The Luckiest Man in America (2025) - Film Review

      The Luckiest Man in America, 2025.

      Directed by Samir Oliveros.

      Featuring Paul Walter Hauser, Walton Goggins, Shamier Anderson, David Strathairn, Maisie Williams, Patti Harrison, Brian Geraghty, Haley Bennett, Johnny Knoxville, David Rysdahl, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Ricky Russert, Lilli Kay, and James Wolk.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In May 1984, an out-of-work ice cream truck driver enters the game show Press Your Luck carrying a hidden secret: the formula for guaranteed wealth. However, his winning streak is jeopardized when the baffled executives uncover his true intentions. Co-writer/director Samir Oliveros, alongside screenwriter Maggie Briggs, seems only partially interested (perhaps even less) in the full narrative that The Luckiest Man in America has to offer. With a standout performance from Paul Walter Hauser as the anxious, socially awkward contestant Michael Larson—who excels in this quirky role—the film revolves around the 1984 episode of the game show where Larson started off poorly but then dramatically turned the tide, accumulating more winnings than anyone had before. This leaves the puzzled control room crew from ABC (including David Strathairn and Shamier Anderson) scrambling to understand the secret behind his remarkable luck, all while a charismatic host (Walton Goggins) warns them to play it safe.

      The game’s mechanics are straightforward: the first round consists of general trivia questions (something Paul Walter Hauser is experienced with, having been an entertaining participant on the now-defunct YouTube show Movie Trivia Schmoedown), which determines how many spins a player receives in the subsequent two rounds. Those spins are for a board featuring about seven rows filled with rapidly changing rewards, including a mischievous mascot that bankrupts players. The objective is to press the button and hope to land on one of the various cash amounts displayed, ideally those accompanied by bonus spins.

      Michael, the financially struggling ice cream truck driver who quickly alienates the show’s producers, ultimately wins their sympathy when he struggles to start his vehicle and leave the lot. Every button press seems to yield cash for him, which could either be sheer luck or perhaps something more dubious. Regardless, the ABC team grows increasingly frustrated with his continued success, prompting an investigation during the lengthy episode that reveals a troubling history of Ponzi schemes, restraining orders, and estrangement from his wife and daughter (Michael claims it’s her birthday). While these details are certainly captivating, the filmmakers show little interest in exploring them. They present these discoveries in a half-hearted manner, treating them as obligations rather than opportunities for deeper exploration of this peculiar individual.

      As a result, The Luckiest Man in America only resonates with viewers who are detached from this true story and remain oblivious to whether he ultimately ends up with any winnings. This allows the film to unfold like a genuine thriller for those unfamiliar. For everyone else, it recounts known events with little new insight.

      The dramatization stretches credibility and ignores the realities of television production, with Michael wandering around the studio during breaks, eventually appearing on a different show hosted by Johnny Knoxville. This segment seems intended to provide insight into Michael’s motivations and priorities, but instead feels contrived and distracts from the engaging game show dynamic. Whether or not such an occurrence took place, it disrupts the gripping pacing.

      By incorporating the pressure of “not blowing it and losing the money” along with hints of a troubled past, The Luckiest Man in America sets up an expectation for tying everything together with unexpected twists and depth. Instead, it concludes on a flat note, reinforcing the notion that the filmmakers lack interest in these external struggles and complex personal issues. They seem to perceive this narrative simply as a tale about a man who won a lot of money, nothing more. Unfortunate viewers deserve a richer experience.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is part of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He also serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.