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Good Fortune, the whimsical film from comedian Aziz Ansari, is facing challenges at the box office. Many reasons may account for the film's performance: The generic title fails to convey the film's distinctive charm. The screenplay can be moralizing and obvious regarding its messages. The acting are uninspired and presentational, like the actors were reading lines directly from a script. And, it arrives during an era marked by economic anxiety and disparity, that could make audiences less receptive to a narrative that suggests rich individuals enjoy all the benefits while those in need have heart.

However, here's what the movie excels: It's unique, bold, creative, frequently humorous, and certainly relevant. And, it offers an unexpectedly enjoyable the actor hangout experience.

Keanu Reeves as an Angel: His Typical Portrayal

Personally, I've never regarded Keanu Reeves a good actor. The actor's monotonal delivery and consistent expression of mild perturbation have consistently seemed limited, regardless of his wide variety of roles he's played over the last 40 years. Smart filmmakers have placed him in parts where that stoic nature works perfectly, from My Own Private Idaho to the sci-fi classic to the action series. But nearly every one of those roles called for Reeves to appear tough, closed-off, or detached.

In the film, Reeves plays an angel, one minor protecting angel tasked with watching over individuals that text when driving. The character's entire duty is remaining in his vehicles and gently making contact with the drivers' shoulders as they're about to crash, alerting them so the driver brake in time. However, when standing high above his domain, looking down upon the mortal world like an alternative version of the angel in the director's renowned movie the angel story, the character gets ambitious. He wants to be an exceptional guardian and rescuer of wayward souls.

A Surprising Turn: Reeves as a Human

Therefore, he reveals his presence to down-and-out odd-jobber Arj (played by the director), who is residing out of a vehicle and resenting his life. The angel proceeds to exchanges the man into the life of extremely wealthy tech mogul a character (played by the comedian). This point of the exercise was for Arj would realize Jeff's life comes with major drawbacks, and gratefully return to his own life, much like a character from the classic film.

Problem is, Arj immediately realizes how the mogul's problems (tedious meetings, a pricey heating invoice) are minor and easily resolved with money. Arj further realizes how becoming affluent provides endless opportunities for self-indulgent fun. The character has zero desire in returning to his own life, and the angel can't force Arj to return. Subsequently, additional bad news comes: For exceeding his duties and messing with the balance of existence, the character is fired from his angel role, and turned to a human being.

The Discovery: Keanu Reeves Smiles

I was not persuaded by the actor as an celestial being who has grand aspirations and a burning wish to make a difference. He turns in the same vaguely stiff performance he has been providing for at least the past three ten-year periods. Watching Reeves as an celestial being that has recently become mortal for the first time, however, was highly entertaining, for a reason that truly astonished viewers initially: It's something new for the actor. Or more accurately, something old.

Soon into the character's baffling career as a mortal, clinging to the wealthy character (whom Gabriel had swapped into Arj's hand-to-mouth life and jobless situation), the character begins hesitantly trying out everyday experiences such as chewing and consuming meals. Then the actor smiles. Genuinely, hesitantly, happily beams. (It's a lot more convincing than his grin on the poster, that looks digitally altered.)

Why This Smile Is Significant

It really took me aback to recognize how surprising and refreshing that expression was. When was the last time we saw the actor smile in a film in which he was not showing ill will, irony, or bitterness? He likely tries it somewhere in 2020's ill-conceived the sequel, but I'm not revisiting the mess to find out. The actor has been typecast with serious, murderous, introspective, or simply solemn characters for so long that merely seeing him grin felt like observing a completely new performer.

As the story goes on, Gabriel finds himself needing to take a dishwashing position, which doesn't pay enough for survival, and Gabriel begins smoking heavily out of frustration. Just the image of the actor in a cheap paper food-service hat, his recent signature long hair pulled back in a plain ponytail, leaning against a wall and puffing on a cigarette, proves worthy of the price of admission. The kitchen worker attire completely changes his face and body: Suddenly, the lean, well-dressed physical powerhouse of his famous films is gawky, ordinary, and much more human.

A Pleasure of Watching Keanu Loosen Up

The film is not always fun to view, especially when the director (who also authored the script) has to find plausible reasons for {Ar