Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005)

Director:

Dean Bennett

Writers:

Walter Gretzky (book)
Carole Hay (written by)

Release Date:

6 November 2005 (Canada)

Genre:

Family | Drama

Plot:

Awards:

2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Tom McCamus	...	Walter 'Wally' Gretzky
Victoria Snow	...	Phyllis Gretzky
Tara Spencer-Nairn	...	Kim Gretzky
Matthew Edison	...	Ian Kohler
Kristen Holden-Ried	...	Wayne Gretzky
Robert Bockstael	...	Butch
David Brown	...	Eddie Ramer (as Dave Brown)
Shaun Johnston	...	Rob Coyne
Mark Krysko	...	Keith Gretzky
Darren Bachynski	...	Glen Gretzky
Carey Feehan	...	Brent Gretzky
Gill Hawkins	...	Young Wayne Gretzky
Jessica Renman	...	Kim Gretzky at 10
Lessia Petriv	...	Mary Gretzky
Brian Paul	...	Dr. DeVilliers

Also Known As:

Longue absence, La (Canada: French title) (TV title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Company:

Accent Entertainment Corporation

Trivia:

Based on the book "On Family, Hockey and Healing" by Walter Gretzky

Movie Connections:

Features "Hockey Night in Canada" (1952)

more than I expected

Although I figured this would be an ordinary biography, I found the Gretzky story to be entertaining, and moving to the point where I cried more than once. McCamus should win a Genie for his portrayal of Walter Gretzky, and the characters were believable and real. I found myself caring more and more as the film went on, which is more than I can say for 90% of the films I watch (both Canadian and American) and cheering for Walter every time he makes progress or remembers something from his past. Since the story isn't over (as the real Walter Gretzky is still recovering) it naturally leaves you a bit unsatisfied at the end with respect to how far he needs to go, but it still stands out as one of the great films (not just documentaries) of the year. Since it just aired on CBC this week, I would be interested to hear what other Canadians (and even Americans) think of this very sensitive story of a kind, compassionate family and their struggle to bring their patriarch back from the void.

========================Slight spoiler follows==============

Well, not really a spoiler but at the very end, they show footage of the real Walter Gretzky meeting the cast and crew and watching the film, and that set the tears flowing freely. It was such a beautiful ending to an already wonderful movie that I am revising my earlier review of 9 and giving it a 10. I mean, what more can you ask for if a movie brings smiles AND tears?