This is a lightweight, by the numbers, satirical comedy thriller on evangelical religion.
While discussing ideas for a new book where two contrasting people would make opposing views on organised religion. Pastor, Dan Day (Pierce Brosnan), accidentally shoots atheist Dr Blaylock (Ed Harris) and then in a panic tries to make it look like a suicide.
However Carl Vandermeer (Greg Kinnear) a born again Christian, former The Grateful Dead fan and dope-head was there when the shooting takes place.
He is framed by Pastor Day and his cronies are out to silence him. Even Carl's own family disbelieve him.
The moment Brosnan shoots Harris, you know Kinnear will be the fall guy. You also know the members of the church will little persuading to pin the blame on Kinnear.
The film holds few surprises bar the intervention of a shady Mexican gangster. There is very little by way of redemption and understanding. The satire is not sharp enough and it is the acting of the leads which carries the film.
Before he got shot, it would had been better if we had longer scenes of Harris and Brosnan having their philosophical discussions.
Salvation Boulevard
2011
Action / Comedy / Crime / Drama / Thriller
Salvation Boulevard
2011
Action / Comedy / Crime / Drama / Thriller
Plot summary
Set in the world of mega-churches in which a former Deadhead-turned-born again-Christian finds himself on the run from fundamentalist members of his mega-church who will do anything to protect their larger-than-life pastor.
Uploaded by: OTTO
November 28, 2011 at 02:56 PM
Director
Top cast
Movie Reviews
Desperate Dan
Not for the easily offended
Especially if they are religious. Of course if you really look close into the movie, you could also make the case that this might actually be quite good to religion. Or to those who believe in God that is. You can always read things into it, if you are willing to. I think one should be open minded to movies like this. It's not really offensive. Men (and women) are weak, that's just the way it is.
Plus the cast is phenomenal! Every role is a name actor, even if it's the smallest, it seems they got someone with value. When Jim Gaffigan is the least known (a really good comedian), than you know you have hit the jackpot. You might argue that some characters are not really drawn all that well or thorough, but there is only limited time. While they could've done some things better, that is something you can always say about a movie
Black comedy without the comedy
Carl Vanderveer (Greg Kinnear) used to be a Deadhead, and now is a follower of a charismatic church leader Dan Day (Pierce Brosnan). After a debate with atheist Peter Blaylock (Ed Harris), he invites Dan and Carl back home to pitch his idea of joining up to co-author a book. However, Dan accidentally shoots Peter and tries to frame it as a suicide. Then Dan tries to frame Carl as the shooter.
This is a black comedy without the comedy. Greg Kinnear may not be a good comedic lead if George Ratliff is aiming for funny. He is constantly taking shots at fundamental Christians, but it never really sticks. As a satire, this is a struggle to find any humor. Everybody is trying desperately to be outrageous especially Jennifer Connelly, but they do it without a clue of how to make it funny.