SAINT RALPH

Comedy/drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Adam Butcher: Ralph Walker, a ninth grader in school
Shauna MacDonald: his Mom
Michael Kanev: his friend Chester
Gordon Pinsent: Father Fitzpatrick, the head of St. Magnus, a private catholic boys' school
Campbell Scott:physical education teacher Father Hibbert
Tamara Hope: Claire, candy striper in a local hospital
Jennifer Tilly: Nurse Alice

REVIEW
Once past the uncomfortable first fifteen minutes focused mostly on the raging hormones of male teenagers, the movie settles down to more serious matters. A little suspension of belief goes a long way towards enjoying what is essentially “the little train that could” type of story. The movie is charming and funny at times with an inspirational message thrown in as well.

CLASSIFICATION
for some sexual content and partial nudity.

P.S.
I can identify with this movie: in 1953, when the action first begins, I was the same age as Ralph and also lived in Hamilton, Ontario. Strange coincidence.

Definition: candy striper
n.
A volunteer worker in a hospital.
[From the resemblance of the volunteer's red and white striped uniform to a candy cane.]

DEAR FRANKIE

Drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Jake McElhone: Frankie, a hearing-impaired nine-year old
Emily Mortimer: his mother Lizzie
Mary Riggans: his grandmother Nell
Sharon Small: Marie, owner of the local fish ‘n chip shop

REVIEW
A delightful film with some great acting and expertly edited. The movie is about a mother’s willingness to do just about anything for her son. Set in Glasgow, the accent sometimes makes it difficult to understand everything that is being said. But it is worth the effort.

CLASSIFICATION
for language.

FEVER PITCH

Romantic comedy

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Jimmy Fallon: Ben, a school teacher
Drew Barrymore: Lindsey, corporate executive

REVIEW
A very enjoyable movie with lots of chuckles about two people trying to cope with their very different interests and life styles. Unlike some romantic comedies, the principals seem to really like each other; they have a certain chemistry that works. Two bonuses: the sound track is great and there are no swear words.

CLASSIFICATION
for crude and sexual humor, and some sensuality.

P.S.
Although the action centers around baseball, this is not just another sports movie.

MILLIONS

Kids adventure/fantasy

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
James Nesbitt: Ronnie, recently widowed father of the two boys
Alexander Etel: Damian, an over-imaginative 7-year-old with an encyclopedic knowledge of the saints
Lewis McGibbon: bossy older brother Anthony

REVIEW
This is a charming movie about values. And about two very different brothers having to deal with the same situation. Both boys are endearing. Although suspension of reality is a requirement, the story is not that far-fetched. This is a quick-paced movie without any vulgarity. How refreshing.

CLASSIFICATION
for thematic elements, language, some peril and mild sensuality.

P.S.
The northern English accent is delightful, but understanding what is being said might be difficult for some.

THE UPSIDE OF ANGER

Drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Joan Allen: Terry Wolfmeyer
Erika Christensen: Andy, one of her daughters
Evan Rachel Wood: Lavender “Popeye”, another daughter
Keri Russell: Emily, daughter
Alicia Witt: Hadley, daughter
Kevin Costner: Denny Davies, a former World Series baseball star
Mike Binder: Adam “Shep” Goodman, a sleazy sports-radio producer

REVIEW
Movies with one person having more than one major role are often flawed. Such is the case with this one: Mike Binder wrote, directed and stars in this film. The movie is about anger and how one woman handles it and the effects it has on those around her. Despite being a serious issue, the movie is also funny at times. The acting is all over the place: Costner does a fine job, Allen has moments that are totally off kilter.

CLASSIFICATION
for language, sexual situations, brief comic violence and some drug use

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
Despite having already made one phone call to Sweden, a little later Terry calls the Long Distance operator to ask for the number again.

INSIDE DEEP THROAT

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VIKINGS: JOURNEY TO NEW WORLDS

IMAX documentary

BACKGROUND
The age of the Viking Ages lasted nearly 300 years from the 8th through the 11th centuries. Among other things, they are credited with being the first to reach North America well before Columbus.

REVIEW
An excellent historical overview including reference to some of the myths associated with the Vikings. As to be expected with any IMAX production, some of the visuals are absolutely stunning. It is very informative and edited so the screen fades to black just when things start to get gory.

CLASSIFICATION
for some violent imagery (mostly artwork)

P.S.
We are reminded that the Vikings are with us even today: we name the days of the week after Saxon gods (apart from Saturday). These were mostly the same gods worshipped by the Vikings. So the Viking god Woden is our Wednesday, the Thunder god Thor is Thursday and the Goddess of Love Freyja is our Friday.