United States of America | 2024 | 90m | English

The Luckiest Man in America tells the story of a man named Michael Larson who finagles his way onto the TV game show Press Your Luck after figuring out the secret to win every time. As his earnings rack up higher and higher, the TV executives freak out backstage and scramble to figure out what’s happening and how to stop him.

Set in 1984, the movie is inspired by a real incident – and when we see the footage of the actual Michael Larson from the Press Your Luck episode in question, we see just how excellent the casting of this film is. I enjoyed the drama and the mystery throughout the film, but the phenomenal jazz and synth soundtrack was a surprising highlight of the movie. I also enjoyed how the ending was handled (don’t leave too soon after the credits begin), although I overheard some people describe it as “confusing” as I walked out of the theatre. I disagree – I think this was a strong film with a powerful ending about a fascinating and quintessentially American moment in TV game show history.

3.5/5

Viewed on September 12, 2024 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre as part of the Toronto International Film Festival 2024.