The Polka King

Basically everything about this movie was about average. The acting is fine, the characters, while sort of bland, are interesting enough. The story is good, the writing is good, and so is the directing.

But there are some things that fall flat. For example, the cinematography, for the most part, was bland. Every shot lookedthe same and felt the same. However, I thought the lighting was well done. Also, some of the perfomances felt a little off. But, I do believe that Jenny Slate and, especially, Jack Black were able to carry the film and make it more fun to watch. Although this movie is listed as a comedy, there really is little comedy to be found. It's not that the movie is necessarily unfunny, it's just that there are no jokes or humorous situations. I did find myself smiling sometimes, not because it was funny, but because there are some fun or satisfying moments in the movie.

For every negative this movie has, there is a positive that slightly evens it out. While it does leave some to be desired, this film is pretty solid and enjoyable. If you are thinking about seeing this movie, I would recommend it. Just don't go in with too high of expectations.

My unsolicited advise to those who intend to watch this movie is to watch extra the documentary about the real Polka King, Jan Lewandoski, as then there's a valid conparison to the real persona vs. Jack Black's portrayal as Jan Lewan ( americanized version of his name). Black's portrayal is funny and genuine. The suspicious mother in law is a superb character who adds spice to the Jan Lewan saga , in those days Jan might have pioneered the pyramiding scam not by evil intentions but perhaps out of wanting to satisfy every one else. There is a confrontation scène near the end between the mother in law and some alleged victims which rings true - one gets scammed because one is too greedy thus deserves it. Pay no attention to the humpahpah music but focus on the motivation of real people and what it results to, this is what this film is about.

I always have good intentions of going to the movies on Friday night. Inevitably fatigue from the workweek gets the best of me and I end of staying in. Polka King was my stay-at-home Friday night movie choice and I enjoyed it. Some reviews pan this movie as boring and terrible. This is a decent, entertaining movie. I knew about this story because years ago I saw the documentary, The Man Who Would Be Polka King.

I have always like Jack Black, especially his performances in Bernie and Margot at the Wedding. Maybe Black didn't exactly pin down the Polish accent perfectly but I believe the essence of Jan Lewan came across. Maybe Jack Black isn't the perfect choice to play for this particular part, but he can sing and has good comedic timing. Jason Schwarman, Jenny Slate, and Jacki Weaver were also entertaining and believable when you compare the documentary (The Man Who Would Be Polka King) to this film. I especially appreciated Jacki Weaver's comedic and frustrated performance. There were plenty of funny parts -- I got a kick every time Black's character said Bitsy Bear.

Definitely give this movie a chance if you are in the mood for a decent, entertaining movie. If you have time on your hands, it's fun to watch the documentary after.

This film tells the story of a Polish Polka music singer, who makes a fortune by setting up a Ponzi scheme that targets the elderly.

I thought it would be a comedy, but only after a few minutes in I already found out it was not funny at all. The story is not so engaging because the background stories of the investors are not explained, and hence I feel little for them. The characters in the film are not very likable either. Unfortunately, I did not like this film as I imagined I would.

I had noticed that this was on Netflix when I came across the actual documentary about Jan Lewan (also on Netflix.) Its called 'The Man Who Would Be Polka King,' complete with actual footage and interviews with many of his true victims, and some of the actual escapades depicted are far more absurd than anything pictured in The Polka King.

The movie was not that bad, but the knowledge of the actual events makes it kinda blah.