ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS (Theatrical Release USA 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Ernest Saves Christmas—okay—relies on that unique comedic style of Jim Varney that drives all his movies. not first class and not a front row piece of entertainment, an afternoon, easy-on-the-mind entertainment style with a little comedy thrown in here and there...it is a style that is average...but charming, watchable, suitable, clean, and as refreshing as a child's innocent laughter.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Santa Claus (Douglas Seale) comes out of an airport complaining about failure to remember what everyone wants for Christmas. Santa retrieves his toy bag from baggage, hails a taxi, and draws Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) as his taxi driver.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John R. Cherry III for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Akerman and Martin Erlichman for making the film possible. Cast include: Jim Varney, Oliver Clark, Noelle Parker, Gailard Sartain, Billie Bird, Bill Byrge, Robert Lesser, and Key Howard.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This is an average movie that has a creative charm of its own...a sweet holiday watch that works for Jim Varney fans.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES (Released to Theaters USA 1993)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Beverly Hillbillies—has its own interpretation of the original Beverly Hillbillies television series and its own upgraded comedy. It’s pleasant to hear the movie concluding with Jerry Scoggins singing the Hillbillies theme song the Ballad of Jed Clampett, accompanied by Lester Flatt and substitution of Bèla Fleck for Lester Flatt. Watch for an almost unrecognizable Jim Varney as the elderly Clampett. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Hillbillies strike oil and take their newfound wealth to Beverly Hills, California. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Penelope Spheeris for directing effort. Thank you to Producers  Ian Bryce and Penelope Spheeris for making the film possible. Cast includes Jim Varney, Diedrich Bader, Erika Eleniak, Cloris Leachman, Lily Tomlin, Lea Thompson, Rob Schneider, Dabney Coleman, Penny Fuller, Kevin Connolly, Linda Carlson, Lyman Ward, and Leann Hunley. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This interpretation of the Beverly Hillbillies television show has its moments of comedy and really tries to earn its watch. It has upgraded its storyline to fit more modern times than the original series. It’s a light afternoon watch that takes little emotional or intellectual involvement.   

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

3 NINJAS: HIGH NOON AT MEGA MOUNTAIN (Theatrical Release France 1998)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì 

3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain —good concept—has a PG-rating and presents the child actors better than the last films in this series. Victor Wong reprises his role as Grandpa. The added ‘treat’ is the casting of Hulk Hogan. The story is fairly well written; the acting is good to okay. The movie operates at a little higher level than the first film in the series. It is a good send-off for the series.  

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Two of the three Ninjas decide against returning to martial arts training next year. Circumstances arise that require them to use the skills they learned to fight evil. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Sean McNamara for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Arthur Leeds and Shin Sang-ok for making the film possible. Cast includes: Hulk Hogan, Loni Anderson, Victor Wong, Mathew Botuchis, Michael J. O’Laskey II, James Paul Roeske II, and Jim Varney. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a good PG-rated film and a good send-off as the fourth film in this series. Good work for all involved. Good storyline overall. Worth a watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers