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Good Fortune, this whimsical film from comedian Aziz Ansari, has been struggling at the box office. Many reasons could explain its reception: Its uninspired title doesn't convey the film's distinctive charm. Its screenplay is often moralizing and obvious with its themes. Its performances seem flat and staged, like the actors are reciting lines directly from the page. And, the film comes at a time of financial anxiety and inequality, that may render viewers less open to a narrative which implies wealthy individuals have all the benefits while those in need possess spirit.

But, here's what Good Fortune stands out: It's original, bold, imaginative, frequently humorous, and undoubtedly relevant. And, it provides an unexpectedly enjoyable the actor character-driven movie.

Keanu Reeves in the role of Angel: A Familiar Portrayal

Personally, I've never regarded Reeves to be a strong actor. His monotonal delivery and consistent expression of mild perturbation have always seemed limited, regardless of his wide range of roles he has played over the last four decades years. Astute filmmakers have often placed him in roles in which that rigidity works perfectly, including My Own Private Idaho to The Matrix to John Wick. But almost every one of these roles called for Reeves to appear tough, closed-off, or detached.

Throughout Good Fortune, the actor portrays Gabriel, one minor protecting angel assigned with watching over individuals who text when behind the wheel. His whole duty involves remaining in his cars and lightly making contact with their shoulders as they're close to crash, alerting them so the driver stop in time. However, while standing overlooking the city, looking down on humanity like a interpretation of the angel in Wim Wenders' renowned film the angel story, the character becomes aspirational. He wants to be an exceptional guardian and rescuer of wayward souls.

The Unexpected Turn: Reeves as a Human

Therefore, he presents himself to struggling handyman Arj (played by the director), who is residing out of a vehicle and resenting his situation. The angel then exchanges Arj with the existence of stupidly wealthy tech mogul a character (acted by Seth Rogen). This idea behind the experiment is for the character to realize the wealthy man's existence comes with significant drawbacks, and thankfully return to his own life, similar to the character from It's a Wonderful Life.

Issue is, the character immediately realizes that the mogul's problems (boring meetings, a pricey pool-heater bill) are minor and readily resolved with wealth. He also sees that being rich opens up limitless opportunities for pleasurable enjoyment. The character shows zero desire in going back to his previous situation, and the angel is unable to compel him to return. Then, more trouble arrives: For overstepping his mandate and disrupting the order of the world, the character is fired as an angel role, and turned to a human being.

The Discovery: Keanu Reeves Smiles

I was not convinced by Reeves playing an angel who has big aspirations and an intense wish to make a difference. He delivers the same vaguely stiff acting he's consistently providing for no less than the past 3 ten-year periods. Viewing Reeves in the role of celestial being who's recently become human initially, however, proved to be highly entertaining, for a reason which really astonished me initially: It's an element different for the actor. Or perhaps to be precise, an aspect from the past.

Soon during the character's baffling career as a mortal, clinging to the wealthy character (whom the angel exchanged with the handyman's precarious life and underemployed situation), the character begins tentatively experimenting with everyday experiences like eating and swallowing food. And Reeves grins. Genuinely, hesitantly, happily beams. (This is a lot much believable than his smile shown in the poster, that looks digitally altered.)

Why This Grin Matters

It really surprised me to realize how surprising and welcome the expression felt. When was the last time we observed Keanu Reeves grin in a film where he wasn't showing ill will, sarcasm, or resentment? The actor likely attempts it somewhere in the recent misbegotten the sequel, but I'm not going to revisiting the disappointment to confirm. Reeves has remained typecast with serious, murderous, introspective, or just solemn roles for such a duration that merely watching him grin felt like seeing a completely different performer.

While the story progresses, the character finds himself needing to take a kitchen job, a role that fails to provide sufficient to live on, and Gabriel starts chain-smoking out of frustration. Simply the sight of the actor in a disposable paper food-service cap, with his recent signature locks tied in an unglamorous ponytail, leaning on a wall and smoking a smoke, is worthy of watching. The dishwasher attire completely alters his face and posture: Unexpectedly, the lean, suited physical powerhouse of the John Wick movies is gawky, unglamorous, and much more human.

The Joy of Viewing Reeves Loosen Up

Good Fortune isn't always enjoyable to view, particularly when the director (who also wrote the script) has to find plausible explanations for {Ar