I read many reviews on this movie, however, I could not find one that speaks about life lessons. One life lesson is sometimes certain people are just dismissed and/or waived off as though they are not important or will never amount to anything. The principal of Ralph's school seemed way too strict to the point of crushing the soul of anyone who exhibited individuality or a passion for succeeding at something. Another life lesson is that sometimes one has to place his own existence and well-being on the line for another. One of the teachers went against the principal's "command" not to be involved with Ralph's "dreams" and "miracle searching." Another life lesson is you never know what a person is really like on the inside until you talk with them about their hopes, dreams, passions, etc. Ralph seemed like the typical trouble maker, but deep down inside all he ever wanted was for his mom to get out of her coma and eventually out of the hospital. If Ralph existed in real life, and I was a teen, I would welcome him as a close friend, who I could trust with my deepest thoughts. As a final comment, if you look at the birth date of Butcher, it would make him 16 during the filming of Saint Ralph. He looks very young for 16, but I still prefer the age of the character to be the same age in real life.

I could simply start this review by saying "Do you like Rudy?" If you like Rudy's road to play one faithful football Match for Notre Dame , I have no doubt you will be equally touched by young Ralph's Journey. The film tells the story of teenager Ralph who is a bit of a waster.He his your typical 14 year old , struggling with puberty , awkward and having a hard time to fit in the Catholic environment of his school. Ralph has another issue , his mother is in hospital suffering from Cancer.Ralph his hiding the fact that he his living all on his own by having a friend forge his grandparents signatures for all school related letters. Things takes a turn to the worse when Ralph's mum falls into a coma and he his informed it will take a miracle to wake her up. Ralph who was forced into taking on running as a sport by his teachers (as a way of keeping his raging hormones in check) although he has no athletic ability believes this miracle can come in the shape of winning the Boston Marathon. There is also a couple of side stories I just don't want to spoil for you. This is a very heart warming film about a typical kid who find he his gifted through the love for his mother. Adam Butcher really shines as the titular hero , he feels like a real 14 year old and gives a very honest performance.He his a very likable lead and you will root for him from the get go. The best thing about this film is that it avoids being over- sentimental, it keeps it's feet firmly on the ground. The supporting actors are all wonderful and Jennifer Tilly gives a very different type of performance then what we are used to. The soundtrack for this film is FANTASTIC , really , I probably went and searched for every wonderful song included in this film. As the late Roger Ebert called it , this film is a real gem and the perfect film if you need something to boost your moral! I give it a 9 out of 10.

I was interested in this movie because I grew up watching the Boston Marathon go through my hometown. This movie is inspiring. Ralph wants to win for a miracle to bring his mom out of a coma. Seems a little far fetched that a kid who just started running could win the Boston marathon. Hit home for me on a lot of fronts - I had a very sick mother in my youth and I grew up Catholic although I just missed out on going to Catholic school. Very enjoyable. Good family movie although there a few sexual references. I would compare this movie to Rudy which is one of my favorite movies of all time but not as good. I liked how Ralph leaned on certain people for guidance. That was very cool. The acting was spot on - very good production value

Reminded me of two things -- one when I was in Catholic school, and two being a young teenager. Very few films combine religion with real people living real lives. Most films that seem to touch on anything concerning faith come off preachy. This one doesn't in the least. You can't help rooting for and liking the main character. The film is kinda like a family version of Rocky concerning a kid who runs the Boston Marathon to try and wake his coma ridden mother via a miracle. The miracle being a fourteen year old even running in the marathon yet alone trying to win it. The father/coach played by Cambell Scott assures him it would be one of the biggest miracles of all time!