By Peter Harris
A gripping film ‘unlike any other’, said to be ‘Oscar-worthy’ and boasting a stellar ensemble, is now available for streaming. The Luckiest Man In America can be streamed from the comfort of your home by those with a Sky Cinema subscription or through a NOW films pass. The movie had a quite limited theatrical outing in the US back in April this year and has swiftly progressed to streaming services. The straightforward summary explains how an ice-cream van driver stumbles upon a cunning strategy to become a winning contestant on the game show Press Your Luck. Set against the backdrop of 1984, the storyline is inspired by a true event where Michael Larsen etched his name as a notorious figure on the show Press Your Luck. The movie showcases exactly how he managed it and the mayhem it stirred up off-screen. Portraying Larsen is Paul Walter Hauser, recognised for his performances in Cobra Kai, Inside Out 2, and Richard Jewell. He’s joined by a cast that includes Walton Goggins of The White Lotus fame and Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams. Also among the cast is David Strathairn, who plays real-life TV executive Bill Carruthers, reports Surrey Live . The audience who’ve stumbled upon this lesser-known flick have praised what they’ve witnessed while finding themselves enthralled by its outlandish true-life origins. It was succinctly summed up by one viewer: “This movie is like the sandwich you decided to try and ended up loving it.” One enthusiastic cinema-goer exclaimed: “This needs to win an Oscar. This is one of the best films I’ve ever seen it is amazing. I don’t want to spoil it but no one has gone to see it because the Minecraft movie came out the same day and people right now would rather watch that because of the memes which makes me upset. You need to watch this now.” Conversely, there was someone who wasn’t entirely sold on the film’s classification as a thriller stating: “I didn’t know the true story behind it and the Sky description said it’s a thriller. I love thrillers but this movie isn’t always suspenseful. It’s certainly a movie like no other.” Elsewhere, another viewer suggested: “Overall, The Luckiest Man in America is a must-see film that balances heart and humour, leaving me feeling inspired and hopeful. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and uplifting cinematic experience!” Moreover, another concurred with the high praise saying: “A perfect thriller, beautifully subversive by being simple. It plays the audience with the narrative and the meta narrative without complicating it. The visuals, set and wardrobe are on point and heighten everything by being exactly what they are. An honest and direct story worth watching.” The Luckiest Man In America is streaming on Sky Cinema and NOW.