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

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.

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

01/25/2018

The Polka King is warm and sympathetic, avoiding easy jokes in favor of humane, character-driven humor.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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Jovy J

@RT89138185 13h

Loved it! Jack Black's enthusiasm for this role is infectious

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Arky.H G

@RT45635655 03/20/2025

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. 🥁🎶🎵❤️⭐

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Levi

@RT17768335 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.

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Catherine A

@CatLI 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.

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Gareth v

@geewah 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

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David C

@RT09838700 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!

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Maya Forbes

Director

Wallace Wolodarsky

Director

Jack Black

Jan Lewan

Jenny Slate

Marla

Jason Schwartzman

Actor

Jacki Weaver

Actor

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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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