Good Fortune is a comedy fantasy film directed and written by Aziz Ansari, starring Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, and Seth Rogen. The story follows Gabriel (Reeves), a low-ranking guardian angel who swaps the lives of Arj (Ansari), a struggling gig worker, and Jeff (Rogen), a wealthy investor. The switch forces both men to experience each other’s very different realities.
Think of Good Fortune as a “Freaky Friday” story without a body swap, just a swap of jobs and lifestyles. The film aims to show that money does not bring happiness, but it often suggests the opposite. This plays out in two major ways. First, when Gabriel switches Arj’s life with Jeff’s to prove a point, Arj enjoys the wealth and comfort so much that he refuses to switch back, which is the only reason the plot continues. Second, after Gabriel fails to convince Arj, he is temporarily demoted to human status and takes on a regular job, where he immediately complains about his pay, lifestyle, and tax bracket. These moments ultimately highlight the appeal of wealth more than the limitations of it.
The attempt at social commentary and workplace reform is handled better through Keke Palmer’s character, Elena, who is trying to start a union at her job to improve conditions for the staff.
Reeves, Ansari, and Rogen are all known for playing fairly one-note characters, and this film does not break that pattern. They each come across as familiar versions of themselves. That said, the scenes of Gabriel navigating everyday human problems are genuinely some of the funniest moments in the movie, adding a spark of humor that stands out from the rest.
Rating: ★★½
Review by: Stefano Bove