The Polka King

It's good but who cares

Is this a passion project about a guy who cons people into investing in his passion project? Jack Black: 1 Netflix: 0

Jack Black's energy keeps this moving but that is about all it offers.

A comedy you can't laugh to with characters you don't really care about. But Jack Black is at the top of his game, so you have that...

Wow! Very surprised by the reviews of this one so far. Jack Black is at the top of his game, and maybe it's just me, but I thought the supporting cast was also very likable. As someone who used to live in PA, I thought they nailed the setting. If you have Netflix give this one a chance.

It's halfway entertaining knowing its based on a true story, but it just doesn't take off. Barely a laugh to be found.

Amusing.

It doesn't have a great script but the story is just so interesting and the film carries itself in such a fun way.

OK….so this is supposed to be a comedy? I may be in the minority here, but I feel like Jack Black is horribly miscast here. The accent and sort of clownish polka performing just doesn’t quite work for me. The only thing to ponder on this one is why the mother-in-law irritated me so much, even though she was right.

While Black shows some glimpses of sincerity and authenticity in his portrayal of Jan Lewan, for the most part it seems a caricature of the Polish polka king. There is the potential for a film like 'Bernie' - another movie in which Black plays a real-life 'criminal' - but that is never realised due to the way in which the actors were clearly directed to play 'big' in their portrayals of their respective characters (although JB Smoove manages to avoid this as Ron Edwards).

It's all right but more weird than funny. A very good cast helps keep it watchable.

Main man Jan Lewan is a compelling lead-optimistic and ambitious, a criminal who is misguided but without malice, one who in the end welcomes his karma and consequences. The script here never digs deep into any of the crime or character-related intrigue though (instead of a suspenseful cat-and-mouse plot we get 2 maybe 3 scenes with the investigator), and the stuff on the surface never has quite enough zip (pizzazz?) to carry the film in its place. Nothing terribly wrong here, just needed more.

This is a fun film that kept me smiling throughout the whole 90 minutes. It may be extraordinarily silly, but this film is extremely well written and executed. Jack Black gives a stellar performance (possibly his best) in a role that few other actors could pull off with so much conviction. Great film to watch if you're just looking to pass some time and not think too much. It's a simple story, but one that is greatly interesting and entertaining.

It's perfectly watchable, mildly captivating even, given that one is curious about how things will unfold. Unfortunately, it also strikes as a bit one-dimensional, devoid of the conflict and mood swings that would make it more interesting as well as more realistic. Prime example of this is that, in the finale, a car accident (which in reality claimed two lives, something that's not even mentioned) and a stabbing take place and we don't get to see either of them. Definitely needed more chops.

The film is mostly a straightforward retelling of a too-crazy-to-believe story, but Jack Black's performance keeps it moving at a steady pace.

jack black is ace

The Polka King was interesting because it was based on a true story. A movie with talent like Jack Black, Jason Schwartzman, and Jenny Slate should have been a lot funnier than it turned out. The story was interesting but the script was pretty straight forward. Black's character was simple and likable. I'm not sure if there was any menace to the real man but Black's character seemed like a lovable doof. I would watch this again but I'm not sure I would recommend until I have watched it again.

This is an entertaining film. Jack Black is good in the lead role in this movie. The script is straight forward with not a lot of innovations or surprises. Overall I would recommend this film.

Pretty hilarious and unbelievable story.

It's ok. Light entertainment.

Entertainment: 4/4. Spirituality: 1/3. Sustainability: 0.5/3.

good movie

Jack Black gives another great performance for a mediocre script. Grandma is awful.

Jack Black is good, but it just is not a great film. It doesn't tell its story really well, it is fun but not too good. Wouldn't watch it a second time.

Wow. How to make it big in the land of opportunity. Everyone is a riot. Even Trump is in it.