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Movies / On DVD / Saint Ralph
Saint Ralph

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Saint Ralph (2005)

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Reviews Counted:67

Fresh:42

Rotten:25

Average Rating:6.3/10

Consensus: Saint Ralph is an amiable tear-jerker that walks a fine line between being inspirational and being hokum.

Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for some sexual content and partial nudity.

Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Aug 5, 2005 Limited

Box Office: $656,185

Synopsis: A charming Canadian import by director Michael McGowan (MY DOG VINCENT), the 1950s period comedy SAINT RALPH follows earnest Catholic schoolboy Ralph (Adam Butcher) as he struggles with his teenage... A charming Canadian import by director Michael McGowan (MY DOG VINCENT), the 1950s period comedy SAINT RALPH follows earnest Catholic schoolboy Ralph (Adam Butcher) as he struggles with his teenage hormones, challenges priestly authority, and tries to achieve a miracle by winning the Boston Marathon. Facing orphanhood after his father is killed in WWII and his mother falls into a coma caused by terminal cancer, Ralph, with the help of his friend Chester, carries on life as usual by pretending that he lives with his grandparents. He regularly visits his mother in the hospital and creates a special friendship with one of her nurses (Jennifer Tilly). He tries to date an evasive classmate intent on becoming a nun, and generally causes havoc with his school priests (Campbell Scott, Gordon Pinsent). However, when Ralph comes to believe that winning the Boston Marathon would constitute a miracle that might save his mother's life, nothing can stop him. Reminiscent of inspiring stories like BILLY ELLIOTT and WHALE RIDER, SAINT RALPH pokes gentle fun at strict Catholic school rules and provides a young hero for all generations. Underscoring the script's emotion is the score by Andrew Lockington, which features a moving version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Embracing faith, religion, and humanity, SAINT RALPH is a classic family film. [More]

Starring: Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Tilly, Gordon Pinsent

Starring: Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Tilly, Gordon Pinsent, Tamara Hope, Shauna MacDonald

Director: Michael McGowan

Director: Michael McGowan
Screenwriter: Michael McGowan
Producer: Teza Lawrence, Michael Souther, Seaton McLean
Studio: IDP Distribution

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Release:

Dec 13, 2005

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for Saint Ralph

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating)
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Going beyond the never-say-die concept, McGowan paints an evocative picture of provincial life and mostly steers clear of cliche.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
08/05/05
E! Online

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Hollywood.com | comment Comment
08/13/05
Hollywood.com

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Film Threat

Written with the glee of a scheming Catholic schoolboy, but its geniality outstrips its plausibility.

Full Review Source: Arizona Republic | comment Comment
08/04/05
Bill Muller
Bill Muller
Arizona Republic
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

What writer-director Michael McGowan has pulled off is a bit of a miracle.

Full Review Source: Film Journal International | comment Comment
03/01/07
Bruce Feld
Bruce Feld
Film Journal International

For the jaded moviegoer, here's a little film that just might restore your faith -- in movies and a whole lot more.

Full Review Source: Christianity Today | comment Comment
10/02/06
Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends
Christianity Today

Ralph may be more a sinner than a saint, and his movie may be a little cheesy, but who cares - I thoroughly enjoyed following him on his quest.

Full Review Source: TheMovieChicks.com | comment Comment
08/19/05
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
TheMovieChicks.com

A likable little underdog-triumphs drama from Canada... This is a case where my idealistic side won out over my cynical side.

Full Review Source: Fantastica Daily | comment Comment
12/12/05
Chuck O'Leary
Chuck O'Leary
Fantastica Daily

It's worth seeking out this bittersweet comedy with its emotionally resonant story and stellar performances.

Full Review Source: USA Today | comment Comment
08/05/05
Claudia Puig
Claudia Puig
USA Today

This deliciously offbeat Canadian comedy gets its charm from marvelous acting and from a screenplay bursting with ideas.

Full Review Source: Christian Science Monitor | comment Comment
08/04/05
David Sterritt
David Sterritt
Christian Science Monitor

Captures the feel of a relatively uncomplicated era and draws us into another impossible dream.

Full Review Source: ReelTalk Movie Reviews | comment Comment
08/01/05
Donald J. Levit
Donald J. Levit
ReelTalk Movie Reviews

I feel guilty criticizing it because it's about a kid running a marathon to save his mom from dying of cancer. CANCER, for crying out loud! What am I supposed to do with that?

Full Review Source: EricDSnider.com | comment Comment
08/04/05
Eric D. Snider
Eric D. Snider
EricDSnider.com

A heartfelt story about a teenager who proves that ordinary individuals can do extraordinary things through strong intention and a little help from their friends.

Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
08/04/05
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice

Saint Ralph sticks, for the most part, to the road less traveled, delivering a droll feel-good movie that has a little something to say about modern-day miracles.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Daily News | comment Comment
08/05/05
Glenn Whipp
Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Daily News

A fine, small movie that deserves a long run.

Full Review Source: Philadelphia Inquirer | comment Comment
04/14/05
Howard Gensler
Howard Gensler
Philadelphia Inquirer

Canadian writer-director Michael McGowan has packed it so full of earnestness that viewers end up jogging along.

Full Review Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune | comment Comment
08/25/05
Jeff Strickler
Jeff Strickler
Minneapolis Star Tribune

McGowan employs well-apportioned measures of droll humor and emotional urgency while spinning the story of Ralph Walker.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
08/04/05
Joe Leydon
Joe Leydon
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A charmer with heart.

Full Review Source: Newsday | comment Comment
08/04/05
John Anderson
John Anderson
Newsday
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Even when it's pushing the limits of shameless manipulation, this cheeky Canadian film has charm and wit.

Full Review Source: Seattle Times | comment Comment
08/05/05
John Hartl
John Hartl
Seattle Times

McGowan's film demonstrates how sometimes the strongest acts of faith can only occur entirely outside the church.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
08/05/05
Ken Fox
Ken Fox
TV Guide's Movie Guide
 
 
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