The Polka King (2017)
A polka musician's wild get-rich-quick scheme spirals out of control. Ideal for true crime and comedy fans; avoid if not!
Genres: Comedy
Cast
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Your Status
The Polka King(2017)
Where to Watch
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Overview
Local Pennsylvania polka legend Jan Lewan develops a plan to get rich that shocks his fans and lands him in jail.
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Cast
Full Cast & Crew
Jack Black
Jan Lewan
Jenny Slate
Marla Lewan
Jason Schwartzman
Mickey Pizzazz
Jacki Weaver
Barb
JB Smoove
Ron Edwards
Robert Capron
David Lewan
Willie Garson
Lonny
Vanessa Bayer
Bitsy Bear
Robert Macaux
Christopher
Mary Klug
Anita Krzyewski
Wallace Wolodarsky
Vince
Lew Schneider
Lou Laroue
Phyllis Kay
Marilyn
Richard Donelly
Stan Moetek
Kati Salowsky
Connie Klopski
Jordan Lloyd
Debra Johnson
Rachel Annette Helson
Beauty Pageant Judge
Anthony Estrella
Presenter
Melody Vasquez
Agent Ramirez
Randy Tow
Mr. Lee
Featured Comments/Tips
Sometimes Jack Black just nails a role. This is a good example. The Polka King is a wacky comedy that is so bizarre, it'#39;s hard to believe it'#39;s true. The cast is definitely on par with a lower budget Netflix film (which it is) but that'#39;s okay for what it is. I wouldn'#39;t say go out of your way to see this movie, but if you'#39;re wanting an off the wall experience, this will provide a good one.
I watched this because of Jack Black. He puts such effort into all the roles he plays and this film is no exception. I didn'#39;t particularly love the movie, but Jack'#39;s performance was great and captivating as ever.
Some Jack Black movies can be a miss, but this isn'#39;t one of them. Great story and Black is at his best. Hard to believe its a true story - a Polish version of Bernie Maydoff!! Greed gets them every time.
Jacki Weaver is an undervalued powerhouse in everything she’s in.
Entertaining and good funny movie
An absolutely gripping performance by Jack Black, and quite possible one of his greatest of all time along side the unforgettable work of Jason Schwartzman in this true to life polka extravaganza.
Just keep repeating to yourself '#34;This is based on a true story.'#34; It is completely whacko and if it wasn'#39;t true, you would never believe this thing.
Hard to believe the Polka King was involved in a Ponzi scheme but it did make the film interesting. Jack Black was awesome as always. I’m not a polka girl, I’m more of a rocker chick but when polka had a mix of rap I was a fan!
This is a perfect Netflix movie. Nothing to go out of your way to watch but something easy to watch or just to have on in the background or watch hungover. Jack Black brings a ton of energy as always. There are a couple of laughs and it being based on a true story is pretty interesting.
Fairly entertaining film, incredibly based on a true story. Jack Black nails his part, with a hilarious turn from Jackie Weaver as his mother in law. I didn'#39;t watch the real-life doc which is currently airing on Netflix, though it probably pairs as interesting companion piece to the movie.
Featured User Reviews
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.
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