Le roi de la polka

1/29/18. Jack Black seems to have a knack for playing real life creeps, like Bernie Tiede in Bernie, the undertaker who embezzled $3 million from a wealthy widow after killing her. In this movie, Black plays the con artist, Jan Lewan, a Polka entertainer who pulled a Bernie Madoff on his many unsuspecting fans. Lewan sucked millions from people who were entranced by his ebullient personality. Black did a great job with this role.

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.

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.

The Movie "The Polka King" is based on the life of Jan Lewan, a Polish immigrant who came to the United States, settled in Northeastern Pennsylvania and continued his polka career, and eventually running a Ponzi Scheme. I'm not entirely sure how many of the facts of the man's life were embellished for the story, or if it can truly be considered a bio-pic. It is, none the less, entertaining due to Jack Black portraying Jan.

Because "School of Rock" showcased Black actually having some musical talent, I was surprised to see that he played, quite competently at that, the leader and singer of a polka band, a vastly different style than what he showcased in School of Rock. I don't know how much of a stretch it was for him, as a musician or an actor to pull it off, but in watching this he came across as a legitimate polka band leader, not as someone trying to portray one. He clearly brought some energy to the role, and seemingly getting the approval of Jan Lewan himself.

If you're a fan of Jack Black, or a fan of polka, or both, it's worth your time. It's not great cinema by any means, but I think it showcases that Black is versatile, and that's not a bad thing.