Looking for a funny, light-hearted and mostly clean flick to watch? Look no further than “Good Fortune,” which opened in theaters Oct. 17.
This modern spin on “It’s a Wonderful Life” stars Aziz Ansari as Arj, a down-on-his-luck documentary filmmaker turned gig worker. But instead of Clarence, Arj finds himself guided by Gabriel, an angel who is supposed to stop people from texting while driving. Instead, Gabriel (played by Keanu Reeves) ineptly tries his hand at saving lost souls. Gabriel has Arj switch lives with Jeff, a wealthy venture capitalist (played by Seth Rogen), in an attempt to show Arj that his life is worth living.
But rather than realize how superficial Jeff’s life is, Arj adores his new life of ease and luxury. “I tried to show him that wealth wouldn’t solve all of his problems,” Gabriel tells his angel boss, Martha (played by Sandra Oh). “(But) it seems to have solved most of his problems.” In punishment for his meddling, Gabriel loses his wings and becomes a human. Reeves’ portrayal of Gabriel gets more enjoyable as he goes from a tie-wearing ethereal being to an apron-wearing dishwasher experiencing the joys dancing, tacos and baby animal videos for the first time.
To get their old lives back again, Gabriel, Jeff and eventually Arj all band together, becoming friends and better versions of themselves. Keke Palmer plays Arj’s coworker and romantic interest, Elena. Her strong moral compass ultimately helps Arj listen to the better angels of his nature.
Good Fortune, which also was written and directed by Ansari, is a refreshingly wholesome, insightful ride. The film tackles big societal issues such as wealth inequality and workers’ rights while not being too heavy-handed. It’s an amusing PSA about safe driving, a story about the pitfalls of the gig economy and a buddy comedy, all rolled into one. The movie pokes fun at the lives of LA’s rich and famous while giving a voice to the mechanics, delivery drivers and dishwashers who make those lives possible. The results are divine.
As to be expected, the film’s theology on angels does not match up with the Catholic Church’s understanding of God’s heavenly messengers. Despite its doctrinal inaccuracies, viewers will still be able to appreciate the film’s creative, playful take on the role of angels. The one hour, 38 minute film, which is rated R, is best suited for older adolescents and adults, as it features profanity, a crude sexual phrase and accidental illicit drug use.
Maraist is a freelancer from Reston.
