SAINT RALPH, SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS Movie Review - PG-13 by Carol Goodrow Here's a feel good movie for teens and adults. If you're already a runner, it will make you remember why you love to run, and if you're not, it will inspire you to start running. Rating: PG-13 teen and adult material Starring: Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Gordon Pinsent, Jennifer Tilly To be released June 10, 2005 WARNING: This movie may make you laugh and cry. There won't be any place for chatting during the movie, because you'll want to catch all of the audacious one-liners like Ralph's, "I'm destined for greatness". And don't plan on waiting to see the credits roll, because you won't have time. The runner within you, will be itching to do a few miles. Saint Ralph is a story of young Ralph Walker, a bold but unassuming, straight-faced and sometimes smirky- 9th grader with a big heart and unyielding faith in God. Ralph is hoping for a miracle to bring his mother out of a coma. He decides that winning the Boston Marathon will be the miracle that will save his mother's life, which, in effect, will also keep him from being an orphan. The coming of age film has a lot going on - a story full of perseverance, a comical glimpse of life in a Catholic school, a story of young love, and a tale of magic. It's all wondrous fun, but without a doubt it's the colorful running scenes that steal the movie: -Father Hibbert (Ralph's coach, teacher, and mentor) declaring, "Anyone on this team winning the Boston Marathon would be a miracle rival to the loaves and fishes." -Doing speedwork under the full moon with beautiful Irish music, after training with Will Kimbrough's song, "Goodnight moon. Goodnight stars. Goodnight old broke-down cars." - The simple running principles from an outdated reference book by "Longboat" played out so well. "The runner will ensure he eats at least 6000 calories a day." "The runner should always stare straight ahead. Looking behind him is sure sign of weakness." "Running backward is the best way to strengthen calf and hamstring muscles." -The transformation of a gangly uncoordinated runner, as his stride and form develop. Like listening to a new CD until you play it out, this movie promises that you will want to see it more than once. THANK YOU to Michael McGowan, marathon, writer, and director and to the actors and actresses, for creating a movie that will make people want to embrace running once again. See Saint Ralph (and listen to its music) - a runner's movie - or actually anyone's movie - a movie with heart and soul. As of January 1, 2006 there is no soundtrack to Saint Ralph available. Here are some of the songs available from iTunes or other sources which you can download to an iPod. Up the Road by Ron Sexsmith Goodnight Moon by Will Kimbrough Dark Angel by Blue Rodeo Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen Email the editor at goodrow@infionline.net.