugh, I just looked him up to see what he's up to these days. Passed away at the age of 50 due to lung cancer. Smoking is bad, kids.
Accomplished-Low7867@reddit
I'm 50 when I was 15 I saw the Ernest X Mas movie. It's the only one I ever saw. I do remember him doing alot of commercials back then though.
ZENDO_ATLIEN@reddit
Goes to Camp is the OG (I still reference Camp Kikakee LOL) and Saves Christmas still a family holiday classic. After that, the subsequent two theatrical releases, Goes to Jail and Scared Stupid, respectively, have their moments but started to show cracks. Skip any and all straight to video.
tgbarbie@reddit
Also this
Dry_Inspection_4583@reddit
This and Super Dave Osborne made my childhood
GramercyPlace@reddit
I feel like this is posting “I was talking to my buddies and it turns out I’m the only one who’s ever tried cocaine.”
Roseheath22@reddit
I don’t think I ever watched one. I remember seeing the posters on the wall at our local video store.
Illustrious-Lead-960@reddit
Have a Mello Yello and chill the heck out.
1_art_please@reddit
Ernest movies are the funniest ever while high. I laugh so hard tears stream down my face.
I also like the bit in the Simpsons when they are in the video store and behind them is a movie that says, 'Ernest goes directly to video'and he's on the cover going, 'NOOOO' in anguish lol.
_its_a_SWEATER_@reddit
Ernest Scared Stupid was an absolute TANK as a kid.
andthrewaway1@reddit
scared stupid and go to jail were my two favs
cacecil1@reddit
I'm 48 and haven't ever watched one either. The commercials he did as Ernest were enough for me. Funny in small doses, but a whole movie? no thanks
curiouserthangeorge@reddit
They aint gonna get this camp........
rythmicjea@reddit
I saw one as a kid and hated it.
StillhasaWiiU@reddit
Sad_Egg_5176@reddit
Society is doomed