Saint Ralph (2005)

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.

When i bought the DVD i had never heard of this picture. I didn't know if it was going to be good or bad. I just wanted to see a movie about running.I just saw saint ralph for the fourth time and i gotte confess this movie is better more inspiring than Chariots of fire. Alright, it is no rocky but yet, it never tries to be. And this is why it works. Sometimes it is very good that a movie does not take itself too seriously. I mean, the story is not very realistic. And I'm not talking about whether it is possible that a boy can whin the marathon or not, I'm talking about Ralhp. What Child would behave like Ralph does, when his mother is on the edge of death??? But that doesn't matter, because saint ralph actually is at no time a drama, it is always satisfied with being a comedy. Thus it rises from a comedy and becomes an inspiring story at times, and when it doesn't you don't really care, cause you're not looking at it as a drama, but as a comedy. In the end it is 8/10 in every aspect. The acting, the dialouge, the soundtrack, and the directing. No outstanding achievement but always definitely above average.

A charming, feel good story about a young teen who's love for his mom drives him to strive for something that's seemingly unachievable -- winning the Boston Marathon as a 14-year old neophyte marathoner.Great acting by the entire cast, especially Adam Butcher as young Ralph Walker, who faces becoming an orphan.This film is not for everyone, and it does have some shortcomings, but, if you like feel good movies, then you'll like this one. In the end, it's a hopeful, redemptive tale that will resonate with anyone 18 or older -- and maybe even with those who are a few years younger.The director's commentary is worthwhile. The "making of" feature ended too abruptly for this viewer. Good soundtrack too.An excellent DVD to buy. Definitely worth watching more than once.

Being a Canadian and in the "arts" (i.e broke), I recognized this film as a Canadian offering from the first frame. And this is one Canadian film that can hold its own against anything out there. It makes me think of some the brilliant Belgium films of late.Sentimental? You bet! But young Butcher and his director want you to get on your running shoes and run like the wind with them.The film captures, with just the right touch, all that is good in Ralph. It's a "root for the right little guy" type of film which goes beyond being parochial. Hats off to the director/writer McGowan and young Butcher for doing a slap-up job.Hugh