🎅🎄 Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

Let’s start by showing y’all the trailer 📽️

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⚠️ Note: I first watched this film in December last year — yes, I know, I’m late to the party. But hey, better late than never.


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Non-Spoiler Plot Rundown

Ernest Saves Christmas is part of the long-running Ernest character franchise — a character played by Jim Varney, originally created for a series of regional TV commercials in the early ’80s. The commercials were so popular that the Ernest “Hey Vern!” persona spun off into TV shows (Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!) and a string of feature films.

This time, Ernest P. Worrell, a bumbling but well-meaning Orlando taxi driver, gets tangled up in a very special holiday mission: helping Santa Claus find his successor before Christmas Eve. Along the way, he befriends a runaway teenage girl, assists the new would-be Santa, and causes all sorts of slapstick chaos — but underneath the wackiness, there’s a surprisingly warm, heartfelt Christmas core.


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Character & Actor Breakdown

Ernest P. Worrell — Jim Varney: The goofy, over-the-top, rubber-faced man of a thousand expressions. Whether you love him or find him grating, his commitment is undeniable.

Santa Claus — Douglas Seale: The warm, kindly current Santa who’s ready to pass the torch before time runs out.

Harmony Starr — Noelle Parker: The runaway teen who initially only looks out for herself, but learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Joe Carruthers — Oliver Clark: The kindhearted children’s TV host chosen to be the next Santa.

Marty — Robert Lesser: Joe’s sleazy Hollywood agent who tempts him with fame over responsibility.



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Pros 👍

The Christmas spirit is genuinely here — heartwarming without being overly saccharine.

Jim Varney’s energy makes even the silliest scenes watchable.

Strong chemistry between Santa, Ernest, and Harmony.

Surprisingly sincere message about kindness, belief, and carrying on tradition.


Cons 👎

Ernest’s humor is love-it-or-hate-it. If you’re not on board, the slapstick may wear thin fast.

Some dated ’80s pacing and gags.



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Final Thoughts 💭

I’m neutral on Ernest as a character — he’s never been my comedic hero, but this film hit just the right Christmas tone. The story is sweet, the performances are surprisingly charming, and it has that warm, cozy holiday vibe that a lot of modern Christmas films lack.

Why am I neutral about Ernest? Idk why but he in a way he’s always reminded me of my uncle because they both swear smiling clothing, yeah I know it’s stupid but still.

It’s not perfect, but it’s one I can see myself rewatching every few years come December.

Rating: 8/10 🎁


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🎬 Spoiler Breakdown 🎬

The movie opens with Santa arriving in Orlando to meet his chosen successor: Joe Carruthers, a local children’s show host known for his gentle, patient demeanor. Unfortunately, Santa’s sleigh gets delayed, and his path crosses with Ernest, who’s working as a taxi driver. Ernest quickly becomes Santa’s overzealous helper (even if Santa didn’t exactly ask for that).

Meanwhile, we meet Harmony Starr, a teenage runaway with a sharp tongue and a distrust of adults. She tries to con Ernest out of some money, but winds up tagging along for his bizarre adventures.

Santa tries to convince Joe to take over the job, but Joe’s slick agent Marty wants him to star in a violent Christmas-themed action movie instead (because Hollywood logic). Joe is tempted — he doesn’t really believe this old man is the real Santa.

As the deadline approaches (midnight on Christmas Eve), Santa’s magic begins to fade because he hasn’t officially passed the role. Ernest and Harmony steal a reindeer-filled sleigh from an airport warehouse (leading to chaotic chase scenes with airport security), racing through the streets of Orlando to deliver Santa’s sack and reunite him with Joe.

Harmony initially plans to run away with Santa’s magic sack and sell the contents, but her conscience gets the better of her after seeing how much the old man believes in her. She returns just in time for Joe to finally accept his destiny.

In the final act, Joe agrees to put on the red suit, and the magic instantly returns — the sleigh launches into the night sky, and Ernest, of course, ends up taking a wild ride with the reindeer. The film closes with Ernest helping deliver gifts and spreading holiday cheer, showing that even the clumsiest among us can make Christmas a little brighter.