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Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, the whimsical comedy from comedian Aziz Ansari, has been struggling at the box office. Several factors may account for the film's reception: Its uninspired name fails to convey its movie's distinctive charm. The script can be moralizing and obvious with its themes. The performances are uninspired and staged, like the actors were reciting lines directly from a script. And, the film comes at a time marked by financial uncertainty and inequality, that may render viewers less open to a story which implies rich individuals enjoy every benefits while those in need possess heart.

But, this is what the movie stands out: It's unique, bold, imaginative, frequently humorous, and certainly timely. And, it provides a great Keanu Reeves character-driven movie.

Keanu Reeves in the role of Angel: A Familiar Performance

I have never considered Keanu Reeves to be a strong actor. The actor's flat speaking style and consistent expression of mild concern has always felt one-note, regardless of his wide range of characters he has taken on during the last 40 of his career. Astute directors have placed him in parts where that rigidity fits ideally, including My Own Private Idaho to The Matrix to John Wick. But almost all of these roles required Reeves to appear tough, closed-off, or detached.

In Good Fortune, the actor plays Gabriel, one minor guardian angel assigned with looking after individuals who text while behind the wheel. The character's entire duty involves remaining in his vehicles and lightly making contact with the drivers' arms when they're about to have an accident, alerting them in order that the driver stop before impact. But, while standing high above the city, gazing upon the mortal world similar to an alternative version of the angel in Wim Wenders' renowned movie Wings of Desire, Gabriel becomes aspirational. He wants to be a great guardian and a savior of lost souls.

The Unexpected Turn: Keanu Playing a Mortal

Therefore, Gabriel reveals his presence to down-and-out handyman a character (played by Aziz Ansari), who is residing in his car and cursing his situation. The angel then swaps the man into the existence of stupidly wealthy businessman a character (played by the comedian). The point behind the experiment is for Arj would realize the wealthy man's existence comes with major drawbacks, and gratefully return to his own circumstances, much like a character from It's a Wonderful Life.

Issue is, Arj right away realizes that Jeff's problems (tedious meetings, expensive heating invoice) prove minor and readily solved using money. Arj also realizes how being rich opens up limitless chances for self-indulgent enjoyment. The character shows zero interest in going back to his previous situation, and the angel is unable to compel him to return. Subsequently, additional bad news arrives: For exceeding his mandate and messing with the order of the world, Gabriel loses his position as an celestial role, and turned into a human being.

The Revelation: The Actor Smiles

I was never convinced by the actor as an angel who has grand aspirations and a burning desire to effect change. Reeves turns in a familiar vaguely constipated performance he's consistently providing for at least the last 3 ten-year periods. Watching Reeves as an angel who's just turned mortal initially, on the other hand, proved to be a blast, for a reason that really astonished me initially: It's an element new for Reeves. Or perhaps more accurately, an aspect from the past.

Soon into the character's baffling career as a human, clinging to Jeff (whom Gabriel had swapped into Arj's precarious existence and jobless situation), Gabriel starts tentatively trying out everyday experiences like chewing and consuming meals. Then the actor grins. Authentically, cautiously, happily beams. (It's a lot much convincing than the smile shown in the poster, that looks digitally altered.)

Why That Grin Is Significant

It truly surprised me to recognize how unexpected and refreshing that expression felt. At what point was the last time we saw the actor smile in a movie where he wasn't showing malice, sarcasm, or bitterness? The actor probably attempts it at some point in 2020's ill-conceived the sequel, however I'm not revisiting that mess to find out. The actor has been typecast with grim, murderous, introspective, or simply serious characters for so long that merely watching Reeves grin seemed like observing an entirely different actor.

While the plot goes on, Gabriel finds himself needing to get a dishwashing position, a role that fails to provide sufficient for survival, and he begins chain-smoking out of disappointment. Simply the image of the actor in a disposable paper restaurant cap, his late-career signature long hair tied in a plain bun, leaning against a wall and smoking a smoke, is worthy of watching. His dishwasher getup completely alters his appearance and body: Suddenly, the slim, suited physical powerhouse of his famous movies is gawky, unglamorous, and much increasingly relatable.

The Joy of Watching Keanu Loosen Up

The film is not always fun to watch, especially when the director (who additionally wrote the screenplay) has to create plausible explanations for {Ar