Movie Reviews
Saint Ralph
"Saint Ralph - Finding Yourself on the Starting Line of Life" is a delightfully entertaining film, the summer hit for all you running film fans. A sports comedy drama that you should not pass up. Set in a Catholic school environment, the story follows fourteen year old Ralph who is seeking a miracle to save his mother from a coma. Played by Adam Butcher, Ralph is "sentenced" to the cross country team by the headmaster after getting in trouble for watching a women in a shower at the public pool (thus the PG-13 rating for brief nudity). Ralph later concludes that if he performs an impossible running feat that it might be the miracle needed to save his mother's life. The cross country coach, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), recognizes his running talent and invests in training him as he sets out to win the 1954 "Boston marathon". The running sequences are some of the best shot, and no wonder with the writing and directing credits going to past "Detroit marathon" winner Michael McGowan (2:18.11). No one aspect of running is labored, instead a range of running methods and techniques are explored in a charming manner. Realism of the time far outweigh any running cliches that are commonly seen in feature productions. Training progression, hill repeats, intervals, nutrition, weight training, volume, pacing, and racing strategy are all interwoven into this tale. Two other races are used in preparation for the marathon goal, each with its own lesson being delivered. "Like the martyr, I'm embracing pain" says Ralph. A striking aspect of "Saint Ralph", is that in addition to the running, are the numerous relationships that are developed and explored. Strong ties, conflicts, dreams, temptations, and challenges give real meaning to each person working from their perspective and giving their most. This production is giving back to the running community by teaming with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training group and the summer Nike Running Camps where it will be shown. Filmed in Ontario (Canada), this 98 minute feature will bring you a big smile.
