Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story

This movie was an interesting little bit of Canadiana I caught late night on CBC. On that note I'm sure it will only appeal to other Canadians. I mean it's about Wayne Gretzky's dad and its kinda cheesy, bordering on melodramatic, with wooden dialogue and a very made-for-TV feel. There is a lot of hockey here and the Gretzsky's are Canadian royalty, but still.

So, the story is based on Walter Gretzsky's autobiography "On Family, Hockey, and Healing" which follows his struggles after a stroke and his fight to remember not only his life but the impact he had on his legendary sons spectacular career on the ice. (He's known as the world famous hockey dad) That part of the story is pretty good, and I have to say I did end up enjoying this way more than I expected to. Walter's determination is inspirational and it makes you wish this had been a better movie. Kris Holden-Ried plays Wayne and in an honourable mention there's even a scene where they go to Tim Hortons -which I kinda loved. 04.11

Living in Brantford, Ontario I have had the pleasure of meeting several members of the Gretzky family - especially Walter. To us, the Gretzky story is more of a reality than a story and it is known by almost everyone. This movie more than captured the feelings of what happened to Walter, and the whole experience. They way that the actor in the movie portrayed Walter is exactly how I see him every time I am at the local hockey arena.

This is definitely a movie worth watching, even if you are not a fan of hockey. It will bring tears to your eyes and make you smile at the same time.

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?

Why was this film even made? No disrespect to Walter Gretsky, but countless people have been felled by strokes. Other than his near celebrity status as the father of hockey legend Wayne, Walter's story just isn't that interesting -- or that well executed - to make a decent movie. The wooden dialog and homespun feel the filmmakers were obviously looking for teetered on the brink of melodrama. I found looking into the Gretskys' private life, and conversations between friends and family members (as imagined by the writer), somewhat disquieting. The filmmakers seem to have overlooked the fact that you can't make a good movie without a good story And this one just doesn't cut it.

This movie makes you feel proud to be Canadian and to get a snapshot of the amazing contributions that the legendary Gretzskys made to the greatest sport there ever was.

Though having a small background role, meeting some of the great people at Bill Hunter arena in Edmonton - allowed me that much greater appreciation of the persistent hard work that goes into such a quality film production.

It brought back memories of the day I attended Wayne's farewell ceremony in Edmonton at city hall, years prior.

Walter and Wayne gave straight from their hearts along with their passion for hockey.