The Polka King

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2:05

The Polka King

2017

1h 35m

Biography

Comedy

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

50%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

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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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

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

Full Review

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

Sean Mulvihill

FanboyNation.com

Truth is truly stranger than fiction in this unbelievable true story that plays out like a dark, twisted version of the American Dream.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 30, 2018

Full Review

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Arky.H G

It's an entertaining film. Jack Black gives a good performance. It touches on some themes, including chasing a dream and keeping your feet on the ground. Nice. 🥁🎶🎵❤️⭐

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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Maya Forbes

Director

Wallace Wolodarsky

Director

Jack Black

Jan Lewan

Jenny Slate

Marla

Jason Schwartzman

Actor

Jacki Weaver

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The Polka King: Trailer 1

2:05

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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
Producer: Jack Black, Stuart Cornfeld, Monica Levinson, Priyanka Mattoo, David Permut, Shivani Rawat
Screenwriter: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Production Co: Red Hour Films, Electric Dynamite, Permut Presentations
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2018
Runtime: 1h 35m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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