Search - Saint Ralph on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 4/16/2021...

I had never heard of this movie but fell in love with it. Heartwarming.

Gina L. (ginarae3) from ANN ARBOR, MI
Reviewed on 4/23/2008...

cute and very Canadian

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Run! Ralph! Run!

P. Walker | 08/06/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I once asked a young man (in his twenties) why, according to the Bible, it took God four days to create the earth and it's contents but took him only moments to create the entire, complete, whole, expansive universe. He just stared at me dumbfounded without answering. I suggested that it was "guts", that God had to take time to perfect guts or we could be crapping out of our ears. Evidently that satisfied the conundrum that I had presented him with, since he stated, "You know, that's probably right." Saint Ralph reminded me of this young man. The gullibility that religion produces is evident in this film, after all one must believe in something that cannot be seen, heard or felt, and must be accepted by blind faith without evidence. This is one of the reasons the religious are targeted by cons and scammers (i.e. Nigerian 419 email scams). It also reveals that although the Bible is a bestseller, it is one of the most unread and misunderstood books, mainly used as a talismanic object. This gullibility is also evident in the fact that some "believers" seem to think that this is a pro-religious film. Some reviewers state that it increased their faith!? I could understand that being the case with an image of Jesus a on grilled cheese sandwich, but this film, really? This fictitious film is a testament to the human spirit. Definitely not on the scale with the film "Rocky" but at least a nod in that general direction. God, in the film, could have easily been replaced by an angel, fairy or leprechaun. It would seem that the satirical elements throughout the film would cause most believers to shun it. The mocking of actual saints (i.e. Saint Christina the Astonishing - Patron Saint of Lunatics) and the images that Ralph projects of God being a Santa-like figure cheering him on from the sidelines, but of course, offering no effectual help. Ralph is just one of the billions of people on this planet who needs a miracle. What do you do when you need to get God's attention? What every religion requires of you...sacrifice. All you have to do is believe, have faith... oh, and be a martyr. In order to get his miracle, Ralph decides that God wants him to run in the Boston Marathon...and win. Ralph is forced to grow up in terrible circumstances, naively dealing with life that keeps him subjugated to his religion, hoping God will answer his prayers (after all, God, like Santa, rewards if you obey and are good). Not realizing that God is probably tired, after all, he had to rest after creating everything there is including two people. Now there are billions of people whining for help, which must be overwhelming. He therefore centers most of his attention on answering the prayers of the rich and corporate bigwigs since they seem to have an easier life. The film is heart-warming but also reveals the politics of religion, the hierarchical injustice that permeates religion, and the unmerciful attitude that keeps people in a box with no escape. Will God help poor Ralph? I'm sure as much as Santa brings toys to good girls and boys."