SAINT RALPH (ODEON FILMS, 2004)

By Rick Jackson

Written and directed by Michael McGowan, Saint Ralph does not live up to its title. Right from the beginning, it is clearly a silly, amoral film starring Adam Butcher as Ralph Walker, who has no respect for anyone but his mother. His foul mouth and crude behaviour are sacriligious when you consider he is going to the Roman Catholic School For Boys where such language and actions are frowned upon.

McGowan wastes no time in ridiculing the entire school system by turning Walker into not just a troublemaker, but a hero. This poorly conceived story lacks the seriousness of its subject. You are left laughing at the wrong time. I fail to see how he could possibly be funny in a story that should have been about his adolescent awakening into manhood where he might curb his wild ways and finally grow up. To even have Ralph be persuaded a miracle might save his dying mother by trying to win the Boston Marathon is absolutely ludricous.

Despite weaknessnes in the story, there are good performances by Gordon Pinsent as Father Fitzpatrick, who tries to teach Ralph to mend his ways. Pinsent gives the film whatever seriousness it lacks and his presence is, at least, mindful that there is some dignity and respect at the school. Fitzpatrick's stern hand keeps everyone in line.

Cast as Father Hibbert, a former Marathon runner who joined the priesthood at the beginning of World War II,is Campbell Scott. His solid performance as Ralph's teacher and trainer for the marathon adds whatever credibility there is left.

In other roles, Shauna MacDonald plays Ralph's mother, Emma; Michael Kaner is Chester, Ralph's best friend at school; Tamara Hope is Claire Collins, the girl Ralph likes to think as his girlfriend, and Jennifer Tilly is Nurse Alice.

The songs on the soundtrack are trite and awful, as is the appearance of a mystery man, who may or may not be God, dressed as Santa Claus. He makes no real sense except to make the story veer into the direction of a fantasy, which this film is definitely not.

Set during the period between September 1953 and May 1954, Saint Ralph fails to deliver as a Breaking Away (1979) for the 21st century. It's also one of the worst films of the year. Better to stay home and watch a rerun of Touched By The Angel on television.

It is rated PG, with the warnings: coarse language and not recommended for young children.

After premiering at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, it opened for a regular run on May 28, 2005.

March 5, 2005

Copyright 2005 Rick Jackson