The Polka King
Available on Netflix
During the final decades of the 20th century, Jan Lewan (Jack Black) is THE POLKA KING, the consummate showman. In the Pennsylvania circuit through which he travels with his stalwart band, Jan is famous and beloved. He has a devoted fan base, a devoted wife, Marla (Jenny Slate), and a loyal best friend, Mickey (Jason Schwartzman). Jan is joyful and ambitious, and he sparkles with an innocent grin and a bounce in every step. He envisions a future "polka empire," and his mini-mall gift shop is only the beginning. To expand, he needs money, and one-state polka bands and gift shops aren't enough to get him to "the big time." When two elderly fans hear about his ambition, they ask to invest in his future "empire." At first reluctant, and then quickly aware of the endless possibilities, Jan is thrilled. Not only will their money help The Polka King, he'll help them as well. Twelve percent! That's what he'll pay in interest. He assures the throngs of senior fans who want in that everyone will be a winner. And they are winners -- every last one of them. At least until they aren't. The 12% gets harder and harder to pay out, given the lifestyle Jan is living. Then there's the fact that his empire doesn't seem to be expanding. And, most critically, Jan just can't bear to see his wife's dream of being Mrs. Pennsylvania be dashed, so he makes a devastating mistake. To the astonishment of everyone, including Jan, The Polka King's "innocent scheme" begins to fall apart and the meltdown begins.
Starring Jack Black, Jenny Slate, Jason Schwartzman
Director Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky