“Good Fortune” is a must-watch for any followers of the final main undertaking Aziz Ansari directed and starred in, his poignant Netflix dramedy “Grasp of None.” His debut film has an analogous easygoing vibe; it is unhappy however by no means too unhappy, humorous however nonetheless grounded. The premise of “Good Fortune” certain sounds ridiculous on paper — it is about an angel who haphazardly throws a mortal right into a “Freaky Friday”-esque state of affairs with disastrous outcomes — however the humor is essentially primarily based round real-world frustrations with the gig financial system and the rising prices of residing. It is a film about how merciless the world may be to folks struggling to get by, and the sheer quantity of labor and endurance required for working-class folks to search out some semblance of peace.
In terms of whether or not you may get pleasure from this film, extra related than one’s ideas on “Grasp of None” is what your ideas are on the 1946 movie “It is a Great Life.” That is the primary film “Good Fortune” takes its inspiration from, besides “Good Fortune” affords a extra cynical spin on the premise. In case you’re somebody who preferred “Great Life” however discovered it a bit too sappy and easy on the finish, you are gonna love most of “Good Fortune.” It is a film that takes the acquainted, long-replicated format (of a considerably smug, all-knowing angel telling a long-suffering man that his life is nice and he ought to simply change his angle) and flips it on its head. “Good Fortune” is not cynical sufficient to argue that George ought to’ve jumped off that bridge, however it does spend extra time analyzing how poverty can suck the life out of somebody.
“Keep in mind, no man is a failure who has pals,” is a well-known line from “Great Life,” however “Good Fortune” responds merely: having pals means little if you cannot afford to dwell.
Keanu Reeves is lovely as Gabriel, heaven’s dumbest angel
The George equal in “Good Fortune” is Arj (Aziz Ansari), a person who resides in his automobile and attempting to outlive off no matter short-term job he can get his arms on. All through that first act he goes by one million sharply-drawn indignities in his quest for fundamental monetary stability, one thing that the film’s model of Clarence — Gabriel, an angel performed by Keanu Reeves — has by no means needed to cope with himself. So when Gabriel tries to present Arj the “Great Life” therapy, “Good Fortune” spirals into one thing far darker and funnier than the primary act implied.
It’d’ve been too darkish to work, if not for Keanu Reeves’ harmless efficiency making the entire thing pop. This poor candy angel genuinely desires to assist, however his clumsiness and naivete fuels a lot of this film’s mayhem. Reeves right here is sort of unrecognizable from his latest “John Wick” performances, returning as a substitute to the vibes of his 1989 demeanor in “Invoice & Ted’s Glorious Journey.”
Rather less humorous is Seth Rogen because the film’s reply to Mr. Potter. Whereas “Great Life” paints its capitalist villain as a complete heartless robber baron, Rogen’s enterprise capitalist character Jeff is solely oblivious and self-centered. It is a character sort which may truly be extra irritating, as no less than Mr. Potter by no means put up a pleasant, understanding facade.
Good Fortune just isn’t as humorous because it could possibly be
Possibly it was as a result of I noticed this film at a 9:15 AM press screening, however neither I nor the large viewers with me laughed all that a lot at “Good Fortune.” I did blow air out of my nostril at numerous the punchlines, although, in order that’s one thing. However outdoors of 1 significantly darkish joke involving a canine, little of this film might qualify as hilarious. Even Reeves’ Gabriel could be described as lovable first, humorous second.
That is not an enormous knock towards the film although, as a result of the drama of the primary storyline works whether or not the jokes land for you or not. The battle Arj’s going by within the first act hits too laborious to ignore, as does the continuing subplot of his love curiosity Elena (Keke Palmer), who’s attempting to enhance her work life regardless of the entire world seeming to be towards her. Generally the jokes aren’t humorous a lot as they’re vindicating; it is cathartic to see a film seize all of the little insulting ways in which low-wage employees are sometimes handled.
Like with “It is a Great Life” there is a darkish throughline right here: the primary character is implicitly considering suicide for a lot of the movie, and “Good Fortune” retains these stakes feeling current the entire means by. “Good Fortune” is a dramedy that is extra profitable on the drama facet of issues. It is a darker “It is a Great Life” and a extra fantastical “Grasp of None.” For Aziz Ansari’s huge comeback undertaking it is not a triumphant return, however it’s begin.
/Movie Score: 7 out of 10
“Good Fortune” premiered on the 2025 Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition and is scheduled to be launched in theaters on October 17, 2025.
