The Polka King (2018)

The Polka King is written and directed by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky about the polka legend Jan Lewan and his Ponzi scheme that eventually collapsed.

Maya Forbes hasn't really directed much before, just one other film that I've never heard of. She's put in her dues though with writing, having written the screenplay for Monsters vs. Aliens, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, and A Dog's Purpose. It's hard to see who did more of the directing her or Wolodarsky but I did notice a better direction than A Dog's Purpose from last year.

This isn't the first combination of Forbes and Wallace Wolodarksy, the movie Seeing Other People back in 2004 was the first I'd have seen them together. I think what prevents this movie from being great is whoever wrote the majority of the film.

Without Jack Black, this film would be unwatchable. His character, Jan, is so loveable and you care about his success and failure because of how likable Black makes his character. His singing is on point just as it was back when he was doing Tenacious D.

Jenny Slate plays Marla Lewan and does a decent job playing her role. I just have a hard time seeing her as a person who would be with Jan. There's something off about her chemistry with Black, sometimes it works and sometimes seems like the direction is going in two ways. That's due to having two directors. It's not her fault.

Jacki Weaver plays Barb, Marla's mom and Jan's step-mother. She's firey and very believable as well as the voice of reason throughout the film. She can be a bit of a spiteful person, but it's only because she cares about her daughter and step-father.

Result: B (It's worth watching since you won't have to leave the house, but that's the quality you're getting)

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