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Saint Ralph By Harry Forbes Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hot on the heels of "Millions," the charming, offbeat film about a little boy who looks to saints for guidance, comes another charming, offbeat tale about a boy -- somewhat older, in this case -- who believes in miracles in the ultimately moving "Saint Ralph" (Samuel Goldwyn). Fourteen-year-old Ralph Walker (newcomer Adam Butcher) is a typical pubescent teenager in 1950s' Canada: mischievous in his Catholic school, worried about having impure thoughts and taking the Lord's name in vain. But there's something more. He makes daily visits to his gravely ill mother (Shauna MacDonald) in the hospital where she's tended by Nurse Alice (Jennifer Tilly). Ralph pretends he's in the custodial care of his grandparents, but in fact he lives alone. Not wallowing in self-pity, Ralph tries to live a normal life, and his boyish improprieties, including smoking on the school grounds, continue despite the tragedy of his situation. He and his good friend, Chester (Michael Kanev), make a "daring" expedition to the town's public swimming pool where, they've heard, one can see into the women's locker room. Chester leaves when the tip appears unfounded, but Ralph stays on and his patience is duly "rewarded" when he emerges from a dangerous dive. He becomes blissfully aroused in the water (implied), for which he is reprimanded. Before long, his shameful escapade is the talk of the town. Ralph's long-anticipated date with his pretty schoolmate, Claire (Tamara Hope), is a further casualty of the incident. On top of that, Claire hopes to become a nun, so she professes disinterest in Ralph. He continues to see her, however, as she volunteers at the hospital where his mother resides. Before long, the mother drifts into a coma. Ralph is told that only a miracle can bring her out of it. He reasons that if he can make some other miracle happen, it will magically restore his mother to health. As a disciplinary action, he's been made to join the running team, for which he is seemingly ill-equipped. Nonetheless, the idea occurs to him that if he could win the prestigious Boston Marathon, this would surely be the miracle that could wake his mother. With no prior experience in running, he trains with his Nietzsche-expounding teacher, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), once a long-distance runner himself. Father Hibbert is discomfited by his secret being revealed, but recognizes in Ralph a youthful version of himself. Slowly but surely, his classmates, who have disdained Ralph's naive aspirations, begin to admire his pluck, and even the goody-two-shoes Claire shows renewed interest and tries to help him in attaining his miracle. Talk of miracles causes consternation for stern Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the school's principal, who labels it blasphemous. Father Fitzpatrick is not written as a stock villain, and certainly Pinsent attempts to show at least a conflicted side to his dogmatic stubbornness. Still, the character reads as fairly one-dimensional. Without giving anything away, Ralph eventually runs the marathon, and those sequences are as exhilarating and inspirational as anything in that other great foot-racing film, "Chariots of Fire." The excitement of the competition, coupled with the suspense of whether the hoped-for miracle will happen, makes for a breathtaking climax. Some of the dialogue of writer-director Michael McGowan -- himself a marathon runner and winner -- has a not-quite-natural quality, though he seems to be aiming for a fablelike feel. More importantly, though, the human dimension rings true. There are some lovely touches here. When Ralph runs, he's given encouragement by a God character, dressed in a Santa hat, but played in otherwise reverential fashion, much as the boy in "Millions" was counseled by his saints. "Saint Ralph" is actually divided into thematic sections by saints. Campbell Scott is the best known name here, and he gives a solid performance as Ralph's mentor, willing to buck authority to do what he thinks is right. As noted, Pinsent attempts a degree of shading. And Butcher strikes just the right tone, not unduly playing for sympathy, but making his growing conviction about winning and his deep faith utterly plausible. Though it seems as though this is the kind of story that should be ideal family viewing, certain elements -- true though they are to life -- limit its appropriateness to older adolescents and up; this includes the Claire character coming on rather brazenly to Ralph, pulling his head to her breast, having apparently changed her mind about becoming a nun! This is a curious phenomenon: Films -- such as the aforementioned "Millions" and also the fine "Dear Frankie" -- featuring kids as protagonists aren't quite suitable for that age group because of thematic material. But make no mistake: For adults and older adolescents, this is a lovely, extraordinarily touching film that conveys an admirable picture of filial devotion, self-sacrifice, faith, good sportsmanship and universal fellowship. The film contains profanity, rear nudity, a nonexplicit masturbation scene, underage drinking and smoking. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - - - Forbes is director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. END Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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