Polka Nots?

The Polka King is a recently released Netflix original that centers around the life of a Philadelphia poker star that is trying to make a rise. The main antagonist of the show is portrayed by Jack Black. The story follows the Polka player accidentally running a ponzi scheme. This starts by him taking investments. He brings in investors by pitching his name to the public. He promises that he will repay this money, with a higher interest than the banks. At first, he is not aware that his actions are illegal. He finds out the legality when approached by the FBI. He agrees to return the money and make things right. He doesn't have the money to return to the investors. Instead, he takes larger investments to increase revenue. He tells the FBI that he has paid the investors back and that everything is squared away. This starts the rising action of the movie, and leads to a surprising twist at the end.

The biggest draw to the movie was the cast. Jack Black is a favorite actor of mine, and I enjoy the way he takes on roles to the fullest. Black does an incredible job portraying a foreign individual for the movie. The accent that was used really stuck with the character. The quirkiness of Black adds to the comedic aspect of the movie. When watching Black perform in a movie, you can really tell the research he puts into his roles. I have the feeling that Black researched the individual this was based around extensively. The casting of Jack Black for the main role, was something that really gave this movie a personality. A personality that will draw an audience to view intently.

The story of this movie is a hard hitter. The movie is based around a real life event, which really adds to the suspense. The story starts really slow in the beginning, and it causes a lot of confusion. The ball quickly gets rolling when he lies to the FBI. From this point forth, the rising action is intense and leaves you on the edge of your seat. The movie was predictable in parts, but the ending was not expected. The ending is a scene that will leave your jaw wide open, being vague to avoid spoilers. A true story that is portrayed through the screen and the emotions provoked, is the best thing to take away from this movie.

A small thing that I particularly liked from the movie, was the soundtrack. The soundtrack of the movie was mainly Polka, which fits the movie idea and the time period. Most of the music in the movie, comes from Black’s Polka band when they play concerts. The other music that plays throughout the movie, is usually from Black’s band as well. The voice of Jack Black is very distinct, which allows me to pick out the music that is by him. I believe that the music from the movie, is actually played by Black himself. The reason I think it is him that plays, is because he has a successful rock band already. Tenacious D, is Black’s real life band that has full length albums on many platforms.

The Polka King is another solid original released by Netflix. This is one that I would recommend to fans of Jack Black and fans of Comedic films. The story of the film, is also something else that makes this movie stand out amongst others. Jack Black strikes yet again, on a powerful role. Netflix manages to amaze me again, with their original content.