35
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 60Village VoiceVillage VoiceSalvation Boulevard isn't groundbreaking or even consistently funny, but it is mildly inventive and the absurdities of its characters are tender and recognizably human. Best of all, we're encouraged to laugh with them rather than at them.
- 50The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottAs the plot swerves toward an almost crazy conclusion, there is the inkling of a strong, interesting idea here, about how some versions of modern religion are predicated on the systematic denial of reality, but Salvation Boulevard is itself too loosely tethered to the actual world to make the point with the necessary vigor or acuity.
- 40Time OutKeith UhlichTime OutKeith UhlichMostly laugh-free black comedy, which gathers an impressive cast - Marisa Tomei, Jennifer Connelly and Ciarán Hinds round out the ensemble - for bad sitcom-level shenanigans.
- 40New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanLoosely adapting Larry Beinhart's darker novel, Ratliff and co-writer Douglas Stone indulge in so many cheap shots and caricatures, their disdain drips off the screen.
- 33The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurraySalvation Boulevard doesn't seem to have any higher aspiration than illustrating how religious people can be hypocrites. (Gosh, who knew?)
- 30Boxoffice MagazineRay GreeneBoxoffice MagazineRay GreeneIn this case, boredom is the deadliest sin.
- 30The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood ReporterThe action that follows is as broad and unconvincing as the characters involved: director George Ratliff manages to turn even dignified Ciaran Hinds into a ham.
- 30Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternThe movie transforms a dim idea - "Elmer Gantry" lite - into comedy that's dead in the water and as dull as it is broad.
- 30Without the humor, the stereotypes that define these characters aren't satirical; they're just mean-spirited and dull.