Slam Dunk Ernest (Video 1995)

Slam Dunk Ernest (Video 1995). 1h 33m | PG

“Like what was said with u0026#39;Ernest Goes to Schoolu0026#39;, just need to make things clear about not being a detractor of the character of Ernest or his films. Actually consider most of the films imperfect but fun in a guilty pleasure sort of way.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHowever, even when judging it for what it was meant to be and being more than willing to go against the grain and defend it like with most of the previous outings, u0026#39;Slam Dunk Ernestu0026#39; is to me one of the weaker u0026#39;Ernestu0026#39; films. Not terrible and there are far worse films out there, but to me the series lost its charm and lost steam in the 90s and when it went straight to video rather than released theatrically.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026#39;Slam Dunk Ernestu0026#39; does have its good qualities. The best things about it are the music and Jim Varney. The music is full of rocking energy and affectionate nostalgia and really adds a great deal to the action in the film. Itu0026#39;s hard still not to relate to Ernest, the sort of character that is a well-intended serial bumbler with a well-meaning big strong heart but always finding himself messing up without intention.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eVarney is fun and likable in the role, to me there is enough freshness in the interpretation to not make it too tired or endless mugging and his performance does give the film much needed energy. Some of the dialogue while not exactly sophisticated is funny and there are a few scenes that raise a laugh. One does see glimpses of the fun and danger of the sport of basketball, and the moral does give the film some heart.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOn the other hand, too much of the humour doesnu0026#39;t work this time, with it having a recycled feel, being crudely puerile and, even for an u0026#39;Ernestu0026#39; film but here turned up maximum notches, is incredibly childish. Other than Varney, the acting is poor, with a mix of non-trying and being annoying.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eUnfortunately the story and pacing are done in a way that doesnu0026#39;t make the above forgivable. The story is wafer thin and contrived, with a muddled, clumsily written subplot that feels out of place within the film. Too often it doesnu0026#39;t know what to do with itself, cueing some aimless stretches and pacing that begged for a steroid shot. The sentimentality also gets too much, and the whole film looks cheap and ineptly directed and choreographed.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn conclusion, not terrible but really isnu0026#39;t one of the better u0026#39;Ernestu0026#39; films. 5/10 Bethany Cox”