Is Ernest Goes to Camp Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ernest Goes to Camp is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ernest Goes to Camp Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Ernest Goes to Camp emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ernest, a lovable loser who works as a summer camp handyman and dreams of becoming a guidance counselor, must find a way to inspire a group of juvenile delinquents while stopping a shady strip mining company from closing the camp as well. Unlike standard genre fare, Ernest Goes to Camp attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ernest Goes to Camp features a noteworthy lineup led by Jim Varney . Supported by the likes of Victoria Racimo and John Vernon , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ernest Goes to Camp Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ernest Goes to Camp is a Comedy, Family film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ernest Goes to Camp Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ernest Goes to Camp attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ernest Goes to Camp reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ernest Goes to Camp?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Ernest Goes to Camp Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $23.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ernest Goes to Camp Budget
The estimated production budget for Ernest Goes to Camp is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ernest Goes to Camp
- Jim Varney – Ernest P. Worrell
- Victoria Racimo – Nurse St. Cloud
- John Vernon – Sherman Krader
- Lyle Alzado – Bronk Stinson (Foreman)
- Gailard Sartain – Jake
Top Highlights
Jim VarneyErnest P. Worrell
Victoria RacimoNurse St. Cloud
John VernonSherman Krader
Lyle AlzadoBronk Stinson (Foreman)
Gailard SartainJake
Daniel ButlerEddy
Iron Eyes CodyOld Indian Chief
Patrick DayBobby Wayne
Scott MenvilleCrutchfield
Jacob VargasBubba Vargas
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Ernest Goes to Camp is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Ernest Goes to Camp stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ernest Goes to Camp movie hit or flop?
Ernest Goes to Camp has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ernest Goes to Camp worth watching?
Ernest Goes to Camp is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ernest Goes to Camp online?
Ernest Goes to Camp may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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