The Luckiest Man in America gets a boost from outstanding leading man Paul Walter Hauser

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Titled “The Luckiest Man in America“, this Samir Oliveros-directed feature film (co-written by Maggie Briggs) delves into the theme of artificiality. The narrative unfolds in the 1980s daytime TV landscape, focusing on the game show “Press Your Luck“. In this world, America is a realm brimming with deceit. Executives are secretly plotting each other’s downfall while maintaining smiles. Small sets represent vast countries like Hong Kong. But there’s also Michael Larson (portrayed by Paul Walter Hauser), who initially auditions as someone else for “Press Your Luck“. However, once his disguise falls apart, it seems Larson’s tale is over. Yet, could it be that it isn’t?

Bill Carruthers, the genius behind the TV show “Press Your Luck” and a high-ranking executive, recognizes potential in an unassuming ice cream truck driver. He later confides in a colleague that this man, seemingly destined for failure, could be a strange anomaly to boost ratings. The next day, this man, Larson, gets his chance as a contestant on the show. As he competes, everyone, from host Peter Tomarken and staff to those in executive offices, are stunned by Larson’s remarkable luck. He amasses tens of thousands of dollars through wins on the program. Carruthers and Chuck start to worry. Who is this man disrupting their carefully crafted world? Is he cheating? How is he winning so consistently?

The shortcomings of the movie “The Luckiest Man in America” are apparent. It’s a simple, straight-forward retelling of historical events (though these events have been greatly dramatized, as the initial on-screen text suggests), lacking complexity in its political, visual, and thematic aspects. The directors, Oliveros and Briggs, seem to struggle with expanding this story even for the short 90-minute runtime (including credits). Any scenes where Larson steps off the soundstage are intended to lengthen this tale into a full-length feature. However, moving beyond these restricted spaces weakens the tension. Keep viewers confined within these walls, let the tense and accusatory environment grow!

Despite its familiar storyline, “The Luckiest Man in America” remains engagingly watchable, keeping my attention fixed on the screen. Even if I were already well-versed in this tale, I might have a different perspective. However, experiencing Larson’s narrative for the first time offers an enjoyable distraction, especially considering that “America” has gathered a talented ensemble cast. Being attuned to movie news and casting updates, it’s always rewarding when a film surprises me with its impressive cast lineup. This very thing happened with “America,” as its opening credits introduced performers like Patti Harrison, Shaunette Renée Wilson, and Johnny Knoxville.

These skilled performers infuse their characters with distinct, memorable flair that stands out. When their roles on paper seem limited, artists like Harrison make her game show competitor appealing by adding quirks such as frequently inquiring about lapping the soundstage. Similarly, Goggins masterfully captures the atmosphere of an old-school game show host. Interestingly, unlike his frequent portrayals of extreme villains, Goggins’ character is often one of the more morally upright figures, even when off-camera. This is a refreshing deviation from his typical roles and Goggins pulls it off convincingly.

I can’t help but praise Paul Walter Hauser for his exceptional performance in “The Luckiest Man in America.” His talent has been evident for quite some time, as demonstrated by his heartfelt portrayal of “Jamie Taco” on “I Think You Should Leave.” The way he delivers the line, “and I got the part?” still echoes vividly in my mind. It’s no wonder, then, that Hauser shines so brightly as Larson. Remarkably, he manages to infuse genuine unpredictability into this character. There’s always something slightly off about Larson, making his socially awkward blunders feel incredibly real and cringe-worthy.

In a peculiar manner, Hauser’s portrayal of Larson leaves you second-guessing his true intentions. At times, Larson appears potentially dangerous due to his violent demeanor. On the contrary, he exhibits a pitiful, puppy-like demeanor that invites empathy and a desire for comfort. Yet, there’s an uncanny realism about this character that makes him seem genuine. Hauser avoids making Larson appear as a mere caricature, instead infusing him with tangible humanity, which is evident in his exceptional performance. Despite the script of The Luckiest Man in America being overly simplistic, there runs a captivating undercurrent of unpredictability throughout Hauser’s acting work.

Regarding the final 20 minutes or so of America’s film, Hauser’s performance seems underutilized, and the plot wraps up too neatly, which feels overly contrived. The polished epilogue is especially disappointing. The movie, titled “The Luckiest Man in America,” suggests some intriguing themes about how deception and insincere compassion for the working class are prevalent in American pop culture. Unfortunately, Oliveros does not fully explore this idea; instead, the ending becomes a predictable crowd-pleaser.

John Carroll Kirby’s score stands out, heavily utilizing percussive sounds and jazz elements to create an uneasy ambiance filled with distrust. While it shares similarities with other film scores, Kirby’s compositions showcase admirable energy. The cinematography by Pablo Lozano is impressive, notably in the way he captures the vibrant colors present throughout America’s set and costume design. For instance, Chuck frequently wears a striking yellow sweater, while the interior walls of the CBS station are a refreshing mint green. Moreover, the contestants on Press Your Luck sport bold, colorful outfits, making for a visually dynamic experience all around.

In terms of stage productions, “The Luckiest Man in America” offers a delightful viewing experience, thanks to its talented cast and vibrant color scheme. However, it’s disappointing that the film didn’t fully explore a deeper, more intricate narrative. A more creative approach could have significantly enhanced this adaptation of an exceptional episode of “Press Your Luck.” Despite some shortcomings, the performances of Paul Walter Hauser and Walton Goggins, both at their best, keep the movie from being too dull. Adding to the appeal is a standout supporting role by the actress who understands that fortune favors her.

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2025-04-07 23:15