The Luckiest Man in America

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2:13

The Luckiest Man in America

R

2025

1h 30m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

Biography

Game Show

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

67%

Tomatometer

78 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

50+ Verified Ratings

In 1984, a man named Michael Larson appeared on a popular game show called PRESS YOUR LUCK. Unfortunately for the producers, Michael was about to make history. In trying to beat the system, he caused one of the strangest moments on television.

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Critics Consensus

If The Luckiest Man in America doesn't fully deliver on the potential of its sensational true story, it fortunately has Paul Walter Hauser on hand to provide some welcome emotional complexity.

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John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

Jul 7

Is it real? The acting is, from Shaunette Renée Wilson and Damian Young as vaguely defined CBS functionaries to Messrs. Strathairn, Anderson and Hauser, whose Michael Larson is the stuff a particular American dream is made of.

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Katie Walsh

Tribune News Service

04/10/2025

3/4

So much more than just an exploration of this anomalous oddball story and character who managed to outsmart the media. The focus on the control-room panic illustrates how these corporate narratives shape the myth of the American Dream.

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

04/07/2025

C

It's difficult getting to know Larson or his drive, and he's portrayed as bashful and shrinking by Hauser.

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Derrick Murray

NERDBOT

Jul 15

3/5

Luckiest Man In America presses its luck with one too many spins, becoming the kind of film that gets in its own way and unable to settle into an identity. It leaves you with an appreciation for some of its pieces but rather forgetful of the whole picture

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Alise Chaffins

MacGuffin or Meaning (Substack)

Jul 15

3/5

Sometimes, a reminder that the system can be taken down just by paying attention to the details is enough to keep those whammies at bay.

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Calum Baker

Radio Times

Jul 2

3/5

The screenplay, co-written by director Samir Oliveros, can strain a bit in padding the run time and finding ways to flesh out the central character, but it's all peppily paced and the cast keeps the material rather gripping.

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Jeffrey Hope

Nov 15

A lot of effort went into replicating the 1980s-era set of Press Your Luck (albeit with some aspects slightly off). However, too many historical liberties were taken (especially as regards what would've been allowed out of CBS at the time and the ending of the movie), making the plot feel contrived.

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Peggy Z

04/09/2025

Movie was predictable, but enjoyable.

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Shannon P

04/08/2025

Didn't feel engaged with the protagonist kind of interesting premise and I usually like movies based on actual events, but I just didn't "connect" with this film. Not a horrible waste of time and money, but pretty "meh."

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metalliphil

04/08/2025

Solid performances but the ending felt like it was just left hanging w no real wrap up or any kind of resolution

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Alex

04/07/2025

A comedic thriller with a solid cast. Story keeps you hooked. Overall 8/10

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Sue

04/07/2025

Very good cast, excellent background details about how game shows are produced. Main character well acted but unlikable.

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Samir Oliveros

Director

Paul Walter Hauser

Michael Larson

Walton Goggins

Peter Tomarken

Shamier Anderson

Chuck

David Strathairn

Bill Carruthers

Maisie Williams

Sylvia

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The Luckiest Man in America: Trailer 1

2:13

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Synopsis

In 1984, a man named Michael Larson appeared on a popular game show called PRESS YOUR LUCK. Unfortunately for the producers, Michael was about to make history. In trying to beat the system, he caused one of the strangest moments on television.

Director: Samir Oliveros
Producer: Amanda Freedman, Constanza Muñoz
Screenwriter: Samir Oliveros, Maggie Briggs
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Plenty Good, Fabula, Tucci & Company, Jaguar Bite, Exemplary Films Corporation
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Biography, Game Show
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 4, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 6, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $421.5K
Runtime: 1h 30m