An underdog story is usually an easy crowd favorite. Throw in a large cash prize, like Slumdog Millionaire, and you’ll no doubt have a box office winner. Director Samir Oliveros doesn’t stray far from this tried and true formula in The Luckiest Man in America. The result is an enjoyable yet mediocre historical dramatization that doesn’t move the needle much one way or the other. The film opens nationwide this Friday, April 4, 2025.

Big Dreams Require Bold Actions

Based on actual events from 1984, The Luckiest Man in America stars Paul Walter Hauser as Michael Larson, an unemployed ice cream truck driver from Ohio. A huge fan of the “Press Your Luck” game show, he is ultimately selected to compete in an upcoming episode. This marks a life-changing moment for Michael, who makes it known that any prize money will be going towards ensuring his daughter’s wellbeing. Michael’s initial game show debut is rocky. He quickly loses any acquired amount of money due to his poor judgment, as well as curses on TV. Michael Larson is the epitome of an underdog engaging in a losing public battle.

Watch The Luckiest Man in America trailer here.

However, after a quick commercial break, Michael’s luck begins to change. His bets start paying off big time, and he quickly racks up thousands of dollars in winnings. The game show host (Walton Goggins) is in disbelief, as are the other contestants and studio audience. Michael’s winning streak also catches the attention of the control room, who are quick to act. What they discover about Michael is beyond their wildest dreams. Behind the dopey small-town facade is a calculated mastermind who is using mental tricks and memory patterns to beat the system at their own game.

A Moderately Tame Thriller

The Luckiest Man in America is an enjoyable movie for those who want surface-level entertainment. The film’s billing as a “thriller” does feel a bit misleading though, as “drama” feels more accurate. The story itself is a fascinating one and filmmaker Samir Oliveros’ instincts to bring this to the screen are applauded. Even if the film feels flat due to the lack of character development, there is no question that Paul Walter Hauser makes for a compelling leading man. Had the film delved deeper into Michael’s psychological development to truly get a dynamic portrait of this complicated man, it would have been more satisfying.

Takeaway

If you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted watch, The Luckiest Man in America may be the film for you. One has to wonder though if a documentary would have been more compelling than this scripted version. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable cinematic escape that clocks in at a sharp 90 minutes. The Luckiest Man in America premiered at TIFF in 2024.