Loveable lunkhead Ernest P. Worrell (a lively and engaging performance by Jim Varney) accidentally unleashes ancient evil troll Trantor on the small country town of Briarville, Missouri.

Director John R. Cherry III keeps the enjoyably silly story moving along at a zippy pace, ably crafts a fun ooga-booga Halloween atmosphere, and maintains an amiable lighthearted tone throughout. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an enthusiastic cast: Varney as usual has a ball as endearing dunderhead Ernest, who makes all kinds of goofy faces and cracks lots of choice one-liners.; the kids are earnest and appealing, Eartha Kitt delivers a delightfully fiery turn as the crazy Old Lady Hackmore, and John Cadenhead and Bill Byrge are hilarious as a couple of huckster store owners. The trolls are super gnarly creations done with great grotesque imagination by the Chiodo brothers. A total hoot.

While there is no debating that "Ernest Goes to Camp" will always be the greatest Ernest film, "Scared Stupid" ranks up there -- possibly third behind "Ernest Goes to Jail". It has classic Ernest humor, some good subplots, an interesting guest star (Eartha Kitt) and troll work from the Chiodo Brothers (the guys who made the Killer Klowns).

Sure, this is more of a kid film, but if you have kids or grew up with it, it may hold a special place in your heart. For kids who may not be old enough to watch a real Halloween movie without being scared, this is a good transition piece -- still has monsters, but shouldn't be too scary.

The Ernest movies were ridiculous, pointless, and quite frankly, a distraction from anything realistic; and yet they were so lovable. Maybe it's just knowing that Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) will always try his hardest to do something honest and benevolent, but always end up doing the most idiotic and embarrassing thing possible; think of him as Gilligan's successor. In "Ernest Scared Stupid", he accidentally awakens an evil troll who proceeds to go around kidnapping children with the aim of becoming indestructible.

Yes, it's total escapism, but the good kind. The perfect movie to watch with a bud. You gotta admit that some of the stuff here makes you laugh just because of its unpredictability. "Miak" is probably the best example.

Anyway, it's pretty fun. Also starring Eartha Kitt (happy birthday, Eartha!).