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Good Fortune, this fantasy comedy by actor Aziz Ansari, is facing challenges in theaters. Several factors may explain its reception: The generic title doesn't express the film's distinctive appeal. The script can be preachy and obvious regarding the themes. Its acting seem uninspired and staged, as if the actors were reciting dialogue directly from a script. And, it arrives at a time of economic uncertainty and inequality, that may render viewers less open to a narrative which implies rich individuals have every advantages while the poor possess heart.

But, this is what the movie excels: It's unique, bold, creative, frequently humorous, and certainly timely. Plus, it provides an unexpectedly enjoyable the actor hangout movie.

Keanu Reeves as an Guardian: A Familiar Performance

I have never regarded Keanu Reeves a good actor. The actor's flat delivery and consistent expression of mild perturbation has always seemed limited, regardless of his wide range of roles he has played during the last 40 of his career. Smart filmmakers have often placed Reeves in parts in which that stoic nature fits ideally, from his early work to The Matrix to the action series. Yet nearly every one of these characters called for him to appear tough, closed-off, or removed.

Throughout Good Fortune, the actor plays Gabriel, one low-level protecting celestial being assigned with watching over people that text when behind the wheel. The character's entire job is remaining in his cars and lightly making contact with their shoulders when they're about to crash, warning the person in order that they brake in time. But, while positioned overlooking his domain, looking down on the mortal world like an alternative version of a celestial figure from Wim Wenders' renowned movie the angel story, Gabriel becomes aspirational. He wants to be an exceptional protector and a savior of wayward souls.

The Unexpected Shift: Reeves Playing a Mortal

So, he reveals his presence to down-and-out odd-jobber a character (portrayed by Aziz Ansari), who's residing in his car and resenting his situation. Gabriel proceeds to exchanges the man into the life of extremely rich tech mogul Jeff (played by the comedian). The point behind the exercise was that Arj would understand the wealthy man's existence comes with major downsides, and thankfully return to his own circumstances, much like a character in It's a Wonderful Life.

Problem was, the character immediately discovers that Jeff's issues (tedious meetings, expensive pool-heater bill) prove negligible and readily solved with wealth. Arj further sees how becoming rich opens up endless opportunities for pleasurable enjoyment. He has no desire in going back to his own situation, and Gabriel can't compel him to go back. Subsequently, more trouble comes: For overstepping his mandate and disrupting the balance of existence, the character is fired from his celestial role, and transformed into a mortal.

A Revelation: The Actor Grins

Personally, I remained not convinced by the actor playing an celestial being with grand dreams and a burning wish to effect change. He delivers the same vaguely constipated acting he's been offering for at least the past 3 ten-year periods. Viewing Reeves as an angel who's just turned human for the first time, however, proved to be highly entertaining, due to something that truly surprised viewers initially: This is something different for the actor. Or to be precise, something old.

Soon during the character's confusing experience being a mortal, clinging to the wealthy character (who the angel exchanged into Arj's hand-to-mouth life and underemployed situation), the character begins tentatively experimenting with everyday activities like eating and consuming meals. Then Reeves smiles. Genuinely, cautiously, joyously smiles. (It's far much believable than the smile shown in the poster, which appears digitally altered.)

The Reason That Smile Matters

It truly took me aback to realize how surprising and welcome the expression felt. At what point did we last we observed the actor smile in a film where he wasn't expressing malice, sarcasm, or resentment? He probably tries a smile at some point in 2020's misbegotten the sequel, but I'm not going to returning to that mess to find out. The actor has remained stuck with grim, murderous, broody, or simply serious characters for so long that merely watching him grin seemed like seeing a completely different performer.

While the plot goes on, Gabriel finds himself needing to take a kitchen job, a role that fails to provide sufficient to live on, and Gabriel begins chain-smoking out of disappointment. Simply the sight of Reeves in a cheap paper food-service cap, his late-career trademark locks tied in an unglamorous ponytail, slouching on a building and smoking a cigarette, is worthy of the price of admission. The dishwasher attire completely changes his appearance and posture: Unexpectedly, the slim, well-dressed action star of the John Wick movies becomes awkward, unglamorous, and a lot increasingly human.

A Joy of Watching Reeves Relax

Good Fortune is not always fun to watch, particularly when the director (who additionally authored the screenplay) must create believable reasons for {Ar