A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist.
“Good Fortune” follows Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a low-level guardian angel whose celestial job is to stop people from texting while driving. But when he becomes fascinated by Arj (Aziz Ansari), a struggling gig worker in Los Angeles, Gabriel decides to intervene more dramatically. Arj juggles multiple jobs —food delivery, retail, and odd tasks —to survive in a city that seems designed to crush the working class.
In a bold move, Gabriel swaps Arj’s life with that of Jeff (Seth Rogen), a wealthy venture capitalist who lives in luxury and ease. The body-swap twist sets off a chain of events that challenges both men’s perspectives and even costs Gabriel his wings. Through these fantastical set-ups, the film explores the harsh realities of wage inequality, the cruelty of the gig economy, and the emotional toll of living paycheck to paycheck.
Aziz Ansari’s writing is razor-sharp. The script is tight, punchy, and consistently funny, filled with clever dialogue and moments that genuinely subvert expectations. His ability to balance humor with sincerity is on full display, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Keanu Reeves has comedic chops that combine seamlessly with this script. His timing is excellent, and he brings a warm, deadpan charm to Gabriel that makes the character both funny and deeply empathetic. He proves once again that he can do it all: action, drama, and now, comedy with heart. Seth Rogen plays Seth Rogen, and that’s perfectly fine. His familiar persona fits nicely into the role of Jeff, the oblivious rich guy whose life gets turned upside down. Meanwhile, Keke Palmer adds charisma and urgency as Elena, a retail worker fighting for unionization, grounding the film’s message in real-world activism.
The film’s message about economic inequality is sincere and resonates powerfully in today’s socioeconomic climate. It doesn’t shy away from showing how the system is rigged against those without generational wealth or privilege. Yet, despite its critique, Good Fortune maintains a hopeful tone, reminding us that life is still worth living even when it’s not as good as someone else’s.
Visually, the film offers a gritty yet affectionate look at Los Angeles, capturing both its beauty and its brutal realities. The gig economy is portrayed as cruel and unsustainable, and the film doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional toll of trying to survive in a city where the odds are stacked against you.
“Good Fortune” is a genuinely great movie: funny, intelligent, and full of heart. It’s a comedy that dares to say something meaningful, and it does so with style and sincerity. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the performances, or the social commentary, this film delivers. Highly recommended.
In Theaters Friday, October 17th
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