50
At 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.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
Little 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.
100
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
This deliciously offbeat Canadian comedy gets its charm from marvelous acting and from a screenplay bursting with ideas. Great fun.
40
The most blatant rip-off is of the "Rushmore" soundtrack. But Ralph Walker is no Max Fischer, and his monomania gets dull fast.
70
Even though it sprints along a well-trod path through familiar territory, Saint Ralph remains surprisingly compelling.
40
Scott can invest just about any scene with heft and intelligence, but neither the material nor his co-star give him much help.
60
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
Though Butcher is appealing, Saint Ralph is anchored by Scott's persuasive work as a model of intelligent decency.
30
In 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.
30
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
This 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.
70
McGowan’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.