Synopsis
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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Cast
- Adam ButcherRalph Walker
- Campbell ScottFather George Hibbert
- Michael KanevChester Jones
- Gordon Pinsent
- Tamara HopeClaire Collins
- Keir GilchristKid Collins
- Boyd BanksWorker #1
- Jennifer TillyNurse Alice
- Shauna MacDonaldEmma Walker
- Frank CrudeleMr. Karl
Recommendations
- 100
Christian Science Monitor
This deliciously offbeat Canadian comedy gets its charm from marvelous acting and from a screenplay bursting with ideas. Great fun. - 70
Film Threat
McGowan’s film isn’t just about following this boy’s private quest to accomplish the impossible. It is also about how he affects the other characters in the film. - 70
Variety
Even though it sprints along a well-trod path through familiar territory, Saint Ralph remains surprisingly compelling. - 60
Dallas Observer
Little Ralph comes off like "Billy Elliot" on steroids. Still, this an energetic movie that can be truly hilarious in spots, and it captures perfectly the oppressive atmosphere of a Catholic boys' school in the ’50s. - 60
Los Angeles Times
Though Butcher is appealing, Saint Ralph is anchored by Scott's persuasive work as a model of intelligent decency. - 50
Entertainment Weekly
At first, Ralph and the movie have moxie -- the kid even gets busted for pleasuring himself in the public pool. Then Ralph starts asking us to take this cornball mission seriously. - 40
The A.V. Club
Scott can invest just about any scene with heft and intelligence, but neither the material nor his co-star give him much help. - 40
Village Voice
The most blatant rip-off is of the "Rushmore" soundtrack. But Ralph Walker is no Max Fischer, and his monomania gets dull fast.
