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Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, this fantasy film by actor the director, has been facing challenges in theaters. Many factors could explain the film's reception: The generic title fails to express its movie's unique appeal. Its screenplay can be preachy and obvious with the messages. Its performances seem flat and presentational, like the cast are reciting dialogue directly from a script. And, the film comes at a time marked by economic uncertainty and inequality, that may render audiences not very open to a narrative which suggests wealthy individuals enjoy every advantages while those in need possess spirit.

But, here's what Good Fortune stands out: It's unique, bold, creative, frequently funny, and certainly timely. And, it offers a enjoyable the actor character-driven movie.

Reeves as an Guardian: His Typical Portrayal

I have never considered Reeves a strong actor. His flat speaking style and persistent look of mild concern have consistently felt one-note, despite his broad range of roles he's taken on during the last 40 years. Astute directors have placed him in roles in which that stoic nature fits perfectly, from his early work to the sci-fi classic to the action series. Yet nearly all of these characters called for him to seem hardened, closed-off, and removed.

In Good Fortune, the actor portrays Gabriel, one minor protecting angel assigned with watching over individuals who use their phones when driving. His whole job is remaining in his vehicles and lightly making contact with their arms when they're close to have an accident, warning them in order that they stop in time. However, when positioned overlooking his domain, gazing on humanity like a version of a celestial figure from the director's renowned film the angel story, the character becomes ambitious. Gabriel desires to become an exceptional protector and rescuer of lost individuals.

The Unexpected Turn: Keanu Playing a Human

Therefore, he reveals himself to down-and-out handyman a character (played by Aziz Ansari), who's residing in a vehicle and resenting his life. Gabriel proceeds to exchanges Arj into the life of extremely wealthy businessman a character (acted by the comedian). The point of the experiment is for the character would understand the wealthy man's existence has significant drawbacks, and gratefully return to his original circumstances, similar to the figure in It's a Wonderful Life.

Issue was, the character immediately realizes that the mogul's issues (tedious appointments, a pricey pool-heater invoice) prove negligible and easily solved with wealth. He also realizes that becoming affluent provides limitless opportunities for self-indulgent enjoyment. He has no interest in returning to his previous situation, and Gabriel can't force Arj to return. Subsequently, additional trouble comes: Because of overstepping his duties and disrupting the order of the world, the character is fired from his celestial job, and turned into a mortal.

The Revelation: The Actor Grins

Personally, I remained never persuaded by the actor playing an celestial being who has grand dreams and a burning desire to effect change. He delivers a familiar somewhat stiff acting he's consistently offering for no less than the last three ten-year periods. Viewing him in the role of celestial being that has just turned mortal for the first time, on the other hand, was a blast, due to something that really astonished me at first: This is an element new for the actor. Or more accurately, something old.

Soon into the character's confusing career as a mortal, staying with Jeff (who the angel exchanged into Arj's hand-to-mouth life and jobless status), Gabriel begins hesitantly trying out everyday experiences such as chewing and swallowing food. Then Reeves smiles. Genuinely, hesitantly, joyously smiles. (This is far much convincing than his smile shown in the promotional image, which looks digitally altered.)

The Reason That Smile Is Significant

It truly surprised me to realize just how unexpected and welcome the expression felt. When was the last time audiences saw the actor grin in a film where he wasn't showing malice, sarcasm, or resentment? The actor likely attempts it somewhere in 2020's ill-conceived Bill & Ted Face the Music, however I'm not revisiting the disappointment to find out. Reeves has been typecast with serious, violent, broody, or just serious roles for so long that merely seeing Reeves grin felt like seeing an entirely different actor.

While the story goes on, Gabriel ends up having to get a kitchen position, which doesn't pay enough for survival, and he starts chain-smoking out of disappointment. Simply the image of the actor in a disposable paper food-service cap, his recent trademark locks tied in an unglamorous ponytail, slouching on a building and smoking a smoke, proves worthy of the price of admission. The dishwasher getup completely changes his appearance and body: Unexpectedly, the slim, suited physical powerhouse of his famous films becomes awkward, ordinary, and a lot more human.

The Joy of Viewing Keanu Loosen Up

The film isn't always fun to watch, particularly when the director (that additionally wrote the screenplay) must create plausible explanations for {Ar