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The Polka King

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for The Polka King 2017 1h 35m Biography Comedy Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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The Polka King

The Polka King

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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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Critics Reviews

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Tara Brady Irish Times 01/25/2018
3/5
There's a touch of School of Rock with an Oom-Pah-Pah beat about this likeable, if lightweight comedy. Go to Full Review
Ben Sachs Chicago Reader 01/25/2018
The Polka King is warm and sympathetic, avoiding easy jokes in favor of humane, character-driven humor. Go to Full Review
Radheyan Simonpillai NOW Toronto 01/24/2018
2/5
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. Go to Full Review
Mikel Zorrilla Espinof 08/01/2019
It is a pleasant entertainment in which the good work of its actors stands out. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) 12/06/2018
3.5/5
Jack Black excels in this completely bonkers true story of Jan Lewan, an American polka music legend. Go to Full Review
Sean Mulvihill FanboyNation.com 10/30/2018
3/5
Truth is truly stranger than fiction in this unbelievable true story that plays out like a dark, twisted version of the American Dream. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Arky.H G Mar 20 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. 🥁🎶🎵❤️⭐ See more Levi 04/04/2024 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. See more Catherine A 09/17/2023 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. See more Gareth v 06/21/2023 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 See more David C 03/06/2023 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! See more 04/01/2022 Couldn't love it more. Almost like a satire on American culture/exceptionalism and the American dream. See more Read all reviews
The Polka King

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Movie Info

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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