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Good Fortune, this whimsical comedy by comedian Aziz Ansari, has been struggling in theaters. Several factors may explain the film's reception: Its generic name doesn't convey the movie's unique appeal. The script can be moralizing and obvious regarding the themes. Its performances are flat and presentational, like the actors were reciting dialogue straight from the page. And, it arrives during an era of financial uncertainty and disparity, that could render audiences less receptive to a story which implies rich people enjoy all the benefits while the poor possess heart.

But, this is what Good Fortune excels: It's unique, daring, imaginative, frequently humorous, and certainly relevant. Plus, it provides a great the actor hangout movie.

Reeves in the role of Guardian: His Typical Performance

I have not regarded Keanu Reeves to be a strong actor. The actor's flat speaking style and persistent expression of slight concern have always felt one-note, regardless of the broad variety of roles he's played over the past four decades of his career. Astute directors have placed him in parts where that stoic nature fits ideally, including My Own Private Idaho to The Matrix to John Wick. But almost all of these roles required Reeves to appear tough, distant, or detached.

Throughout the film, the actor plays Gabriel, one low-level protecting angel tasked with looking after individuals who use their phones when behind the wheel. His entire job is sitting in their vehicles and gently making contact with their arms when they're about to have an accident, alerting the person in order that they brake before impact. But, when standing overlooking his domain, looking down upon humanity similar to an alternative interpretation of the angel in Wim Wenders' renowned movie Wings of Desire, the character becomes aspirational. He desires to become an exceptional guardian and rescuer of lost souls.

A Surprising Turn: Reeves as a Human

So, Gabriel presents himself to struggling handyman Arj (portrayed by Aziz Ansari), who is residing in a vehicle and cursing his life. The angel then swaps Arj with the life of extremely wealthy tech mogul a character (acted by the comedian). This idea of the exercise was for the character to realize the wealthy man's existence comes with significant downsides, and thankfully go back to his own life, much like the figure in It's a Wonderful Life.

Problem is, Arj right away realizes how Jeff's problems (boring appointments, a pricey heating bill) are minor and easily solved with money. He further sees how being rich opens up limitless opportunities for pleasurable fun. The character has no interest in going back to his previous life, and the angel can't force him to return. Subsequently, additional bad news arrives: Because of exceeding his duties and disrupting the balance of the world, Gabriel loses his position from his angel job, and transformed into a human being.

A Discovery: Keanu Reeves Grins

Personally, I remained not persuaded by Reeves as an celestial being who has grand aspirations and an intense desire to make a difference. Reeves delivers the same somewhat stiff performance he's consistently providing for no less than the last 3 decades. Viewing Reeves in the role of celestial being who's recently turned human for the first time, however, proved to be a blast, for a reason which truly surprised me initially: It's something different for the actor. Or perhaps more accurately, an aspect from the past.

Early during his confusing career being a mortal, clinging to the wealthy character (who Gabriel exchanged with Arj's precarious existence and jobless situation), Gabriel begins tentatively experimenting with human experiences such as chewing and consuming meals. And Reeves grins. Authentically, cautiously, joyously smiles. (It's a lot much believable than his smile shown in the poster, which appears digitally altered.)

The Reason That Smile Is Significant

It really surprised me to realize how unexpected and welcome that smile was. When did we last audiences observed the actor smile in a movie where he was not expressing malice, irony, or bitterness? He likely tries it at some point in the recent misbegotten Bill & Ted Face the Music, however I'm not going to revisiting that mess to find out. The actor has remained typecast with grim, violent, broody, or just solemn roles for so long that merely seeing Reeves grin felt like observing an entirely different actor.

While the story goes on, the character ends up having to take a dishwashing position, which fails to provide sufficient to live on, and Gabriel begins smoking heavily due to disappointment. Just the sight of Reeves in a cheap paper food-service cap, his recent trademark locks tied in an unglamorous bun, leaning against a building and puffing on a cigarette, proves worthy of the price of admission. The dishwasher getup totally alters his face and posture: Unexpectedly, the slim, well-dressed action star of the John Wick films is gawky, unglamorous, and much increasingly human.

A Joy of Watching Keanu Loosen Up

Good Fortune isn't consistently enjoyable to view, particularly when Ansari (who also authored the script) has to create plausible reasons for {Ar