Keanu Reeves descends from the heavens in Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, 'Good Fortune,' and the result is nothing short of heavenly.
Aziz Ansari's new comedy, 'Good Fortune,' is more than just a laugh riot; it's a thought-provoking exploration of modern life, with Keanu Reeves playing a key role. The movie, which is rated R and hits theaters on October 17th, earns a solid *** out of four stars. While the film could have succeeded as a witty exploration of the gig economy with Ansari and Seth Rogen, Reeves's divine presence elevates it to something truly special. But here's where it gets controversial: does Reeves's presence overshadow the other characters?
The story centers on Arj (Ansari), a struggling Angeleno juggling multiple jobs while living out of his car. He crosses paths with Elena (Keke Palmer), a union supporter, at a hardware store and takes on odd jobs through an app. He then gets hired as an assistant by a wealthy tech mogul, Jeff (Rogen). However, Arj's brief stint as an assistant ends when he uses Jeff's company credit card to take Elena on a date.
After a series of setbacks, Arj finds himself at his wit's end. That's when Gabriel (Reeves), a guardian angel, appears. Gabriel, who typically prevents people from texting while driving, seeks to make a bigger impact. He proposes to show Arj the pitfalls of wealth by temporarily swapping lives with Jeff, but the plan backfires, creating more chaos than expected.
Arj revels in the lavish lifestyle, while Jeff is forced to live an unstable life. To make matters worse, Gabriel's boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), takes away his wings, effectively firing him. Gabriel is then forced to become Jeff's mortal roommate. Together, they try to restore order and get Arj to return things to normal.
'Good Fortune' channels the best of Ansari's 'Master of None' series, masterfully blending humor and depth. The film tackles significant themes like financial inequality and the growing gap between the rich and the poor, making them accessible through comedy. For example, a scene where Arj waits in line for hours to pick up a gourmet donut for a wealthy client puts these issues into a relatable perspective.
Ansari also includes a subplot where Gabriel experiences what it's like to be human. Gabriel becomes jaded, working a kitchen job and developing a smoking habit. However, there are moments of pure joy, like when Gabriel hits the dance floor or enjoys his first burger. Reeves excels in every aspect of his character, making what could have been a dull role truly shine.
The only downside of 'Good Fortune' is that there isn't enough of Reeves. While Arj gets the most character development, Rogen, Reeves, and Palmer's roles could have been expanded. However, the cast works well together. Rogen's chemistry with Ansari and Reeves allows him to evolve Jeff from a wealthy, clueless individual to someone who understands the struggles of the average person. Ansari successfully drives home the point that empathy is what connects us all.
Whether you appreciate its social satire, its unique take on the angel movie, or just want to see Reeves in a different light, Ansari has created a mature comedy that offers audiences a chance to laugh and think. Do you agree that Reeves's role is a highlight, or do you think the film could have benefited from more screen time for other characters? Share your thoughts in the comments!
