The Polka King

Surprisingly funny and warm-hearted tale about a guy who basically steals 5 million dollars from pensioners and fakes a whole life for himself with it.

"The Polka King" starring Jack Black, Jason Schwartzman, and Jenny Slate has the kind of story I'd like to see tackled by the Coen Brothers. It's the true story of Jan Lewan, a polka bandmaster, who devises a Ponzi scheme that lands him in trouble.

Jack Black is terrific, but unfortunately, the film's aim was more comedy than black comedy, so his characterization could never be fleshed out. He was hilarious, but Jan Lewan stole money from real people. It would have been great to see more of both sides.

It's definitely worth seeing for Black and all the polka stuff, but make sure you watch through the credits for not only updates but a look at the real Jan Lewan, an immigrant who knows the true meaning of survival.

This film tells the story of a Polish Polka music singer, who makes a fortune by setting up a Ponzi scheme that targets the elderly.

I thought it would be a comedy, but only after a few minutes in I already found out it was not funny at all. The story is not so engaging because the background stories of the investors are not explained, and hence I feel little for them. The characters in the film are not very likable either. Unfortunately, I did not like this film as I imagined I would.

My unsolicited advise to those who intend to watch this movie is to watch extra the documentary about the real Polka King, Jan Lewandoski, as then there's a valid conparison to the real persona vs. Jack Black's portrayal as Jan Lewan ( americanized version of his name). Black's portrayal is funny and genuine. The suspicious mother in law is a superb character who adds spice to the Jan Lewan saga , in those days Jan might have pioneered the pyramiding scam not by evil intentions but perhaps out of wanting to satisfy every one else. There is a confrontation scène near the end between the mother in law and some alleged victims which rings true - one gets scammed because one is too greedy thus deserves it. Pay no attention to the humpahpah music but focus on the motivation of real people and what it results to, this is what this film is about.

I had noticed that this was on Netflix when I came across the actual documentary about Jan Lewan (also on Netflix.) Its called 'The Man Who Would Be Polka King,' complete with actual footage and interviews with many of his true victims, and some of the actual escapades depicted are far more absurd than anything pictured in The Polka King.

The movie was not that bad, but the knowledge of the actual events makes it kinda blah.