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Good Fortune, the fantasy film from comedian Aziz Ansari, is struggling at the box office. Several factors may account for its reception: Its uninspired title doesn't convey its movie's unique charm. The screenplay is often preachy and obvious regarding its messages. The performances seem flat and staged, as if the actors are reciting dialogue straight from a script. And, the film comes at a time marked by financial uncertainty and disparity, which could render audiences less receptive to a narrative which suggests rich individuals enjoy every benefits while the poor have spirit.

However, this is what Good Fortune stands out: It's unique, bold, imaginative, frequently humorous, and certainly relevant. Plus, it provides an unexpectedly great the actor hangout experience.

Reeves as an Guardian: His Typical Performance

I have never considered Reeves to be a strong performer. His flat speaking style and consistent expression of slight concern have consistently felt one-note, regardless of the broad range of roles he's played during the past 40 of his career. Astute directors have placed him in parts where that stoic nature works perfectly, from My Own Private Idaho to The Matrix to the action series. But nearly all of those characters required Reeves to seem tough, distant, or detached.

Throughout the film, Reeves portrays Gabriel, one low-level guardian angel tasked with looking after individuals who use their phones when behind the wheel. The character's whole duty is sitting in his vehicles and lightly touching the drivers' shoulders as they are close to have an accident, warning the person so the driver brake before impact. But, while standing high above the city, looking down on the mortal world similar to an alternative version of the angel in Wim Wenders' classic film Wings of Desire, the character becomes aspirational. Gabriel wants to be an exceptional guardian and a savior of wayward individuals.

The Unexpected Shift: Keanu as a Mortal

So, Gabriel presents his presence to down-and-out odd-jobber Arj (played by Aziz Ansari), who is living out of a vehicle and cursing his life. The angel proceeds to exchanges the man with the existence of stupidly rich tech mogul a character (acted by the comedian). This idea behind the exercise is that Arj to realize Jeff's life comes with major downsides, and thankfully go back to his original circumstances, much like a figure in the classic film.

Issue was, the character immediately discovers that Jeff's issues (tedious meetings, a pricey pool-heater bill) prove minor and readily resolved using money. He further realizes how becoming affluent opens up limitless opportunities for self-indulgent enjoyment. He shows zero interest in going back to his previous situation, and the angel can't compel him to return. Subsequently, more trouble comes: Because of overstepping his mandate and disrupting the balance of the world, Gabriel loses his position from his angel role, and turned into a human being.

The Revelation: The Actor Smiles

Personally, I remained never persuaded by the actor playing an angel with grand aspirations and an intense wish to make a difference. Reeves delivers a familiar vaguely stiff acting he's been providing for at least the last three decades. Viewing him in the role of celestial being that has just become human initially, however, was a blast, due to something which really surprised viewers at first: This is an element new for the actor. Or more accurately, an aspect old.

Early into the character's confusing experience as a human, clinging to the wealthy character (whom Gabriel exchanged into Arj's hand-to-mouth life and jobless status), the character starts hesitantly trying out human activities like eating and consuming food. And Reeves smiles. Genuinely, cautiously, happily beams. (This is far more believable than his smile on the promotional image, which appears digitally altered.)

The Reason That Smile Matters

It really surprised me to realize just how surprising and welcome that smile felt. At what point did we last we saw the actor smile in a movie where he wasn't expressing ill will, irony, or bitterness? The actor probably attempts it somewhere in the recent misbegotten Bill & Ted Face the Music, however I'm not going to returning to the mess to find out. Reeves has remained stuck with serious, violent, broody, or just solemn roles for so long that merely seeing him grin seemed like seeing an entirely different performer.

While the plot goes on, Gabriel ends up needing to take a kitchen job, which doesn't pay sufficient to live on, and Gabriel starts smoking heavily out of disappointment. Just the sight of Reeves in a disposable paper food-service hat, his recent signature long hair pulled back in an unglamorous bun, slouching against a building and smoking a cigarette, proves worth the price of admission. The kitchen worker getup completely alters his appearance and body: Unexpectedly, the slim, suited action star of the John Wick films is gawky, unglamorous, and a lot increasingly relatable.

A Joy of Viewing Reeves Relax

The film is not consistently enjoyable to watch, especially when the director (that additionally wrote the screenplay) has to find believable explanations for {Ar