by Franz Amussen
ANY JACK Black film is likely to be highlight of the Sundance Film Festival and this year was no different. The lovable actor/comic premiered his film The D Train at the festivial back in 2015 and returned this year with the premiere of “The Polka King”.
Not surprisingly the event at the Eccles Theater was sold out and the audience was enthusiastic! This is a genuine comedy (with some dark moments) based on the true story of Jan Lewan, (played by Black) a loveable Polish emigrant who creates a giant Ponzi Scheme around the Polka. Eventually the scheme catches up to him and he ends up going to jail – but not without a lot of comic gyrations before the denouement.
The film is co-directed by: Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky and the cast includes Jenny Slate, Jason Schwartzman, Jacki Weaver, JB Smoove, Robert Capron, Willie Garson, Vanessa Bayer, Robert Macaux, Mary Klug, Kevin Healy, Wally Wolodarsky and Lew Schneider.
Following the film there was a lively question-and-answer session and the film was the subject of much post-screening buzz in the bars and hospitality suites on Main Street. Time will tell if it is as well-received by the general public – far too often a buzz at Main Street Park City does not translate to a buzz in Main Street USA. But either way, it’s always a treat to see Jack Black on the big screen and his many comic talents were on full display in this effort.
