Our JP gives his take on the Aziz Ansari comedy film, “Good Fortune,” which stars Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves.
Good Fortune
Lionsgate
- Directed by Aziz Ansari
- Written by Aziz Ansari
- Produced by Aziz Ansari, Anthony Katagas, Alan Yang
- Starring Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, Keanu Reeves
Studio Synopsis:
In GOOD FORTUNE, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen).
Lionsgate presents, in association with Media Capital Technologies, a Garam Films / Keep Your Head / Yang Pictures production.
Watch our “Sidewalks Entertainment” interview with Aziz Ansari
J.P.’s Take:
Many of you might be familiar with the phrase, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” In “Good Fortune,” Aziz Ansari has written, directed, and starred in such a comedy about this very sentiment.
The film is a light-hearted — if a bit lopsided comedy — that tells the story of Arj (Ansari), a gig worker struggling to make ends meet, and Jeff (Seth Rogen), a happy-go-lucky venture capitalist who’s living the sweet life. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they cross paths with an inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves).
We begin with Arj’s story, as he works odd jobs day-to-day, hoping for a break, but instead is faced with challenge after challenge. Because of that aspect, he’s despondent over his future.
Ansari has crafted a fairly down-to-earth and observant story that I believe many in this day and age can relate to. Although “Good Fortune” got off to a slow start, my first reaction was I hope this is going somewhere. Throughout Arj’s struggle, we viewers sympathize / empathize with him, which sets up the next chapter to be a fantastical and zany ride.
Gabriel’s arrival marks the beginning of a whirlwind of off-center antics, as the plot unfolds, while viewers are treated to a series of devil-may-care events, as Arj’s newfound life as the rich guy and Jeff in the opposite position as a struggling everyday man. The plot leads to a comical role reversal.
The juxtaposition injects a bit of absurdity and a dose of morality for a satisfying plot course. The twist, however, lies in the problem with restoring them to their original lives, which create some contention between Gabriel, Jeff, and Arj.
Gabriel, the angel who protects people from texting and driving, wants to move up in rank to get his wings. He takes it upon himself to give Arj a boost, which he’s forbidden by his boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), to do. This leads to Gabriel’s fall from grace and his becoming human, so that he can understand what that’s like.
Arj’s only anchor to the real world is a young woman whom he has a crush on, named Elena (Keke Palmer), who works in the lumber department at a hardware store. She, too, is fighting for better working conditions and better pay on her job.
I liked the well-known all-star cast, but Keanu Reeves steals the film with his goofy, cartoonish portrayal of Gabriel. Then again, the plot as a whole has a goofy, cartoonish outlook altogether.
These follies that ensue are not just entertaining; they also highlight the stark contrasts between the humble, hardworking nature of Arj and the carefree high-life world Jeff inhabits, which makes for a delightful exploration of identity and circumstance.
I was genuinely taken aback by this delightful little film, which only grew more entertaining as I watched. By the time I reached the conclusion, it had not only made me laugh but also tugged at my heartstrings.
The “Good Fortune” story sweetly conveys themes of resilience and gratitude, as each character experiences life from the perspective of the other. This journey of empathy allows them to truly grasp the challenges and joys that shape one another’s lives, fostering a deeper understanding and connection among them.
Official Site: Good Fortune
