Variety

The fifth in the series of slapstick comedies about Ernest P. Worrell will please his fans but is unlikely to convince anyone else as to it merits.

Washington Post by Hal Hinson

Ernest keeps up his filibuster of inane chatter, shifting from one comic voice, one accent, to another with impressive dexterity. That voice of his is a real gift. Too bad we have to look at him too. [12 Nov 1993, p.C6]

The New York Times by Stephen Holden

The movie knows its audience, which is roughly between the ages of 5 and 13 and enjoys inane, goofy slapstick that seldom lets up.

The Seattle Times

It's not enough to say that the Ernest movies are aimed at very young children. They are aimed at very young, very stupid children, and their unfortunate parents should steer them toward more edifying entertainment. [12 Nov 1993, p.D24]

Boston Globe by Jay Carr

Most of the time Ernest Rides Again is a one-joke - or, rather, one-cannon - movie, enough to raise grave doubts about the importance of seeing - let alone being - Ernest. [12 Nov 1993, p.47]

TV Guide Magazine

With even less plot and cheaper production values than usual, this is comedy for catatonics that will bore even fans of past entries in the series.

Chicago Sun-Times

Maybe 7-year-olds will enjoy this PG-rated stuff, but it's not funny. [12 Nov 1993, p.39]

Austin Chronicle by Marc Savlov

Unfortunately, this kind of sledgehammer comedy has worn thin over the many years since Mack Sennett first hit on it.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

The humor in this film is so elementary, so numskull, it defies description or extended discussion.

Empire by William Thomas

About as funny as contracting cancer.