Film

Ernest Goes to Camp

Name: Ernest Goes to Camp
Genre: Comedy, Family
Released: 1987
Cast: Jim Varney, Victoria Racimo, John Vernon, Lyle Alzado, Gailard Sartain

Slapstick
Light-hearted

Ernest Goes to Camp is a gleefully silly 1987 family comedy where Jim Varney's Ernest P. Worrell—all rubber-faced pratfalls and well-meaning chaos—becomes a summer camp hero. It's broad slapstick directed at kids, with genuine heart underneath the jokes. Perfect for anyone who loves committed physical comedy and doesn't mind a little earnestness with their laughs.

TMDb rating

2.6

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Walter Matthau coaches a terrible little-league team. Scrappy kids, a well-meaning adult, genuine heart, and the conviction that underdogs deserve their shot. Same DNA as Ernest.

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The wildcard

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Ben Stiller's fat-camp comedy has the same summer-camp setting, misfits-unite energy, and commitment to silliness without losing sight of real stakes and character warmth.

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A ragtag group of kids and a sympathetic adult create a fake camp. The chaotic energy, the trust-building subplot, and the genuine affection for misfits echo Ernest's earnest anarchy.

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Problem Child1990

John Ritter and a mischievous adopted kid navigate redemption and family through chaos and slapstick. Similar beat-you-over-the-head sincerity mixed with committed physical comedy.

But The 'problem child' premise hasn't aged gracefully, and the humour often feels strained around a thin plot.

National Lampoon's Vacation1983

Chevy Chase's everyman bumbles through disaster while remaining optimistic and well-meaning. The same commitment to slapstick and the underdog's stubborn hope.

But The pacing drags in places, and some gags rely on cruelty rather than Ernest's kinder chaos.

3 Ninjas1992

Young martial-arts enthusiasts learn discipline and teamwork from a wise adult mentor while fighting real bad guys. Earnest kid-hero action with genuine warmth underneath.

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Daylight1996

Stallone as a subway-rescue hero gathering misfits to survive a tunnel disaster—it has that underdog-team vibe and the same faith in ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

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The Water Horse2007

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