This week, Pop Culture Pastor hits Be Kind Rewind on Ernest Saves Christmas (1988). Dave, Cody, and Jackson revisit the holiday oddity that was a childhood staple for many, unpacking what still works (Jim Varney’s undeniable talent, a genuinely great Santa) and what hasn’t aged as well.

Along the way, they talk Ernest’s place in late-80s pop culture, Jim Varney’s legacy, deeper themes of identity and calling, Muppet-ize the movie, pick which character they’d be, and wrap it all up with a Vern-based rating.

Is Ernest Saves Christmas a true holiday classic or just a nostalgic time capsule?