Ernest P. Worrell, the endearing yet clumsy protagonist, finds himself caught in a predicament greater than himself when he is mistakenly identified as a career criminal. After being arrested for a crime he didn't commit, he is taken to prison where, much to his surprise, he becomes the target of an escape plan organized by a dangerous inmate. Meanwhile, his ingenuity and dazzling clumsiness land him in hilarious situations that, although they seem to spell his doom, also provide him with an unexpected opportunity to prove his worth.
As Ernest tries to navigate life in prison, he faces a group of inmates who have nothing to lose and a government official more interested in his own career than in the safety of the prisoners. Through a combination of comic moments and absurd situations, Ernest finds creative ways to get out of trouble and make friends along the way.
The story unfolds in a tone that blends slapstick comedy with a satirical look at the prison system, as our hero becomes an unexpected champion for the other inmates. In his typically clumsy yet genuine role, Ernest helps execute a bold plan to save the day, transforming a grim environment into a series of moments filled with laughter and hope. Undoubtedly, his heart is bigger than all the obstacles he faces.