Saint Ralph (2005)
This Canadian made comedy/drama, set in Hamilton, Ontario in 1954, is a sweet and - at times - goofy story that becomes increasingly poignant as the minutes tick by. It's the fictional tale of a wayward 9th grader, Ralph (Adam Butcher), who is secretly living on his own while his widowed, hospitalized mother remains immersed in a coma. Frequently in trouble with Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the principal of his all-boys, Catholic school, Ralph is considered something of a joke among peers until he decides to pull off a miracle that could save his mother, i.e., winning the Boston Marathon. Coached by a younger priest and former runner, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), whose cynicism has been lifted by the boy's pure hope, Ralph applies himself to his unlikely mission, fending off naysayers and getting help along a very challenging path from sundry allies and friends.
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Excellent but underrated film
Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
Others have already reviewed this film in depth. In brief: I agree with the general opinion that this is a nice little picture that's old-fashioned in several ways, most of them positive, a few a little embarrassing. But it's well worth the watch, and with its large-audience appeal and loving attention to Canadian detail, a welcome addition to the Canadian oeuvre.I just want to draw particular attention to one truly break-out performance: that of Campbell Scott as the young priest. This is probably the most realistic portrayal of an actual young teaching priest I've ever seen in the movies. Generally directors either go with sticky-sweet or spuriously bitter and cruel (c.f., the school director in this film). But in real life, most of the young priests I've known are like Scott's: sardonic, sincere, bold, a little bored, comfortable with their students, game, and apparently (or overtly) wondering if they've chosen the wrong life path. It's worth watching this movie just to see Scott and his director nail this character. Also: props to the production crew for getting the priestly vestments right. Clergy don't dress like that any more, but they totally did then, and it was a major part of their presence.
I could simply start this review by saying "Do you like Rudy?" If you like Rudy's road to play one faithful football Match for Notre Dame , I have no doubt you will be equally touched by young Ralph's Journey. The film tells the story of teenager Ralph who is a bit of a waster.He his your typical 14 year old , struggling with puberty , awkward and having a hard time to fit in the Catholic environment of his school. Ralph has another issue , his mother is in hospital suffering from Cancer.Ralph his hiding the fact that he his living all on his own by having a friend forge his grandparents signatures for all school related letters. Things takes a turn to the worse when Ralph's mum falls into a coma and he his informed it will take a miracle to wake her up. Ralph who was forced into taking on running as a sport by his teachers (as a way of keeping his raging hormones in check) although he has no athletic ability believes this miracle can come in the shape of winning the Boston Marathon. There is also a couple of side stories I just don't want to spoil for you. This is a very heart warming film about a typical kid who find he his gifted through the love for his mother. Adam Butcher really shines as the titular hero , he feels like a real 14 year old and gives a very honest performance.He his a very likable lead and you will root for him from the get go. The best thing about this film is that it avoids being over- sentimental, it keeps it's feet firmly on the ground. The supporting actors are all wonderful and Jennifer Tilly gives a very different type of performance then what we are used to. The soundtrack for this film is FANTASTIC , really , I probably went and searched for every wonderful song included in this film. As the late Roger Ebert called it , this film is a real gem and the perfect film if you need something to boost your moral! I give it a 9 out of 10.
First let me quote another commenter's words: "Take Your Family and Go See This Movie!, 17 April 2005 10/10 Author: gbbetts from Canada" Indeed, you would be remiss to not see this excellent movie.First of all the cast could not have been better selected. Each playing their own part marvelously. But special kudos to Adam Butcher who played the lead role of Ralph Walker. His talent carried the lead, what seemed to me to be, quite easily.Campbell Scott as Father George Hibbert; the priest who befriends Ralph, was endearing; Gordon Pinsent as Father Fitzpatrick (aka "Fitz" by the boys) brought back all the fears I had of such authoritarian teachers; Jennifer Tilly as Nurse Alice ... all you need to say is "Jennifer Tilly" and every man's heart in the theater melts; Shauna MacDonald as Emma Walker (Ralph's bed ridden mother) has a small part but I felt completely convinced that she was his mother and she loved him. The rest of the cast was equally well balanced in their roles. 10/10PS: it takes place in a Catholic school, and I am no Catholic. IOW, you must see this movie no matter who you are - it's about being fallible and being human.-LD______________________my faith: http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/jbc33/
Reminded me of two things -- one when I was in Catholic school, and two being a young teenager. Very few films combine religion with real people living real lives. Most films that seem to touch on anything concerning faith come off preachy. This one doesn't in the least. You can't help rooting for and liking the main character. The film is kinda like a family version of Rocky concerning a kid who runs the Boston Marathon to try and wake his coma ridden mother via a miracle. The miracle being a fourteen year old even running in the marathon yet alone trying to win it. The father/coach played by Cambell Scott assures him it would be one of the biggest miracles of all time!