Aziz Ansari strikes gold with "Good Fortune"

Comedian Aziz Ansari makes his feature directorial debut with the feel-good comedy “Good Fortune,” produced by Lionsgate. Ansari also stars in the film as Arj, a man struggling to make ends meet. While he has a passion for documentary filmmaking, he finds himself forced to take on odd food jobs.

One day, Arj’s luck changes when he meets millionaire Jeff (Seth Rogen), who hires him as his personal assistant. Things seem to be looking up as he also navigates a budding romance with Elena (Keke Palmer). However, after a poor judgment call leads to Arj losing his job, an angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) swaps the lives of Jeff and Arj so that Arj can learn that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Interfering in personal lives is against angelic rules, so Gabriel’s boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), banishes him to Earth, where he experiences the ups and downs of being human. As the trio tries to return to normal, all three will discover the beauty of life.

At its core, “Good Fortune” presents a straightforward yet engaging narrative. Director Aziz Ansari had the opportunity to explore various angles that could have amplified the film’s comedic elements with silly jokes. While it does feature several laugh-out-loud moments infused with Ansari’s signature dry wit, the true essence of the film lies in the dynamic between Rogen and Ansari’s characters as they embark on a journey of mutual discovery, unraveling the complexities of life from each other’s perspectives. Keke Palmer adds her own magic to the mix, delivering her trademark brand of charisma and charm.

However, the film’s standout highlight is undoubtedly Keanu Reeves, who embraces a refreshing twist on his well-loved nice-guy persona. Whether he’s coming to the rescue of someone distracted by texting and driving or delighting in the simple pleasure of tacos, Reeves shines in this surprisingly low-key role, showcasing his comedic range and charm in a way that is both delightful and memorable.

Never overstaying, it’s welcoming. “Good Fortune” is one of the most welcome surprises of the Fall 2025 movie season.

Final Grade: B+

“Good Fortune” is in theaters now.