51
Metascore
21 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThis deliciously offbeat Canadian comedy gets its charm from marvelous acting and from a screenplay bursting with ideas. Great fun.
- 70Film ThreatStina ChynFilm ThreatStina ChynMcGowan’s film isn’t just about following this boy’s private quest to accomplish the impossible. It is also about how he affects the other characters in the film.
- 70VarietyJoe LeydonVarietyJoe LeydonEven though it sprints along a well-trod path through familiar territory, Saint Ralph remains surprisingly compelling.
- 60Dallas ObserverBill GalloDallas ObserverBill GalloLittle Ralph comes off like "Billy Elliot" on steroids. Still, this an energetic movie that can be truly hilarious in spots, and it captures perfectly the oppressive atmosphere of a Catholic boys' school in the ’50s.
- 60Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranThough Butcher is appealing, Saint Ralph is anchored by Scott's persuasive work as a model of intelligent decency.
- 50Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment WeeklyAt first, Ralph and the movie have moxie -- the kid even gets busted for pleasuring himself in the public pool. Then Ralph starts asking us to take this cornball mission seriously.
- 40The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsScott can invest just about any scene with heft and intelligence, but neither the material nor his co-star give him much help.
- 40Village VoiceEd ParkVillage VoiceEd ParkThe most blatant rip-off is of the "Rushmore" soundtrack. But Ralph Walker is no Max Fischer, and his monomania gets dull fast.
- 30L.A. WeeklyScott FoundasL.A. WeeklyScott FoundasIn fairness, the movie isn't the absolute worst of its kind and there's a certain charm to Butcher's amiable, puppy-eyed performance. But Michael McGowan's direction is as flat as an asphalt road, and his script is gasping for air long before it enters the final stretch.
- 30The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThis crude, inspirational tear-jerker is as sweet as a bowl of instant oatmeal smothered in molasses. It should please those who honestly believe that Santa Claus and God are synonymous; others may retch.