Going beyond the never-say-die concept, McGowan paints an evocative picture of provincial life and mostly steers clear of cliche.
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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Reviews for Saint Ralph
Written with the glee of a scheming Catholic schoolboy, but its geniality outstrips its plausibility.
What writer-director Michael McGowan has pulled off is a bit of a miracle.
For the jaded moviegoer, here's a little film that just might restore your faith -- in movies and a whole lot more.
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.
A likable little underdog-triumphs drama from Canada... This is a case where my idealistic side won out over my cynical side.
It's worth seeking out this bittersweet comedy with its emotionally resonant story and stellar performances.
This deliciously offbeat Canadian comedy gets its charm from marvelous acting and from a screenplay bursting with ideas.
Captures the feel of a relatively uncomplicated era and draws us into another impossible dream.
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?
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.
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.
Canadian writer-director Michael McGowan has packed it so full of earnestness that viewers end up jogging along.
McGowan employs well-apportioned measures of droll humor and emotional urgency while spinning the story of Ralph Walker.
Even when it's pushing the limits of shameless manipulation, this cheeky Canadian film has charm and wit.
McGowan's film demonstrates how sometimes the strongest acts of faith can only occur entirely outside the church.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
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| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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