Ernest Scared Stupid
Tags: good versus evil, horror, stupid

Plot synopsis:
Trantor is a demonic troll who transforms children into wooden dolls to feast upon their energy out on Briarville, Missouri in the late 19th Century. He is captured by townsfolk and sealed under a giant oak tree. One of the village elders, Phineas Worrell, an ancestor of Ernest, establishes the seal under the condition that Trantor can only be released on the night before Halloween and by the hands of a Worrell – and that every generation of Worrells would get "dumber and dumber and dumber", culminating in Ernest P. Worrell.
Two hundred years later, Ernest, a sanitation worker, helps a few of his middle school friends, Kenny Binder, Elizabeth and Joey, construct a tree house in the same tree that unknowingly contains the dormant creature, after the mayor's sons demolished their own cardboard haunted house. When Old Lady Hackmore (Eartha Kitt) discovers this she angrily leaves. When Ernest follows her, he learns the story of Trantor and reports it to the kids. Inadvertently, Ernest releases the troll. Lulling him into a false sense of security using Ernest's voice, Trantor takes Joey and turns him into a wooden doll. Ernest finds Sheriff Binder, who is Kenny's dad, and explains the situation but they don't believe him. After none of the townsfolk will aid Ernest, he mounts a one-man (and one-dog) defense operation in preparation for Trantor's appearance. Meanwhile, Trantor captures a boy on a skateboard for his second victim.
Tom and Bobby Tulip, hoping to take advantage of Ernest, sell him a variety of fake troll traps, but one backfires on the mayor's sons and Ernest is fired from his job. Ernest, Kenny and Elizabeth return to Hackmore, where they learn that "the heart of a child, and a mother's care" are the only defenses against the troll. Later that night, Elizabeth is attacked by Trantor and made his third victim. Kenny and a friend named Gregg are walking, Trantor uses Elizabeth's voice to lure Kenny away, then takes Gregg as a fourth victim. Despite parents being upset at their missing children, Mayor Murdock and Sheriff Cliff Binder still proceed with a Halloween party at the school. Trantor appears there and takes the mayor's oldest son as his fifth and final wooden doll. In the ensuing fight between Trantor and Ernest, Trantor turns Ernest's dog Rimshot into a wooden doll before being driven off by frozen yogurt covering Ernest's hands. Kenny realizes that "mother's care" refers to milk and rallies a troll-fighting team to destroy them.
Back at the treehouse, Trantor successfully summons dozens of trolls while Ernest tries but fails to stop them. Kenny and his friends arrive and begin destroying the trolls with milk. Kenny unsuccessfully tries to destroy Trantor, who turns Kenny into a doll as well. With the rest of the townsfolk now backing him up and telling him to douse Trantor in milk, Ernest realizes that the troll children were susceptible to the milk, while Trantor himself would be weak against unconditional love: "the heart of a child". He takes Trantor and dances with him while the mob watches, filling him with as much love as possible and finishing it off with a kiss to his snot-ridden nose, which causes Trantor to explode.
With Trantor's destruction, Ernest is proclaimed a hero. All of the wooden dolls are restored and life returns to normal.

Review: But if you're an otherwise intelligent and reasonably good humored person, and especially if you're looking for something that is decidedly NOT a gut-yanking, eyeball popping, gorey screamfest to watch with your kids on Halloween, this is a fun and easy on the brain flick..
I saw this movie on TV a couple years ago, but I didn't get to see the whole thing because I had to go to that one place in the world that is most pointless and very stupid----yes, school.
And this movie is seriously one of the best comedies that are "so stupid, they're funny".The late Jim Varney stars as Ernest as he tries to stop an evil Troll from killing all of town's children.
There are some scenes that might not be suitable for children, but otherwise this hilariously funny romp is surely a movie that everyone should watch.
This film is a must-see for anyone who loves stupidly funny comedies!Sleep tight....ERNEST SCARED STUPID gets 4/5..
This was the first "Ernest" movie, I think, that I watched and I was surprised that it wasn't as stupid as I thought it was or the title convinced me it would be.
Having said that, I realize a lot of people would still consider the movie as a dumb one but I always liked Jim Varney and laughed at the most of the stuff he did, beginning with those famous TV commercials of his.In the last 30 years, how many comedies do you see without a tons of sex and profanity?
Worrell accidently wakes up a troll who begins to abduct kids, and turn them into wooden dolls for his evil plan.
The production values are also quite good, but the kids are a little grating.My only real complaint is the same thing that bugged with previous Ernest movies.
Sounds like a petty grievance, but it would have made a difference to hone the acting a little more and tighten things up.Probably not a Halloween classic, but it's hardly a time of year for family movies..
I was amazed at how entertaining this film was; I saw it when I was about 11, and it was my first proper 'movie' I saw at the cinema, not counting classic Disney animated films.Halloween is mainly a children's affair anyway, and it is good to see that Ernest was able to bring it to the children: a little bit of laughter, a little bit of horror, and some child actors in important parts.
In "Ernest Scared Stupid", he accidentally awakens an evil troll who proceeds to go around kidnapping children with the aim of becoming indestructible.Yes, it's total escapism, but the good kind.
He inadvertently releases the 200-year-old demon, that is determined to release his offspring from the tomb, by means of stealing five children and turning them into wooden dolls, until the curse of the trolls is broken.
The monsters looked like characters from the "Troll" film series (don't get me started there), there were lots of really annoying child actors, and worst of all, this movie seemed to be attempting to be serious at some points.
Moronic garbageman Ernest (Jim Varney) inadvertently frees a troll from a centuries-long imprisonment beneath a tree.
Some evil troll is trapped under a tree on Eartha Kitts property and the only person in the entire world who can release him from his grave is of course, Ernest.
After Ernest accidentally says the magic words that release this evil, the troll runs around the woods capturing the local kids and turning them into wooden dolls...and of course the only one that can save them is of course, Ernest.
It seemed like everyone phoned in their performance with this film, and Jim Varney even looked disinterested throughout the movie.
I honestly never thought I'd see him in a horror comedy, but it's kind of fitting when you think about it since his last film Ernest Saves Christmas was on the Christmas holiday, so why not this one be on Halloween.
This sort of thing just all makes me want Ernest to win, to save and protect the kids from evil.Music is great I really love the theme song which is one of my favorite themes, but I really love that intro to the film which is probably one of my favorite intros of all time as well, which is something that I don't see often and sorely miss.
The intro is great it scared me a little as a kid , I remember pretending to do those myself for fun, but at the same time it's just hilarious as we see Ernest is acting all scared as he is seeing all sorts of scenes from random horror films, it's funny because most of those scenes were from films on episodes of "Mystery Science Theater 3000".Really love the creature effects it's all practical, their done by the Chiodo Bros whom are one of my favorite effects masters as they've done it for many things like "Killer Clowns from Outer Space" another favorite horror comedy, the underrated 90's "Land of the Lost" revival tv series.
It's too bad there were never any toy figures of any of the trolls of this film as each of them have unique designs, oh well.Supporting characters are great, really loved Eartha Kitt whom I mainly remember as the other Catwoman from the 60's Batman series, with that raspy voice and everything.
But what I like about her is she's kind of funny too she's got some good lines, as she's sort of an eccentric junk artist, from what she wears and some of her behavior yeah hasn't really gone out much but due to her traumatic expenses with the Trolls yeah that would mess my mental facilities up too.The usual comic duo Jake and ruberfaced Booby are just great.
Another is during a battle scene Jake alone with Booby are taking pictures of the Trolls just to sell them to make a quick profit but the aftermath of it is hilarious as it goes with the old saying, "Easy come, easy go."Kenny I really like, it's really cool having a kid protagonist in a horror movie, let alone male.
Along with Ernest cute dog Rimshot whom is surprisingly smart.But of course, as usual with the Ernest films we're here for him and as usual he is just his hilarious loveable self as usual he has some of the best scenes and has some of the best lines I just say a few scenes as I don't want to give too much away.One scene is when he constructs the Troll Motel trap, other than a fourth wall slapstick joke at the end of the scene, it was really the verbal monologue that made me laugh the most when Ernest is describing and enacting a scenario on how the Troll would fall for the trap, as if the Troll would even know what cable TV is.Another is seeing Ernest of course running down the street of town with a bull horn and he is warning all the townspeople about the Trolls but of course no one would believe him (no one in horror films ever do till it's too late) It's just cracks me up on some of the things he says, "Make sure your furniture is up against the wall!"But of course, my favorite scene is the Miak.
I still to this day don't know what the heck that stuff really is if it's a jam or some sort of special cottage cheese, only that it's from Bulgaria and its available fall season.There even some pretty good action not wall to wall, but it makes sense since Ernest, Kenny and anyone else that helps out are ordinary people they're not trained fighters, but hey at least their doing something about a bad situation.
And the fights and battles, it's fun, funny and kind of cool seeing Ernest kick some ass from hitting Trolls with a baseball bat, to fighting off the troll army with his multiple persona ability which surprising shows great use.Overall, if you're an Ernest or even a horror and comedy fan this like any of Ernest's gizmos is worth trying out.
Like most 'Ernest' films, not all the humour works with some of the slapstick oriented scenes being tiring.Despite great production design and surprisingly not bad special effects, the cheap camera work mars things somewhat.
And apart from Jim Varney and Eartha Kitt, the cast are not particularly memorable with the performances of the children being pretty grating.However, as aforementioned, there is some atmospheric production design that captures the spirit of Halloween really well.
The special effects are surprisingly not bad, in fact they're quite good considering the budget, was in all honesty expecting them to be terrible.'Ernest Scared Stupid's' soundtrack is full of energy and creates unsettling atmosphere and a sense of nostalgia.
Pacing is bright and breezy, and the film really captures the fun of Halloween and what it's like to be a kid again.Varney is immensely likable and a lot of fun as Ernest, and to me the character appeals to me despite potentially being the sort of character that doesn't do it for me usually to put it mildly.
Ernest's comic genius really pulls out all the stops in this one especially one scene where he plays a variety of different characters trying to convince a kid to build a tree house.
Worrell movies sure are fun, something that you can just let go and laugh at.Ernest Scared Stupid is my favorite of these movies.
Worrell movies sure are fun, something that you can just let go and laugh at.Ernest Scared Stupid is my favorite of these movies.
Ernest indeed scared stupid but still loved this film.
Ernest P Worrell is one of the many beloved characters of my childhood.The Guy just made me laugh and created many good comedy moments that I like so much.Ernest Scared Stupid is both funny and scary while it is still a family film there are moments that might be too much for children.However with the comedy that is strong in this film, there are moments that you will be replaying over and over that still remain as funny as they did back then.
Ernest just has that comedy timing that knows when it works.Plus the intro for Ernest Scared Stupid with Ernest reacting to classic horror film scenes just set the mood for the film along with a original story that will make you never look at a film like this ever again.Mixing comedy and scary films is always risking but lucky this film does a good job with that.
Dumb Halloween Fun. While building a tree-house in the woods, garbage collector Jim Varney (as Ernest P.
No doubt this film was most appreciated by the very young in 1991.**** Ernest Scared Stupid (10/11/91) John Cherry ~ Jim Varney, Austin Nagler, Shay Astar, Eartha Kitt.
In the movie Ernest (Jim Varney) releases a 200 year old troll that turns kids into dolls.
I found the movie to be hilarious especially in the scene when Ernest is working on the garbage truck and everything goes wrong.
Filled with hilarious scenes and laughs Ernest Scared Stupid is a true Halloween Film anyone can enjoy!
It has classic Ernest humor, some good subplots, an interesting guest star (Eartha Kitt) and troll work from the Chiodo Brothers (the guys who made the Killer Klowns).Sure, this is more of a kid film, but if you have kids or grew up with it, it may hold a special place in your heart.
For kids who may not be old enough to watch a real Halloween movie without being scared, this is a good transition piece -- still has monsters, but shouldn't be too scary..
Ernest Scared Stupid has to be one of the funniest films in the whole franchise this silly yet enjoyable comedy sees our beloved hero fighting to save the town from an army of trolls.
Worrell (Varney) now the garbage disposal engineer for the peaceful town of Briarville finds himself drawn into battle when he accidentally releases a 200 year old troll from it's tomb.
The troll has the ability to transform children into wooden dolls and it's up to this lovable goof ball and his friends including Old Lady Hackmore (Kitt) a longtime resident to stop this reign of evil before it's too late.I give this silly Halloween flick a solid 6/10.
I'm getting it because it is one movie that will scare my three year old without making her terrified for the rest of her life: like child's play, Halloween, Freddy, and Jason movies.
Although my adjectives make little sense...I will now look at my life in an entirely new and greater spectrum that was unseen before I had viewed such a film.Many nights have passed where I have stayed up late waiting for a chance to catch a mere glimpse of Jim Varney's spirit to rise from my chest in a ghostly, humorous, Ernest-like manner...I laugh just reminiscing on such moments.
However, the story holds together and another powerful performance by Jim Varney makes this another successful Ernest film.Rating: B.
Even if you don't like Ernest movies, you should still be able to appreciate them for what they are.This one wasn't his best one, but it still had me laughing uncontrollably as I watched him try and figure out what MI_K was.
However, the plot and troll effects seemed kinda graphic for a little kids' movie..
Ernest was never a movie series intended for those who like to think.
When Halloween was fun and Ernest made us scared stupid.
One of the movies I remember watching like crazy when I was a kid during Halloween was Ernest Scared Stupid.
It was always on TV and one of those harmless kid's movies that they could watch with a fun scare and was pretty safe for the family.
I always loved this movie, even though I liked the more intense films like Jaws and The Exorcist, Ernest Scared Stupid was something special to me.
I think so, it's a reminder of a time when Halloween was fun and about the scares.Ernest works as a sanitation engineer for the town and is close friends with Elizabeth and her two friends Joey, and Kenny.
But Ernest and the kids are on top of it trying to stop him before he can do this and save the town.Ernest Scared Stupid is a harmless film that I don't know why, but people gave this movie the harshest rating.
That's what Ernest Scared Stupid meant to me, reminding me of the good times.
Essentially, the character of Ernest is a one-punch gag which somehow evolved into a series of stupid, pointless movies which glorify the redundant stupidity of a character who gives Jar Jar Binks a run for his money on the "annoying-and-must-die-o-meter" (and I say this with all due respect to the late Jim Varney, the very talented man playing Ernest who demonstrated wonderful talent in films like "Toy Story").
With a great buildup and a payoff that is absolutely side-splitting, I am amazed how such smart comedy found its way into such a stupid film, and it makes me wonder what, with better writing and more personality, the Ernest films COULD have been.The scene I am referring to towards the end, when Ernest and the evil troll face each other.
In an ancient book, the only way to kill the troll has previously been revealed, but one of the letters is missing: he can only be defeated by "mi*k." Now, all the viewers realize, from the clues dropped throughout, that the word is milk, but Ernest, through the course of the film, has a difficult time figuring out what the word could possibly be, what with his limited intelligence and all.
In any rate, when he and the Troll finally spar off, Ernest pulls out of his pocket a container of Bulgarian "Miak," and he exclaims, "EAT MIAK AND DIE!" The Troll's reaction is of course confusion, and the timing of the scene and the way it was played between the two characters made me laugh so hard, I thought I was going to have a brain annurism.Of course, it might have been only a lightly humorous scene, and the fact that it was funny in such an awful film left a greater impact than it should have.
Ernest Scared Stupid was indeed, not the best one, but not the worst as other films devalue the character, then up the charm.
I was a fan of Ernest (played by late Jim Varney) when growing up in the mid 1990's, so I watched a majority of the movies that he starred in.
I didn't watch much of his commercials or television works, but as a child, I kinda like this movie, but as an adult looking back.
In the film, Ernest currently working as a town's apparent sole garbage man who has befriended several middle-school aged kids who wanted to build a tree house.
Ernest with his trusted dog, Rimshot (By the way, an awful name for a dog, sounds more like a sexual slang), some high-spirited neighborhood kids, and the advice of the mysterious "Old Lady" Hackmore (Eartha Kitt) must stop an evil Trantor from ruining Halloween for good.
Jim Varney is still likable as Ernest and a lot of his other familiar characters appear in this film as well.
Ernest Scared Stupid is a very enjoyable movie and a must see for all long-time Ernest fans.
Being Ernest, he says the one thing he shouldn't have: "Yay, I call thee forth Trantor" and knocks on the tree 3 times, thus releasing the evil troll.
As a child, I was scared of this movie because of the troll, Trantor looked scary.
Throughout the movie, Ernest tries to defeat Trantor with 'Troll fighting technology' and miss Hackmore.