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Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, the whimsical comedy by comedian Aziz Ansari, has been struggling in theaters. Many reasons may account for the film's performance: Its uninspired title fails to express the movie's distinctive appeal. Its screenplay can be moralizing and heavy-handed regarding the themes. Its acting seem uninspired and staged, as if the actors are reading dialogue straight from a script. And, the film comes during an era of economic anxiety and disparity, that may render viewers not very open to a narrative that suggests rich individuals enjoy every benefits while those in need possess heart.

However, this is where Good Fortune stands out: It's original, bold, creative, frequently humorous, and certainly relevant. And, it provides an unexpectedly enjoyable Keanu Reeves hangout experience.

Reeves in the role of Guardian: A Familiar Portrayal

Personally, I've not regarded Keanu Reeves to be a strong performer. His flat delivery and consistent expression of mild concern has always seemed limited, regardless of his wide range of characters he has played over the past 40 years. Astute directors have often placed Reeves in roles where his rigidity works ideally, from his early work to The Matrix to John Wick. Yet nearly all of those roles required him to seem hardened, closed-off, or detached.

Throughout Good Fortune, Reeves portrays Gabriel, a minor guardian celestial being tasked with watching over individuals that use their phones when driving. The character's whole job is remaining in his cars and lightly making contact with their arms as they are about to have an accident, warning them in order that the driver stop before impact. But, while positioned overlooking the city, looking down on humanity similar to a interpretation of the angel from Wim Wenders' renowned film Wings of Desire, Gabriel gets ambitious. He desires to be a great protector and rescuer of wayward individuals.

The Unexpected Turn: Reeves Playing a Mortal

Therefore, he reveals his presence to down-and-out odd-jobber a character (portrayed by the director), who is living out of a vehicle and resenting his life. Gabriel then swaps the man with the life of extremely wealthy businessman Jeff (acted by the comedian). This point of the experiment was that the character to realize the wealthy man's existence comes with major downsides, and gratefully return to his own life, much like a character from It's a Wonderful Life.

Issue is, the character right away realizes how the mogul's problems (boring appointments, a pricey pool-heater bill) are negligible and easily solved with wealth. He further realizes that becoming affluent provides endless opportunities for self-indulgent enjoyment. He shows zero interest in going back to his previous life, and Gabriel can't compel Arj to return. Subsequently, more bad news comes: Because of exceeding his duties and messing with the order of existence, Gabriel loses his position as an angel role, and transformed to a mortal.

A Revelation: Keanu Reeves Smiles

I was not persuaded by the actor playing an angel who has grand aspirations and an intense desire to effect change. Reeves turns in the same vaguely stiff performance he has been offering for at least the last three ten-year periods. Viewing Reeves in the role of celestial being that has recently become human for the first time, however, proved to be a blast, due to something which really surprised me initially: This is something new for Reeves. Or perhaps more accurately, an aspect from the past.

Early during his confusing experience as a mortal, clinging to Jeff (whom Gabriel exchanged into Arj's hand-to-mouth life and underemployed status), Gabriel begins tentatively trying out everyday activities like eating and swallowing meals. Then Reeves grins. Genuinely, hesitantly, joyously beams. (It's far much believable than his grin on the poster, which looks artificially added.)

Why This Grin Matters

It truly took me aback to realize just how unexpected and welcome the smile was. When did we last audiences saw Keanu Reeves grin in a film where he was not showing ill will, sarcasm, or resentment? The actor probably attempts a smile somewhere in the recent misbegotten the sequel, however I'm not going to revisiting the disappointment to confirm. Reeves has remained stuck with grim, murderous, broody, or simply serious roles for so long that just seeing him smile seemed like observing an entirely different performer.

As the plot progresses, Gabriel ends up needing to get a dishwashing job, which doesn't pay enough for survival, and he starts smoking heavily due to disappointment. Simply the sight of Reeves in a cheap paper restaurant cap, his recent signature locks pulled back in an unglamorous ponytail, leaning against a wall and smoking a cigarette, proves worthy of watching. His dishwasher getup totally alters his face and body: Unexpectedly, the lean, suited action star of his famous movies is awkward, unglamorous, and a lot more human.

The Joy of Viewing Keanu Loosen Up

The film isn't consistently fun to view, especially when Ansari (who also wrote the screenplay) has to create plausible reasons for {Ar