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Good Fortune, the whimsical comedy by comedian Aziz Ansari, has been struggling at the box office. Many factors could account for the film's performance: Its uninspired name fails to convey the movie's unique appeal. Its script can be moralizing and heavy-handed regarding its messages. The performances are uninspired and staged, like the actors were reading dialogue straight from the page. Moreover, the film comes at a time of financial uncertainty and inequality, that could make audiences less open to a story that suggests rich individuals have every benefits while those in need possess heart.

But, this is what the movie stands out: It's original, bold, creative, frequently funny, and certainly relevant. And, it offers a great the actor character-driven movie.

Reeves as an Guardian: His Typical Performance

Personally, I've never regarded Reeves to be a strong actor. The actor's flat speaking style and persistent look of mild concern has always felt limited, despite his wide variety of characters he's played over the last 40 years. Astute filmmakers have often placed him in roles where that stoic nature works perfectly, including My Own Private Idaho to the sci-fi classic to John Wick. Yet almost every one of those characters required Reeves to appear tough, closed-off, and detached.

Throughout the film, Reeves portrays Gabriel, a minor guardian angel assigned with watching over individuals who use their phones when driving. His entire duty involves sitting in his vehicles and gently making contact with the drivers' shoulders as they're close to crash, alerting the person in order that the driver stop before impact. But, when standing overlooking his domain, gazing upon humanity like a version of a celestial figure in Wim Wenders' classic film Wings of Desire, Gabriel gets ambitious. He desires to be an exceptional protector and a savior of lost individuals.

A Unexpected Turn: Keanu as a Human

Therefore, Gabriel reveals his presence to struggling odd-jobber a character (played by Aziz Ansari), who is residing in his car and cursing his situation. The angel then swaps Arj into the existence of stupidly rich businessman a character (acted by the comedian). The point behind the exercise was for the character would realize Jeff's life comes with significant downsides, and thankfully go back to his own life, similar to a figure in It's a Wonderful Life.

Problem was, the character immediately realizes that the mogul's issues (tedious meetings, a pricey heating bill) are negligible and easily solved with wealth. He further realizes that being affluent opens up endless chances for pleasurable enjoyment. The character shows no interest in returning to his previous situation, and the angel is unable to compel Arj to return. Then, more bad news arrives: For overstepping his duties and messing with the order of the world, Gabriel loses his position as an celestial job, and turned to a mortal.

The Revelation: The Actor Grins

Personally, I remained not persuaded by the actor playing an angel with grand dreams and a burning wish to make a difference. Reeves turns in a familiar somewhat stiff acting he has consistently offering for at least the last three ten-year periods. Watching him in the role of celestial being that has recently turned mortal for the first time, however, was highly entertaining, due to something which truly astonished viewers at first: This is an element different for Reeves. Or perhaps to be precise, something old.

Soon during the character's baffling career being a mortal, clinging to Jeff (who Gabriel exchanged into the handyman's hand-to-mouth existence and jobless situation), the character begins tentatively experimenting with everyday activities like chewing and swallowing meals. Then Reeves grins. Authentically, cautiously, happily smiles. (It's far much convincing than the grin shown in the poster, which appears artificially added.)

Why That Grin Is Significant

The moment really surprised me to realize just how surprising and refreshing the smile felt. When did we last audiences observed Keanu Reeves grin in a movie where he was not showing malice, sarcasm, or bitterness? The actor probably tries it at some point in 2020's ill-conceived Bill & Ted Face the Music, but I am not returning to that mess to confirm. Reeves has remained stuck with serious, murderous, introspective, or simply solemn roles for so long that just watching him grin felt like observing an entirely new performer.

While the story progresses, Gabriel ends up needing to get a kitchen position, a role that fails to provide sufficient for survival, and he begins chain-smoking due to disappointment. Just the sight of the actor in a disposable paper restaurant cap, his late-career signature long hair tied in an unglamorous bun, slouching against a building and puffing on a cigarette, is worthy of the price of admission. The dishwasher getup completely changes his face and posture: Unexpectedly, the slim, suited action star of his famous films is gawky, ordinary, and a lot increasingly relatable.

The Pleasure of Watching Reeves Relax

Good Fortune isn't always enjoyable to watch, particularly when Ansari (who additionally authored the script) must find believable explanations for {Ar