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Good Fortune, the whimsical film by comedian Aziz Ansari, has been facing challenges at the box office. Several factors could explain the film's reception: Its uninspired name fails to convey the film's unique appeal. Its screenplay can be preachy and heavy-handed regarding the messages. Its performances are uninspired and staged, like the cast were reciting lines straight from the page. Moreover, the film comes during an era marked by financial anxiety and inequality, that could render audiences not very receptive to a narrative that implies rich people have all the benefits while those in need have heart.

But, this is where Good Fortune stands out: It's unique, bold, imaginative, frequently funny, and certainly relevant. Plus, it provides an unexpectedly enjoyable the actor character-driven experience.

Keanu Reeves in the role of Guardian: A Familiar Performance

I have never regarded Reeves to be a strong actor. His flat speaking style and persistent expression of mild perturbation have always felt one-note, despite his broad variety of characters he's taken on over the past four decades of his career. Smart directors have cast him in parts in which his stoic nature works ideally, including My Own Private Idaho to The Matrix to John Wick. Yet nearly every one of those roles required him to appear hardened, distant, or removed.

In the film, the actor plays an angel, a minor protecting angel assigned with watching over individuals who use their phones when driving. His entire duty involves remaining in their vehicles and gently touching their shoulders when they are close to have an accident, alerting the person so the driver brake in time. However, when standing overlooking the city, looking down upon humanity similar to a interpretation of the angel from Wim Wenders' classic film Wings of Desire, the character becomes aspirational. He wants to become an exceptional guardian and a savior of wayward souls.

The Surprising Turn: Keanu Playing a Human

So, he presents himself to struggling odd-jobber a character (played by the director), who is living out of a vehicle and resenting his situation. Gabriel then swaps Arj with the life of stupidly wealthy tech mogul Jeff (played by Seth Rogen). This point of the exercise is that Arj would understand Jeff's existence has significant downsides, and thankfully return to his original circumstances, similar to a figure in It's a Wonderful Life.

Problem was, Arj immediately realizes how the mogul's problems (boring meetings, expensive pool-heater bill) prove negligible and readily solved with money. Arj also realizes how becoming affluent opens up endless chances for pleasurable fun. He shows zero desire in going back to his own situation, and the angel can't compel Arj to go back. Subsequently, more bad news comes: Because of overstepping his mandate and messing with the order of the world, Gabriel is fired as an celestial role, and transformed to a mortal.

The Discovery: Keanu Reeves Grins

I was not persuaded by Reeves playing an celestial being with grand aspirations and a burning wish to effect change. Reeves delivers a familiar somewhat stiff acting he's consistently providing for no less than the past 3 decades. Viewing Reeves as an celestial being that has just become mortal for the first time, on the other hand, was a blast, due to something which really surprised me initially: This is something different for Reeves. Or perhaps more accurately, something old.

Early into the character's confusing career being a mortal, staying with the wealthy character (whom the angel exchanged with Arj's hand-to-mouth life and jobless status), the character begins hesitantly trying out human activities like eating and consuming meals. And the actor smiles. Genuinely, cautiously, happily beams. (This is far much convincing than his smile shown in the promotional image, which looks artificially added.)

Why This Grin Is Significant

The moment truly surprised me to realize how surprising and welcome that expression felt. When was the last time we observed Keanu Reeves grin in a movie in which he wasn't expressing ill will, sarcasm, or resentment? He probably tries a smile at some point in 2020's misbegotten Bill & Ted Face the Music, however I'm not returning to the disappointment to find out. The actor has remained typecast with serious, violent, broody, or just serious roles for so long that merely seeing him grin felt like seeing a completely different actor.

As the plot goes on, the character ends up having to take a kitchen job, which doesn't pay sufficient to live on, and he starts chain-smoking due to disappointment. Just the sight of Reeves in a disposable paper food-service cap, his recent signature long hair pulled back in a plain bun, slouching against a building and puffing on a cigarette, proves worth watching. The kitchen worker attire totally changes his face and posture: Suddenly, the lean, suited action star of his famous films becomes awkward, unglamorous, and a lot more relatable.

The Pleasure of Viewing Keanu Loosen Up

Good Fortune isn't always fun to watch, especially when Ansari (who additionally authored the script) must create plausible explanations for {Ar