Have you ever felt utterly trapped by your circumstances, like the world is rigged against you? Aziz Ansari's new film, Good Fortune, dares to ask: can a cosmic blunder actually reveal the inherent unfairness of modern life? Opening in theaters on October 17th, this isn't just another feel-good comedy; it's a sharp, sweet, and surprisingly insightful look at the struggles of navigating late-stage capitalism. It cleverly subverts the classic It's a Wonderful Life trope, embracing its core message while grounding it in the very real challenges of today.
Good Fortune feels like a creative puzzle box, tackling the question: How do you inspire someone to appreciate their life when they're drowning in financial insecurity? Ansari, along with Master of None co-writer Alan Yang (of Parks and Recreation fame), doesn't just offer a solution; they deliver a genuinely funny and, increasingly rare, big-screen comedy.
It's been a while since we've seen Ansari behind the camera, but his previous work, like the two acclaimed seasons of Master of None (and the intriguing spin-off season with Lena Waithe), proved his talent. Here, he returns with a high-concept premise that somehow manages to feel deeply relatable. The film's honesty is what sets it apart, making it a rare comedy that actually feels rewarding. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the laughs; it's about the underlying commentary.
Keanu Reeves, brilliantly playing against type as a lovable, slightly clueless angel named Gabriel, steals the show. Gabriel's job is to prevent accidents caused by texting while driving, but he becomes obsessed with Arj (Ansari), a down-on-his-luck individual he deems a lost soul worthy of saving. But here's where it gets controversial... is it really Gabriel's place to intervene? And is Arj's life as simple as it seems? Arj scrapes by using task-finding apps, barely managing to make ends meet while living in his car. He lands a trial run as an assistant to Jeff (Seth Rogen), a ridiculously wealthy tech bro who seemingly has no purpose in life. When Gabriel decides to meddle, Arj's world turns upside down in a series of witty and insightful events.
The always-fantastic Keke Palmer shines in a supporting role as Arj's co-worker, who is spearheading efforts to unionize the workplace. (If you want to see more of her comedic talent, check out One of Them Days from earlier this year.) Interestingly, Palmer and Rogen were originally cast in Ansari's previous film, Being Mortal, which was unfortunately canceled mid-production. This makes Good Fortune even more of a triumph, as it emerged from the ashes of that previous project.
Seeing Good Fortune in a packed theater with an audience who, presumably, hadn't seen the trailer, amplified the experience. The story has more depth than the trailers suggest, and it was evident that many viewers were completely surprised and thoroughly enjoying the ride. So, consider going in blind! Maybe even skip the videos in this review.
It's no surprise that Ansari and Rogen have great on-screen chemistry, but the real revelation is how seamlessly Keanu's Gabriel fits into the mix. They create a delightful trio of well-meaning guys who are forced to confront their flaws and re-evaluate their lives. Even Jeff, the privileged rich guy, isn't portrayed as inherently evil; he's just blissfully ignorant. Gabriel, however, is the crucial ingredient. His naive innocence allows the film to explain the harsh realities of the world in a way that's both accessible and poignant.
Not to get too serious, but there's a powerful James Baldwin quote that resonates deeply with Good Fortune: "Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor." This is precisely what the privileged "bootstrap" advocates consistently fail to grasp: the immense time and energy required just to survive. Good Fortune beautifully weaves this message into its narrative, wrapping it in a warm and charming package. Just as sci-fi and horror often serve as commentary on society and the human condition, Ansari uses comedy to achieve the same effect with Good Fortune. Do you think comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary?
Verdict:
Good Fortune is a clever, heartwarming, and divinely inspired comedy of errors that brilliantly blends the humor of the "Frat Pack" with the endearing goofiness of Bill & Ted. It boasts fantastic performances, including a devilishly angelic turn from Keanu Reeves, and offers a fresh and funny perspective on the challenges of modern life. While Aziz Ansari's initial film directing debut was shelved, the wait was undoubtedly worth it; Good Fortune truly delivers, exceeding expectations like a top-rated delivery service.
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Good Fortune Review: Great.
Good Fortune is a hilarious, heaven-sent comedy about cosmic blunders revealing earthly inequities.
