Saint Ralph
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DVD details
Actor: Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Gordon Pinsent, Jennifer Tilly, Shauna MacDonaldBrand: Sony
DVD: Region Code 99
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen, 1.85:1
Running Time: 98 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-12-13
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Reviews of Saint Ralph
DVD Review: A Pleasant Surprise
Summary: 4 Stars
I will forgo a synopsis of "Saint Ralph" since there are plenty of other reviews that cover the plot. Allow me instead to consider its strengths.
The pleasures of "Saint Ralph" may best be attributed to the ways in which it exceeds expectations. This humble little Canadian film with an "I think I can attitude," is plotted much like an afterschool special for television. However, while its premise seems slightly familiar, "Saint Ralph" charms its audience much more than one might think it capable.
The movie's major asset is its cast. Adam Butcher succeeds admirably in the pivotal role of Ralph Walker. Butcher is always believable, whether handling the sometimes ribald humor or frustrated mourning for a mother who is certainly not dead, but not quite alive either. He leads off a fine ensemble of young actors (including the well-cast Michael Kaney and the radiant Tamara Hope) who defy the cookie cutter mold of cutesy and/or smart-mouthed kids who turn up in standard Hollywood fare.
The contributions made to this film by Campbell Scott and Gordon Pinsent are immeasurable. Scott is excellent as usual. No matter what his role, Scott always seems as though he is hiding a secret inner turmoil - and this plays well in his role of Father Hibbert whose faith has come unanchored. Pinsent, on the other hand, pulls off the greater magic trick. He fashions the stern headmaster Father Fitzpatrick into something of flesh and blood without ever resorting to caricature. You can't love his character, but you will never be able to hate him either. Kudos to Writer/Director Michael McGowan for not painting Fitzpatrick as either a curmudgeon or archetypal villain. Had this been a Disney movie we'd have seen Father Fitzpatrick fall into a bucket of slime/water/donkey poo just as Ralph crossed the marathon finish line.
Jennifer Tilly plays Jennifer Tilly ... well, you know what I mean. She is always interesting to watch but I can never be sure why. She kind of has this whole "Bettie Page in a starched white nurses uniform" thing going on here that certainly works well. Mention must be made of Paulette Sinclair as the school secretary, whom McGowan allowed to have a moment to make a sweet impression upon the audience.
Although it sometimes seems aimed at those who've enjoyed/endured a parochial education, those of us who are decidedly NOT Catholic will still chuckle at the film's humor and ache with its pathos.
For instance, I never had a crush on a girl who aspired to be a nun, but I could certainly identify with Ralph's tumultuously awkward mix of adolescent desire and reverence for the object of his affection. Tamara Hope, Richard Gere's daughter in "Shall We Dance," is sweetly exquisite as the novice-wannabe. Filmed as though she were illumined with a beatific light, how could Ralph ever be sure whether he should kiss her or light a candle and take her on pilgrimage to Lourdes?
This film does indeed discuss faith, but is not a pietistic celluloid catechism. It does, however, contain a remarkable and somewhat provocative line, which Campbell Scott delivers almost as a throwaway: "As anarchists go, Nietzsche had nothing on Christ."
The story focuses on an adolescent boy, but this film cannot be pigeon-holed as a kid's movie. While not quite the same caliber as "Stand By Me," "Children of Heaven" or "The Secret of Roan Inish," this movie does share the more mature sensibility and universal appeal that characterized those movies. While "Saint Ralph" would never be confused with a "Porky's" or "American Pie," its references to Ralph's burgeoning sexual impulse would be my only reservation in recommending this as a film for the whole family.
"Saint Ralph" is an understated film that would never out dazzle a special effects blockbuster, but in it you will find characters that you will both recognize and cherish.
Description of Saint Ralph
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