Ah, Canadian cinema. Not many films from the great white north make it across to the border, so congrats to this little film for achieving such a huge accomplishment. I think this is testimony enough that Saint Ralph has some positive selling points including its quality acting (especially Adam Butcher and Campbell Scott) and feel good story.
While I did enjoy the majority of the film, I found the first 10-15 minutes almost unwatchable. I was within seconds of giving it up because of all the cliche references to boys in adolescence and its highly unbelievable take on the Catholic church, but I’m glad I stuck with it because the last 80 minutes are quite sweet. If you can get past the rather improbable story arc and accept the plot at face value you are in for a rather heart-warming film. It’s no Chariots of Fire, mind you, but an enjoyable film nonetheless.
