Jack Black Plays a Polka Con Man in His New Film

From Esquire

2011’s Bernie was low-key one of the best films of the decade. An instant Richard Linklater classic, it starred Jack Black in the true story of a tiny Texas town’s beloved mortician/community theater director/choir soloist, who would probably be the most lovable guy in the world if it weren’t for the whole "being a murderer" thing. With a supporting cast of real-life locals, the black comedy brought a world of provincial eccentrics to vivid life. (And with Matthew McConaughy as the town's district attorney, Bernie also has the distinction of being one of the first films of the McConaissance.)

So it’s not surprising that another movie would draw from the same well. Enter The Polka King, which will be released on Netflix next month. Jack Black as a endearingly wacky criminal? Check, in the form of real-life ponzi-scheming polka maestro Jan Lewan. Crazy-talented costars? Check yes for Jenny Slate, JB Smoove, and more recognizable faces. Backing cast of authentically un-Hollywood-looking locals? Yes and yes. We can’t be sure that The Polka King will reach the same heights Bernie did, but it’s a safe bet that it'll be thoroughly entertaining.

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