As a seasoned viewer of game shows from the golden age of television, I must say that “The Luckiest Man in America” struck a chord with me like no other film has in recent memory. The movie takes us back to the days when families huddled around their heavy 4×3 televisions, shouting at the screen and trying to outwit the contestants on shows like “Press Your Luck.
Modern children might struggle to grasp the charm of an old tradition where families would gather around their bulky TV sets and watch game shows on local cable channels. Even though Wheel of Fortune with host Ryan Seacrest is still going strong, and Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik have taken over Jeopardy!, it’s likely that millennials were the last generation to fully embrace the concept of huddling together around a big, old-fashioned TV to shout out answers to trivia questions before the contestants on screen could. If you didn’t catch this experience, a new movie might help bridge the gap: The Luckiest Man in America, directed by Samir Oliveros and starring Paul Walter Hauser in an exceptional performance (Black Bird, Cruella).
It’s possible that the filmmaker drew inspiration from shows like HBO’s “Winning Time,” but this doesn’t diminish the unique charm and allure of the movie, which is a compact masterpiece based on an extraordinary day in 1980s TV history that left a particular studio in awe. “The Luckiest Man in America” manages to stay sophisticated, vibrant, and stylish throughout, while still incorporating visual references to outdated media, and its impressive cast effectively transports us into the year 1984.
[Don’t] Press Your Luck
In this storyline, Hauser portrays Ted, a seemingly ordinary character who travels from Ohio to Los Angeles with dreams of participating in the hit game show “Press Your Luck,” which was hosted by Peter Tomarken (performed brilliantly by Walton Goggins). Despite initial reservations from the show’s casting producer, Chuck (played hilariously by Shamier Anderson), Ted manages to impress the show’s executive, Bill Carruthers (portrayed by David Strathairn).
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that “Ted” turns out to be an imposter named Michael Larson, a native of Ohio who managed to deceive his way onto the stage. Despite this, Bill is captivated by Michael’s common-man appearance. Before long, the ice-cream truck driver-turned-impostor is primped and ready to participate alongside the other contestants for a recording of Press Your Luck, all happening the day after his audition. However, the ruse of “Ted” serves as a hint that more tricks are on their way…
As a movie buff, I must confess that this isn’t your typical rags-to-riches story akin to the captivating “Slumdog Millionaire.” A quick look at this production would be enough to tell even an ordinary cinema-goer that it doesn’t follow the usual formula of an ordinary person striking it rich. The initial rounds of the game show unfold as expected, with my character, Larson, forging friendships (Brian Geraghty, a familiar face from yesteryears) and barely scraping through against another contestant (Patti Harrison, a pro at expressing disapproval). However, it’s during the first commercial break where things take an unexpected turn.
Production assistant Sylvia (played by Maisie Williams) finds herself puzzled when Michael persistently disregards the show’s rules to make a suspicious phone call, just before the B-block starts. And as the B-block unfolds, it becomes clear that the team working behind the scenes has quite a challenge ahead of them. When it comes to Michael’s turn to operate the board and press at the opportune moment, hoping for a high-value outcome, he appears unstoppable. However, doesn’t the spin board randomly bounce around? As Bill and his team struggle to understand why Michael keeps winning large sums of money, it becomes necessary for Bill’s superiors to intervene and help solve the mystery. This is an exhilarating journey that we won’t reveal any further twists here.
Paul Walter Hauser & Co. Make a Splash
Reading these words could give you a sense of the fast-paced narrative of this one-day story. Plus, the nostalgic vibe Oliveros creates in his comedy-drama is amplified by an electrifying and cool musical score. Add to that some familiar faces from popular TV shows and movies you’ve watched before, including a surprising appearance by the legendary Johnny Knoxville, and you’re in for a delightful experience. This engaging production cleverly exposes the illusion of ‘luck’ and glamorous Hollywood deception.
Unfortunately, the latter part of the movie seems to lose some momentum after Michael’s predicament is resolved and pandemonium breaks out throughout the entire setting. However, Hauser manages to compensate by delivering another standout performance, showcasing his ability to carry a full-length film beyond just his usual comic-relief roles (which we always enjoy). The movie, titled The Luckiest Man in America, is slated for release in 2025 after a successful festival run, including AFI Fest 2024 in October. Keep an eye out for more updates on this.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-04 17:33