Salvation Boulevard on DVD

Imagine a mega church, with thousands of members, having a debate on the reality of God VS Atheism with a prominent pastor and a prominent Atheist. Unfortunately a tragedy happens in an after debate get together, the Atheist is accidently shot, the pastor has to find a way to continue the building of his new mega church and in the process, decides that the sacrificial lamb, much like the character of Isaac in the Bible must be sacrificed. That sacrificial lamb, a former Dead Head as of the Grateful Dead Dead Head and new convert has to save his life and in the salvation of his own life, he can hopefully save to his new found faith in God. Unfortunately, those he now associates with, his new wife, friends and others are so into religion and the church they can’t see anything negative as truth when it comes to the critique of their pastor, church, or faith. Consequently, the Dead Head will need an act of God to get him out of the mess he is in.

Salvation Boulevard has an all-star ensemble cast including Pierce Brosnan as mega pastor Reverend Dan Day, Greg Kinnear as newly converted Dead Head Carl Vanderveer and Jennifer Connelly, his wife and church devotee, Gwen. This movie, while far from perfect, offers some thought provoking insight into the world of religion and the way religion often misrepresents God and those dedicated to following him through their involvement in church. The film while well acted comes up somewhat short on direction and story. There is so much more that could be said and so many ways, the story could have been better developed. That doesn’t take away from some of the entertainment value but it does keep it from being a very good movie to being just an interesting and thought provoking movie.

In Salvation Boulevard we see an opening scene that looks like it could have come out of any number of American Mega Churches, churches where attendance is in the thousands. While not disrespectful, we see a debate between two scholars and authors, one a Pastor of the mega church, the other a prominent Atheist played by Ed. Harris. After the debate the two, along with a parishioner meet with the Atheist to discuss a possible new book. The Atheist is accidently shot and a massive cover-up takes place. The pastor and some of his congregation, expecting the Atheist to have died attempt to set up the innocent by stander and new convert, Carl Vanderveer. What transpires next is a comedic romp where Carl attempts to prove his innocence while at the same time, having his faith challenged by the actions he observes.

While this particular DVD has a very good cast, none of the characters are as well defined or developed as Carl Vanderveer. We actually see some of his conflicts and struggles. While the other characters including Pierce Brosnan do a good job, we just see little character development in them. It is one of the things that distracts from this particular film.

I suspect there will be many people of faith who have issues with this movie. That is sad. The movie does not attack the concepts of faith; in fact it affirms them, especially so if you see in the very end that it is God who sets the captives and prisoners free from the chains that bind them. The issue isn’t God; it is those who speak on behalf of God while having their own self interest in mind. In that regard, I found Salvation Boulevard exceptional. There was some concern as to the intent of the film makers, but much like an older film with Steve Martin in Leap of Faith, while not done nearly as well Salvation Boulevard recognizes the ability and reality of God and his superiority over many of his followers. The concepts of selfishness, deceit, and lies among the Christians in this movie are clearly presented, but depending on what book of the Bible you are reading, you will also see the same types of characteristics being presented. In fact, the Bible clearly warns its followers to keep their eyes on Jesus. While there are good people that often fall into doing wrong things, that doesn’t negate the power of God or the ability of others to forgive. There is a danger in placing ones faith in humanity, we have and ultimately will if we haven’t, fail.

While Salvation Boulevard isn’t a great movie, it is okay, and it does raise some rather good questions worthy of discussion and thought. I was disappointed though, the DVD has no special features and there is really nothing exceptional about this film where I could encourage one purchase it. I could recommend one watch it via a cheap rental or queue on their streaming programming. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value, just not enough to justify a purchase of the product.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYiYHfciJwE


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew 

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed