Everyone loves a winner. But what makes them one?
Directed by Samir Oliveros, The Luckiest Man in America is set in the year 1984, a time when game shows ruled television. With Press Your Luck ruling the airwaves, the the producers of the show are always searching for the perfect contestant. They always follow their instincts but, strangely, they find themselves drawn to the most unlikely of guests: Michael Lawson (Paul Walter Hauser). An unemployed ice cream truck driver, Lawson is unruly and unkept yet there’s something about him that the producers believe will make great television. But Lawson is more than he seems, leaving the bewildered executives reeling as they attempt to uncover his real motivations.
In Luckiest Man, Oliveros has the absolute perfect setup for the very best of heist films. A charismatic protagonist, an impossible system and a redemption arc all play into this film that is low on depth but high in fun. Though the film almost entirely plays out on the set of Press Your Luck, Oliveros does a surprisingly effective job of keeping the film moving. Witty and wild, the film toys with the dark side of conspiracy while still keeping the tone light. (Picture the energy of the Ocean’s franchise… but with just one man.)
Yet it’s Hauser that keeps the lights on. As Larson, Hauser is both likeable and somehow methodical. Although he’s known for comedy, Hauser’s dramatic abilities can often be overlooked but it’s this blend of affability and gravitas that makes him compelling to watch. We want to love him—and frequently do—but never do we trust him.
With his disarming smile and innocent glare, Hauser manages to make us cheer for him, even as the truth begins to unravel.
We want to see him become a winner, even if we question whether or not he actually is.
And it’s that question that looms large over Larson’s agenda. Without giving anything away, we know that his winning streak is based on more than simple luck. But is Larsen a brilliant tactician who fought to beat the system? Or is he a con artist, manipulating the game show experience for his own benefit?
In some ways, he’s a bit of both. There’s no question that he’s exposing loopholes in a system that’s ultimately supposed to be based on chance. As the past is exposed, Luckiest Man speaks to Larson’s past—and that damage that has been caused within it.
But, at the same time, he sees this game as an opportunity to improve his fortunes. Oliveros portrays him with empathy, highlighting his personal struggles that are going on behind the scenes. With every touch of that big, red button, Larson becomes a greater legend. This isn’t a story like Quiz Show, Perfect Bid or 21. Instead, Luckiest Man wants us to believe that this is an opportunity for Larson to do something special. (After all, nobody watches films like Dumb Money or The Big Short and cheers for the stock market.) For some, that will seem heroic. For others, it will be Machiavellian.
But, for everyone, it’s entertaining.
And it’s that spirit that makes the film work. Backed by Hauser’s undeniable charm, Oliveros maximizes the fun here, making this unlikely heist somewhat of an unlikely hit.
The Luckiest Man in America is available in theatres on Friday, April 4th, 2025.
