The Luckiest Man in America

"The Luckiest Man In America" is the true 1984 tale of Michael Larson (Paul Walter Hauser - strong again) who blagged his way onto the tv game-show 'Press Your Luck' (hosted by Walton Goggins) to rack up monster winnings - and make the show's staff (inc David Strathairn, Maisie Williams, & Shamier Anderson) suspect that something was amiss. It's fascinating fare, well made (by second-time director Samir Oliveros who co-wrote this his first screenplay with second-time writer Maggie Briggs) with the likes of Johnny Knoxville & Haley Bennett in minor support - tho it'll leave most asking Google to complete Larson's story for them. It's a good movie... just a little thin.

Film: "The Luckiest Man in America" 🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷 had its moments piglets!

(6/10 me) (6/10 Marilee)

Another one that looked really good. I have to admit, I did not know the true story and the events that surrounded it. Great idea for a movie. Groggins and Hauser were fantastic. I am a huge fan of both of those actors.

It's one of those movies where the audience, at times, cannot tell what is being presented as reality or what is a fantasy in some characters head. It makes it all the more confusing.

We rented it. I suggest you wait till it comes to a streaming outlet to watch it for free.

Just average.

Saw this at a TIFF screening last night, theatre completely sold out. The film itself is a pretty nice 90-minute film mostly sitting on one set. While the film does have a really strong premise, it most definetly loses its steam in the latter acts due to its lack of understanding of where to go. I really adored Paul Walter Hauser in this, but his character felt severly underwritten- it sorta seemed like he was many things for a long time and yet, he just turned out to be a normal pretty intelligent man. They kept alluding to something big was going to happen at the end with a twist, but it never comes, leaving an odd sour taste in my mouth as the credits rolled. But its still a very enjoyable casual wednesday night watch.

The list of things that didn't happen is way longer than the list of things that actually happened, and the stuff that actually happened is far more interesting.

Yes, Michael did go on the show and win big by memorizing the patterns on the board. But that's where the true part ends. Everything else that happened, him wandering on to another talk show, breaking into his truck and watching tapes, calling his wife and putting her on the show, the list goes on.

The movie is well cast, but not well written. If you want to watch a more interesting telling of the story, go watch "Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal"

Let me take you back to 1984. Michael Larson, an AC repair man and ice cream truck driver, ends up on the game show Press Your Luck. THE LUCKIEST MAN IN AMERICA tells this true story. Michael (Paul Walter Hauser) keeps winning, with no end in sight. This causes everybody at CBS to panic in their own ways, including the host Peter Tomarken (Walton Goggins), the producer Bill Carruthers (David Strathairn), his assistant Chuck (Shamier Anderson), and the show's assistant Sylvia (Maisie Williams). This movie is entertaining from start to finish. Hauser is amazing yet again as a character who is socially awkward. When you look at him, you can't shake the feeling that something's off. Goggins is always great in everything he does, no surprise there. The tension builds as the movie goes on, highlighted by the score and by Hauser's body language. Not knowing what actually happened back then, I had no idea where it was going. My one problem was the ending. It seemed abrupt and I'm not sure if it's because of the low budget, but I would've liked to have a little more finality to it. I do recommend staying during the credits though. Overall, THE LUCKIEST MAN IN AMERICA is a very entertaining historical moment brought back into the light of day with a great ensemble cast, seemingly accurate enough to what actually happened at the time. I recommend it wherever you can find it!