This must be the ultimate proof that Jack Black (as a performer) can pull almost anything off.
A 45 year old immigrant polka singer in the 90's becoming a celebrity and ponzi scheme scammer???
IMO, the fact that its a true story is just about the only thing that saves the film.
The character of Jan Lewan was certainly charismatic to say the least, and no doubt that was part of what attracted Black to the story in the first place.
Black himself probably thinks it was hillarious that people would actually fall for such a scam. This is evident from the multiple scenes where the mother in law questions where the money was coming from, and then when she calls out the old couple (who invested) for being naive and greedy.
Probably says more about America at that time, rather than the antics of Jan Lewan. Its a worthwhile watch, if only a curious, half-funny history lesson.
IMO, the fact that its a true story is just about the only thing that saves the film.
The character of Jan Lewan was certainly charismatic to say the least, and no doubt that was part of what attracted Black to the story in the first place.
Black himself probably thinks it was hillarious that people would actually fall for such a scam. This is evident from the multiple scenes where the mother in law questions where the money was coming from, and then when she calls out the old couple (who invested) for being naive and greedy.
Probably says more about America at that time, rather than the antics of Jan Lewan. Its a worthwhile watch, if only a curious, half-funny history lesson.