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The Polka King

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5.6/10 • 293

2017-01-221h 35m

Comedy

The greatest scandal in polka history.

Local Pennsylvania polka legend Jan Lewan develops a plan to get rich that shocks his fans and lands him in jail.

Directors
Maya Forbes
Writters
Wallace Wolodarsky, Maya Forbes
Editors
Wallace Wolodarsky, Maya Forbes, Catherine Haight

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Jack Black

    Jack Black

    Jan Lewan

  2. Jenny Slate

    Jenny Slate

    Marla Lewan

  3. Jason Schwartzman

    Jason Schwartzman

    Mickey Pizzazz

  4. Jacki Weaver

    Jacki Weaver

    Barb

  5. JB Smoove

    JB Smoove

    Ron Edwards

  6. Robert Capron

    Robert Capron

    David Lewan

  7. Willie Garson

    Willie Garson

    Lonny

  8. Vanessa Bayer

    Vanessa Bayer

    Bitsy Bear

  9. Robert Macaux

    Robert Macaux

    Christopher

Reviews1

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furious_iz Avatar

furious_iz

Jan 16, 2018

5/10

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.

Media

  • The Polka King poster
  • The Polka King poster
  • The Polka King poster
  • The Polka King poster
  • The Polka King poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
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