The Stream: Some of the acting is iffy, and there should be more laugh out loud moments.

The Big Screen: Keanu Reeves’ strong comedic performance.

The Final Bill: A funny idea makes for a pretty funny movie even though it lacks some real LOLs.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Aziz Ansari
Writers: Aziz Ansari
Stars: Aziz Ansari, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Rating: R for language and some drug use
Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
Production Companies: Lionsgate, Media Capital Technologies, Oh Brudder Productions
Platform: In theaters October 17, 2025
Notable Trailers: Wuthering Heights, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Mercy, The Housemaid, Now You See Me Now You Don’t

Hey, Streamers! Here’s another one for some good October counterprogramming. If you have had your fill of scary stuff and you’re not into the Oscar wannabes, Good Fortune is a comedy just here for the laughs and some social commentary. Aziz Ansari wrote and directed this movie that follows Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a guardian angel tasked with saving humans from texting and driving, and Arj (Ansari), a guy struggling to make ends meet by working multiple jobs in the gig economy. Gabriel and Arj’s paths cross when Gabriel, concerned that Arj is contemplating ending his life, decides to use his abilities to show Arj what his life would be like if he had wealth and success like one of his former employers. Heavenly jinks ensue.

Good Fortune has a lot of things going for it. While the basic premise of this movie is a bit silly, all of the details that adorn the plot make this movie fun to watch. Gabriel’s specific task as a guardian angel is very funny, and Reeves plays Gabriel with a childlike bemusement that is quite endearing. Keanu Reeves should do more comedies. Arj’s multiple jobs and his struggles to make money are equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Keke Palmer plays a love interest and co-worker to Arj, who deals with her economic woes by trying to change the system. Palmer is charming and smart as her character displays strength in the face of the odds against her. The script does a good job of balancing the humor of the situation and making devastating commentary about our economy today. This movie can get you to the verge of tears if you really get invested in the plight of these characters. Furthermore, the fantastical elements are weird and funny as well. The hierarchy of the guardian angels is silly and ridiculous, and how that impacts Arj’s world is engaging. Good Fortune avoids being predictable for the most part, and I didn’t even mind when it did get predictable.

Now, I must say that Aziz Ansari is not a natural actor. He’s not believable as a romantic lead, and he has an annoying persona that, unfortunately, dominates most of the characters he plays. Arj feels like an Ansari stand-in without much nuance to the character. I think this movie could have been more successful with another actor playing Arj and Ansari only contributing behind the scenes. Also, Seth Rogen doesn’t stretch himself either. Rogen and Ansari together could be a big turn off for some audience members. Lastly, while this movie is funny, I can’t say I really laughed out loud. I admired this movie for its clever premise, its choices in the fantasy world and the strong, emotional commentary on the economic plight of many people today; however, I cannot say you’ll be rolling in the aisles, which is what I wanted from a comedy like this.

Ultimately, Good Fortune is a delightful comedy with an endearing central performance from Keanu Reeves. The premise of the movie and the screenplay by Aziz Ansari are engaging and humorous. The movie fails to deliver laugh out loud moments and gets a little predictable at times, but it has strong social commentary that makes the movie worthwhile. Grab a bowl of popcorn and check out a matinee of Good Fortune.