The Polka King

2017

1 hr. 35 min.

Biography

Comedy

Drama

Music

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67%

36 Reviews

Tomatometer

50%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

The rise and fall of Pennsylvania polka sensation Jan Lewan, who ultimately fleeced millions from investors through his polka-related activities.

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Critics Consensus

Despite moments of hilarity and a talented ensemble, discordant direction and a sloppy script keep The Polka King from truly singing.

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Levi

It blows my mind that this is scored 27% higher than Nacho Libre, when I was bored to tears watching this weird movie. I did not laugh a single time, and it did not hook me at all.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/04/24

Full Review

Catherine A

Amazing polka ponzi scheme based on a true story. Jack Black was incredible in this role, singing many of the songs himself and charming everyone — including us. We absolutely loved this movie. Stellar supporting performances by Jenny Slate and Jason Schwartzman. The zany montage scene of Marla preparing for the Mrs. Pennsylvania pageant was classic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/18/23

Full Review

Gareth v

A funny movie who's greatest strength comes from the performance it's cast. Jack Black brings heart and humour to the lead role in arguably his best performance

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

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David C

That this exists and is based on a true story is something special. That it's JB at the helm, and that it is dryly humoured, make it more so. It's odd, it's not perfect, but it's enjoyable!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/06/23

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Audience Member

Couldn't love it more. Almost like a satire on American culture/exceptionalism and the American dream.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

Since I'm from Wilkes-Barre Scranton, I remember this being in the newspapers on a daily basis. Jack Black is fantastic as Jan and seems to have mastered his incomprehensible Polish accent. Obviously it was a Ponzi scheme but no one mentions it too much about the fact that the people who invested in it we're just as greedy as Jan thinking they were going to get 12% on their money when interest rates were around 3%

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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Maya Forbes

Director

Wallace Wolodarsky

Director

Jack Black

Jan Lewan

Jenny Slate

Marla

Jason Schwartzman

Actor

Jacki Weaver

Actor

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The Polka King: Trailer 1

2:05

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

There's a touch of School of Rock with an Oom-Pah-Pah beat about this likeable, if lightweight comedy.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 25, 2018

Full Review

Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

The Polka King is warm and sympathetic, avoiding easy jokes in favor of humane, character-driven humor.

Jan 25, 2018

Full Review

Radheyan Simonpillai

NOW Toronto

With a clipped and modestly entertaining 90-minute run time, The Polka King that relishes in Lewan's theatrics but rarely pauses to interrogate what's behind his facade.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 24, 2018

Full Review

Roger Moore

Movie Nation

Its Blacks movie, and his polished stage-mugging is used to great effect, just as his general likability will have you rooting for this not-quite-victimless-crime and the open-hearted, if devious, criminal behind it.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 29, 2022

Full Review

Mikel Zorrilla

Espinof

It is a pleasant entertainment in which the good work of its actors stands out. [Full Review in Spanish]

Aug 1, 2019

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Jack Black excels in this completely bonkers true story of Jan Lewan, an American polka music legend.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 6, 2018

Full Review

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Synopsis

The rise and fall of Pennsylvania polka sensation Jan Lewan, who ultimately fleeced millions from investors through his polka-related activities.

Director: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Executive Producer: Erika Hampson, Chris Mangano, Ben Stiller
Screenwriter: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Production Co: Red Hour Films, Permut Presentations, Electric Dynamite
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2018
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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