"Good Fortune" Review: Keanu Reeves Stars as a Bumbling Angel in Aziz Ansari's Mixed-Bag Satire

A New Take on the American Dream

Aziz Ansari makes his feature film directorial debut by exploring the current state of the American Dream through a nostalgic lens. Drawing inspiration from classic films like It's a Wonderful Life and Trading Places, he crafts a story that blends satire with heartfelt messaging. While the film is filled with genuine humor and a sincere effort to convey its message, it often feels like a mix of different elements that don’t quite come together cohesively.

Despite this, Good Fortune benefits greatly from the presence of Keanu Reeves, who plays a "budget guardian angel" named Gabriel. Reeves brings a unique charm to the role, reminiscent of his performances in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Parenthood. As a determined but somewhat out-of-his-depth celestial being, Gabriel becomes the film’s comedic highlight, offering a refreshing take on the traditional guardian angel trope.

Ansari has built a strong following through his work on Master of None and Parks and Recreation, and fans may be more inclined to embrace the film’s good intentions when it hits theaters on October 17. The movie, which had its world premiere at TIFF, seems better suited for a theatrical release than a streaming platform, as it carries a nostalgic vibe that resonates more in a cinema setting.

A Visual Love Letter to Los Angeles

Visually, Good Fortune is a tribute to the City of Angels. The film opens with Reeves' Gabriel perched atop the Griffith Observatory, observing the social inequalities below. Dressed in a shabby raincoat and sporting a scraggly beard, Gabriel feels ready for more meaningful divine intervention. However, his commanding officer, Martha (Sandra Oh), reminds him that to save a lost soul, he must first find one.

This leads to the introduction of Arj (played by Ansari), a documentary editor struggling to make ends meet as a gig worker. He takes on part-time jobs at Hardware Heaven and runs errands for the TaskSergeant app, such as waiting in line for two hours to pick up a trendy cinnamon bun for an impatient client. His life changes when he is sent to clean the garage of Jeff (Seth Rogen), a successful venture capitalist. The two form a bond, and Arj becomes Jeff’s personal assistant. But when he uses Jeff’s corporate card to pay for a dinner date with Elena (Keke Palmer), he is fired and forced to live out of his car.

A Mix-Up of Lives

Gabriel’s plan to show Arj how much better his life is compared to Jeff’s by switching their lives backfires. Arj prefers the new arrangement and refuses to switch back, highlighting the idea that while money may not buy happiness, it can certainly provide temporary comfort. As punishment for messing up, Martha clips Gabriel’s wings, forcing him to live as a human with a casual wardrobe and a newfound love for fast food.

Reeves’ portrayal of Gabriel’s transformation from wide-eyed celestial being to a beaten-down laborer offers plenty of comedic moments. However, the rest of the film, written by Ansari, is less consistent. Although his homage to the "message movies" of Frank Capra and Preston Sturges is commendable, the balance between comedy and social commentary is uneven. The humor often gets overshadowed by the more serious themes.

Social Commentary and Performances

The moralizing in the film largely falls on Keke Palmer’s Elena, who delivers several speeches about making a difference. While these messages are well-intentioned, they sometimes dampen the energy of her performance. Additionally, Sandra Oh’s brief appearances as Martha could have been expanded to add more depth to the story.

Despite these shortcomings, Good Fortune manages to coast along on its good intentions thanks to an engaging ensemble cast and a breezy, improvised feel in many of its funnier scenes. The film offers a lighthearted take on the American Dream, blending humor with a touch of social commentary.