The Polka King

2017

1h 35m

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

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Comedy

Local Pennsylvania polka legend Jan Lewan develops a plan to get rich that shocks his fans and lands him in jail.

Directors

Maya Forbes

Writers

Wallace Wolodarsky(writer by)

Maya Forbes(writer by)

Stars

Jack Black

Jenny Slate

Jason Schwartzman

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Trailer
Watch The Polka King | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Top cast

Jan Lewan

Marla Lewan

Mickey Pizzazz

Barb

Ron Edwards

David Lewan

Lonny

Bitsy Bear

Christopher

Anita Krzyewski

Vince

Lou Laroue

Marilyn

Stan Moetek

Connie Klopski

Debra Johnson

Rachel Annette Helson

Beauty Pageant Judge

Anthony Estrella

Presenter

Directors

Maya Forbes

Writers

Wallace Wolodarsky(writer by)

Maya Forbes(writer by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Something's missing from this one, or maybe it's couple of things. Jack Black plays goofy loveable Polka King of Pennsylvania Jan Lewan. He is completely certain of his own talent and has an immense drive to make it big. Sadly he isn't that smart, and not enough people love his music, only a group of dedicated elderly fans, so in a desperate act out of what seems like altruism he starts what is essentially a ponzi scheme to help get his musicians paid more and build his empire. Jack Black is solid, so if you like his schtick or Polka music you may enjoy this, but outside of that it seems like the actors think this film is a comedy when nothing really funny is said or done. The film ambles along, recreating the events, but it misses any kind of heart or soul that would have been found in the real people. The biggest disappointment was Jason Schwartzman, the usually solid comedy actor was completely coasting. And what a total waste of JB Smoove. Jenny Slate seemed the most committed to her role outside of Jack Black, but even she couldn't hold this film together. All in all the film reminded me of another Jack Black film based on true events called Bernie, but Bernie was superior in every way.

furious_iz16 Jan, 2018