'Good Fortune', a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about class, second chances, and the beauty of being human.
Preaching a good, if slightly toothless, message about how the world works against the working class while gently poking fun at the ultra-rich, Good Fortune finds humor in all the expected places but still manages to wear its heart on its sleeve. This isn’t just another high-concept comedy; it’s a surprisingly warm and thoughtful film that lets Keanu Reeves lean into his low-key comedic charm and remind audiences why he’s so endearing.
Written, directed, and co-starring Aziz Ansari, Good Fortune introduces Arj (Ansari), a struggling gig worker in Los Angeles who can’t catch a break. From assembling furniture and waiting in two-hour bagel lines to sleeping in his car, Arj’s world is a relentless grind. The film grounds its comedy in real-world frustrations that anyone who’s ever worked a gig job can relate to.
Things take a turn when Arj crosses paths with Jeff (Seth Rogen), a tech-bro venture capitalist whose life is defined by excess and obliviousness. Hired to do odd jobs for him, Arj suddenly gets a glimpse of a lifestyle that feels galaxies away from his own. At the same time, he connects with Elena (Keke Palmer), a Home Depot co-worker with big dreams of unionizing. Her presence adds a much-needed heartbeat to the film, grounding its fantastical premise with a sense of real-world urgency.
Meanwhile, above it all, Gabriel (Reeves), a guardian angel in training, watches over Arj. Gabriel’s assignment is to stop texting-and-driving incidents, but he’s yearning to make a bigger difference. When he decides to step off the heavenly sidelines and intervene directly, everything changes. Gabriel swaps Arj’s life with Jeff’s, kicking off a classic body-swap setup with a modern, class-conscious twist.
Reeves is the movie’s secret weapon. His Gabriel is a mixture of Winnie the Pooh’s innocence and the kind of slightly confused but well-meaning energy that only Reeves can pull off. Watching him discover things like tacos, tax deductions, and the existential meaning of being human is pure joy. His use of the word “nuggies” alone is comedic gold.
In a film that could easily tip into being preachy, Reeves keeps things light. His performance is a bright, comedic beacon that gives Good Fortune its emotional core. This isn’t the action hero Reeves of John Wick or the brooding romantic lead of The Lake House. This is a performer having fun, and it’s contagious.
Good Fortune borrows heavily from classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, but updates the concept for a generation grappling with economic disparity and burnout. Arj’s story of being trapped by circumstance is painfully relatable, and when he experiences the privilege of wealth, his refusal to go back hits with a sharp, uncomfortable truth. Most of us might not want to return either.
“Who else would play an angel but Keanu Reeves?
The film is also packed with small, funny observations about how the ultra-rich live compared to everyone else. Rogen, once again channeling a familiar mogul archetype, delivers plenty of solid laughs. Ansari brings his trademark observational humor to Arj, and Palmer, though underused, makes a strong impression with her warmth and grit.
For all its charm, Good Fortune isn’t perfect. Ansari’s Arj gets sidelined halfway through in favor of Gabriel and Jeff’s storyline, which shifts the emotional balance. Splitting up Reeves, Rogen, and Ansari for long stretches hurts the film’s comedic rhythm. Some subplots are a little boring, taking the story in unexpected and occasionally unnecessary directions.
The film’s ultimate message, that wealth can be used for good and that life has value even when it’s hard, isn’t groundbreaking. We’ve heard it all before, and the script doesn’t dig too deeply into the complexities of class or inequality. But to its credit, it doesn’t pander either. It opts for levity over cynicism, and that makes it work more often than not.
Good Fortune is a hilarious, heartfelt journey with Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, and Keke Palmer. A refreshing, feel-good comedy with great chemistry and sharp humor.
What elevates Good Fortune is its genuine sense of heart. The chemistry between Reeves, Rogen, and Ansari is easy and unforced, like a conversation with a good group of friends. The jokes land without feeling labored, and there are very few dull moments. My screening had the audience laughing out loud on many moments. It’s the kind of comedy that leaves you smiling as you walk out of the theater, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.
In a fall movie season filled with heavy dramas, awards films, and thrillers, Good Fortune stands out as a refreshing, feel-good comedy with a sharp wink at modern struggles. It may not have the bite of a full-blown satire, but its warmth, humor, and an angel who loves nuggies make it a crowd-pleaser.
Grade: B
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Good Fortune
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy capitalist.
