Good Fortune is a Cozy, Lighthearted Comedy That Will Warm People’s Hearts
Image courtesy of Lionsgate.
By Luis Zonenberg
Continuing our look back at last year’s films, I wanted to examine an underrated gem I felt was greatly undervalued by most audiences. The film in question is Good Fortune, a small-scale comedy written and directed by stand-up comedian Aziz Ansari. The film marked Ansari’s directorial debut, with the film generating some buzz around the premise of Keanu Reeves portraying an actual guardian angel. The film received lukewarm reviews and underperformed at the box office, which only solidified my reasons for revisiting the film to see if it truly deserved such a cruel fate.
The story focuses on a low-ranking angel called Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), who is often reduced to saving people from texting while driving. In search of a grander purpose, Gabriel decided to intervene in the life of a struggling man named Arj (Aziz Ansari). After losing his job, Gabriel decides to switch Arj’s life with the life of his former boss, Jeff (Seth Rogen). After failing to show how this rich lifestyle will leave Arj unfulfilled, Gabriel teams with Jeff to convince Arj of the value in his former life!
The film features a simple premise, but executes it so well! The movie is a clear send-up of films like It’s a Wonderful Life, showing the importance of valuing the little things we take for granted in life. The story is very character-driven, showing how the decisions made by each individual affect the other in more ways than one. This is truly where the film shines most, taking the time to let the characters mingle as they each traverse on their own journeys throughout the film.
What keeps the movie grounded is not only its heart, but its good sense of humor as well. Aziz Ansari has proved himself as a talented comedian on stage, but he really shows his talent here with the sheer wit and good-hearted nature of the film’s tone. He perfectly captures not only the silliness of the situation but also the quiet intimacy of each character’s struggles. Ansari turned in a well-written script that showcases his knack for comedy and drama in one fell swoop!
The cast does a great job of elevating the humor, with Keanu Reeves turning in an incredibly entertaining performance as Gabriel. Reeves perfectly captures the naiveté and wholesomeness of his character, having great chemistry with Seth Rogen. Ansari dominates the snarky attitude and has great comedic timing, though at times he clearly struggles balancing it with the more dramatic moments. Other co-stars like Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Felipe Garcia Martinez help anchor the film with their supporting roles.
The cinematography beautifully captures the intimacy of the story, making it feel all the more genuine and wholesome. It beautifully showcases the wide landscape and luscious scenery, emphasizing the divide between the two lifestyles. The constant use of mid close-ups actually worked in the film’s favor, making the more intimate moments feel all the more authentic. The cinematography struck a fine balance between scale and scope, showcasing some sharp directional instincts from Aziz Ansari.
The makeup and costumes wonderfully captured not only the visual aesthetic of the film but also complemented the witty, grounded nature of the film as well. From the cheap-looking wings on Keanu Reeves’s back to the various outfits Rogen’s character has to wear, the costumes never failed to showcase the comedic elements of the film. The costumes did a great job of making them feel more authentic and true to life, which, oddly enough, is tremendous world-building in its own right!
The movie does tread familiar grounds, but its witty nature and sweet core more than make up for its flaws. The cast does a great job of nailing the comedic aspects of the film, featuring amazing chemistry between Reeves, Rogen, and Ansari. For anyone who’s in the mood for a heartfelt comedy, this film more than meets the qualifications! Keanu Reeves has a blast spreading his wings in Good Fortune, a wholesome comedy that showcases Aziz Ansari’s talent behind the screen as much as it does in front of it.
Good Fortune is now available to purchase on digital retailers.
Rating: ★★★★☆
