--- title: "Good Fortune" year: 2025 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/good-fortune" fi1m_id: "good-fortune" imdb_id: "tt27543578" tmdb_id: 1114967 wikidata_id: "Q124364757" fi1m_score: 66 critics_score: 62 critics_reviews: 19 published: "2026-09-23T11:23:31.102328+00:00" updated: "2026-09-23T11:23:45.365739+00:00" region: "RO" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Good Fortune (2025) Directed by Aziz Ansari · 1h 37m · RO 12 · Comedy, Fantasy ## Identity Good Fortune - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/good-fortune - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** good-fortune - **IMDb ID:** tt27543578 - **TMDB ID:** 1114967 - **Wikidata ID:** Q124364757 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27543578/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1114967, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124364757 **Fi1m score: 66** · Critics 62 from 19 reviews *In a sentence:* Keanu Reeves makes us wonder whether heaven bothers with staff training > *Good Fortune* has a funny angel in Keanu Reeves and too much explaining to do. Aziz Ansari’s fantasy comedy is decent company, but its earnest talk about money repeatedly gets in the way of the jokes. ## Synopsis Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) is an inept angel trying to help with human problems of work, money and happiness. His intervention draws Arj (Aziz Ansari) and Jeff (Seth Rogen) into a life swap that puts the comforts of wealth beside the insecurity of gig work. Gabriel means to offer guidance, but his understanding of everyday human needs is unreliable. Changed circumstances complicate his attempts to do good, as the practical business of getting by competes with the lesson he hopes to teach about what makes a life worthwhile. ## Review Aziz Ansari writes and directs *Good Fortune*, a decent, uneven comedy that keeps interrupting its own jokes to explain why money matters. Angelic interference and life-swapping give it a serviceable fantasy premise, and some of the jokes about gig work are sharp enough to make the earnest passages unnecessary. He nevertheless keeps returning to those passages, anxious that nobody should miss his sympathy for people struggling to get by. The cast makes the repetition easier to sit through, especially when Keanu Reeves is allowed to be foolish. Keanu Reeves plays Gabriel, an angel whose good intentions exceed his competence, with a deadpan that gives the film its most reliable laughs. He allows the foolishness to register without making the character smug about it, and his occasional smiles have an appealing awkwardness. We laughed at Gabriel’s inept attempts to help because his performance gives them such unembarrassed sincerity. He is also touching in a modest way, keeping the angel’s desire to be useful apparent even when his judgement is plainly inadequate. Aziz Ansari plays Arj, Seth Rogen plays Jeff and Keke Palmer plays Elena, and their company remains a substantial part of the appeal. Her performance is particularly welcome, giving the human side of the story enough warmth to hold our interest when the fantasy becomes cumbersome. The dialogue is less dependable, with some exchanges so explicit about inequality that there is little left for the actors to suggest. Their charm keeps these scenes tolerable, though it cannot always make them sound like conversations people would choose to have. Adam Newport-Berra’s cinematography provides some visual pleasure, although the direction is less assured about how long to let a comic situation run. The uneven pacing matters in a film built around a premise that needs complications to keep producing fresh jokes. Carter Burwell’s music has little room to help when the dialogue already tells us so firmly how to feel. The stretches devoted to explaining the theme slow down a film that runs only 97 minutes. The comedy is most persuasive when it stays close to the practical pressures of work, where an observation can be funny without requiring a speech afterwards. The screenplay recognises those pressures, but grows vague when it tries to say what might change them. There is nothing objectionable about wanting an audience to leave a comedy feeling kindly towards other people. The disappointment is how readily that wish softens the sharper questions about wealth, leaving the film less curious about inequality than its premise initially promises. We do not need a fantasy comedy to provide an economic programme, and a few well-aimed jokes would be quite enough. Too often, the dialogue carries a seriousness that the story has not earned, and the performers have to restore the easy mood. There is still pleasure in their company, and Keanu Reeves in particular rewards anyone prepared to accept a gentle comedy with an over-explaining habit. Choose it for the angel, with modest expectations of what the humans have to say. *Fi1m score 66, published 23 September 2026.* ## What the critics say The reviews lean mildly positive on Good Fortune, with praise clustering around the cast rather than the writing. Keanu Reeves’s bumbling angel is the clearest point of agreement: even several sceptical critics find him funny, endearing and worth the film’s uneven stretches. Supporters also welcome Ansari’s familiar body-swap premise and jokes about gig-economy life, finding warmth and recognisable hardship in a gentle comedy about wealth and happiness. The spread is wide, especially over whether the social commentary has much to say. The Playlist finds biting satire and relatable struggles; The Telegraph regards the treatment of poverty as patronising. Between those positions, reservations recur about underdeveloped class politics, blunt messaging and difficulty balancing sentiment with comedy. Several reviews also question the pacing and crowded storytelling. The disagreement extends to the laughs: some find sharp jokes throughout, while others think the cast supplies charm that the script cannot consistently match. ## Straight answers **Is Good Fortune worth watching?** *Good Fortune* is worth considering for Keanu Reeves’s deadpan angel and its warm cast, though we score this uneven fantasy comedy 66 out of 100. We recommend it chiefly to those happy with gentle laughs: the speeches about money and inequality repeatedly interrupt the jokes and make a short film feel slower than it should. **How long is Good Fortune, and what is it rated?** *Good Fortune* runs 1h 37m and is rated 12 by the RO in Romania. It is a comedy and fantasy film. **Where can I watch Good Fortune in Romania?** *Good Fortune* is not on any streaming or rental service in Romania at the moment. It is available in 33 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How violent or frightening is Good Fortune, and is it suitable for children?** *Good Fortune* has a UK 15 certificate, so it is not suitable for children under 15 despite its gentle fantasy-comedy premise. We cannot give a specific account of violence or frightening material from the details available; the certificate is the clearest guide for families, rather than the presence of a well-meaning angel. **How does Good Fortune compare to Heaven Can Wait?** *Good Fortune* is the less assured choice beside [*Heaven Can Wait*](https://film.one/film/heaven-can-wait), which we recommend for its more patient handling of celestial mistakes and appealingly straight-faced humour. Both offer gentle fantasy comedy, but *Good Fortune* focuses on wealth and insecure work, repeatedly explaining its concerns; Reeves’s foolish angel is its strongest reason to choose it. **What should I watch after Good Fortune?** After *Good Fortune*, try [*Heaven Can Wait*](https://film.one/film/heaven-can-wait) (1978, Fi1m 74): Another celestial administrative error, handled with more patience and an appealingly straight face. Then [*Trading Places*](https://film.one/film/trading-places) (1983, Fi1m 80): A nastier wealth-swapping comedy that lets its jokes do more of the explaining; and [*Local Hero*](https://film.one/film/local-hero) (1983, Fi1m 86): A gentler encounter between wealth and ordinary life, with room for human eccentricity. ### Reviews we read (19) - **Screen Daily** (90/100, inferred): Ansari’s body-swap comedy debut is a charming, sharply written film with a blistering barrage of jokes and immense heart. It singles out Keanu Reeves for delivering the best comedic performance of the year as the endearing angel Gabriel. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/good-fortune-review-seth-rogen-keanu-reeves-join-director-star-aziz-ansari-in-impressive-debut/5208645.article) - **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico (75/100, inferred): Ansari’s debut is a vehicle for its cast’s charm, especially Keanu Reeves as a bumbling angel, making it hard to dislike despite flaws. The film’s social commentary on economic inequality feels underdeveloped and the ending rushed. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/good-fortune-movie-review-2025) - **The New York Times**, Jeannette Catsoulis (70/100, inferred): More cute than hilarious, the film is a familiar body-swap comedy that highlights recognizable social injustice around gig work and inequality. It suggests true happiness lies in preserving the existing social order rather than upending it. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/movies/good-fortune-review.html) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Ansari’s directing debut uses a corny angel premise as shorthand for a working-class critique of capitalism and gig economy struggles. Reeves’ brainless angel steals the show in this sincere homage to high-concept studio comedies. [Read](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/good-fortune-review-aziz-ansari-keanu-reeves-1236514871/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Michael Rechtshaffen (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an alternately fun and clunky satire that honors its Capra and Sturges influences but struggles to blend comedy with earnest messaging. Keanu Reeves' performance as the inept guardian angel is singled out as the comedic highlight. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/good-fortune-review-keanu-reeves-aziz-ansari-seth-rogen-1236363375/) - **The AV Club**, Tim Grierson (C+): The critic calls the comedy pedestrian and naïve in its class-conscious approach, arguing it fails to convincingly portray the gig economy despite good intentions and nods to classic films. Keanu Reeves' angel character is praised as the most intriguing element. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/good-fortune-review) - **Little White Lies**, Jenna Mahale (3/3/2): Ansari’s frothy big-studio body-swap comedy has virtuous intentions but disappointing execution and little substance or style. It praises the occasional smart joke and Keanu deadpan but complains that the class commentary is underbaked and the happy ending too pat. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/good-fortune) - **Los Angeles Times**, Robert Abele (60/100, inferred): Ansari’s ambitious morality tale mixes celestial stories and body-swap comedy but struggles to balance its jabs at inequality with sentimentality. Reeves delivers one of his best recent roles as the disarming angel at the film’s heart. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-10-17/good-fortune-review-aziz-ansari-keanu-reeves-seth-rogen-keke-palmer) - **Radio Times**, Steve Morrissey (3/5): Ansari’s feature debut echoes classic Hollywood comedies but tries to juggle too many story strands. It praises the choice casting, especially Reeves as vastly entertaining, and Ansari’s sharp jokes about gig-economy life. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-eqwuqm/good-fortune/) - **IndieWire**, Beandrea July (50/100, inferred): The review notes that the directorial debut is funny but ultimately flat, with jokes unable to mask deeper structural and thematic problems in its body-swap and guardian-angel premise. The lightness provided by the stars cannot overcome the film's shortcomings. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/good-fortune-review-aziz-ansari-keanu-reeves-1235149728/) - **The Guardian** (40/100, inferred): The film has noble intentions around reviving theatrical comedy and commenting on class divides and the gig economy but struggles with laughs and an awkward fit for Ansari's style. It ends up uneven, repetitive, and reliant on surface-level lessons with an unearned schmaltzy finish. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/sep/07/good-fortune-review-aziz-ansari) - **Empire**, Sophie Butcher (35/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a mediocre anti-capitalist fable that fails to deliver laughs or depth despite its cast and premise about wealth inequality. They highlight the stilted dialogue, lack of genuine comedy, and underdeveloped script as major shortcomings while noting some visual strengths. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/good-fortune/) - **The Telegraph** (20/100, inferred): The comedy feels like a lazy, patronising lecture on poverty delivered by wealthy Hollywood figures, amounting to bilge that will mean little to those in the protagonist's position. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2025/10/17/good-fortune-review-seth-rogen-keanu-reeves/) - **The Playlist**, Monica Castillo (A-): The critic commends the biting satire on the gig economy and wealth inequality, highlighting the sharp jokes, relatable struggles, and strong performances, especially Reeves as the angel, calling it a refreshing comedy with a message. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/good-fortune-review-aziz-ansaris-satiric-comedy-tackles-the-gig-economy-with-seth-rogen-keanu-reeves-tiff-20250910/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a timely, hilarious gig-economy comedy that mixes life-swapping fantasy with social commentary and delivers plenty of laughs in a theatrical setting. Ansari’s directorial debut is praised for its comic timing and casting, especially the lead performances. [Read](https://deadline.com/2025/09/good-fortune-review-aziz-ansari-seth-rogen-keanu-reeves-1236510832/) - **Paste**, Jesse Hassenger (6.6): Ansari’s gentle, low-key comedy is more clever than riotous and benefits greatly from Reeves’ affecting, funny turn as an inept angel. The writing explores happiness under ordinary circumstances but can feel too explicit and the direction lacks grace. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/aziz-ansari/good-fortune-aziz-ansari-keanu-reeves-seth-rogen-movie-review) - **Collider**, Joe Schmidt (7/10): The critic finds it an entertaining, humorous take on familiar body-swap and angel-intervention premises that does not always stick the landing. Standout performances from Keanu Reeves and Keke Palmer buoy the film despite some pacing issues. [Read](https://collider.com/good-fortune-review-keanu-reeves-seth-rogen-aziz-ansari/) - **/Film**, Michael Boyle (7/10): The critic praises the film's grounded take on gig economy struggles and Keanu Reeves' charming performance as the angel, but notes it's not as funny as expected and works better as drama. It's a good but not triumphant debut. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1961255/good-fortune-review/) - **Polygon**, Tasha Robinson (60/100, inferred): The film is not great overall—preachy, on-the-nose, and flat in places—but offers a uniquely fun showcase for Reeves as a mortal angel discovering small human joys. His rare on-screen smiles and loosened, goofy affect provide the real highlight amid the story’s economic themes. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/good-fortune-keanu-reeves-john-wick-matrix-pushback/) ## Details - **Director:** Aziz Ansari - **Director:** Aziz Ansari - **Writer:** Aziz Ansari - **Cinematography:** Adam Newport-Berra - **Music:** Carter Burwell - **Producer:** Anthony Katagas, Aziz Ansari, Alan Yang - **Cast:** Keanu Reeves as Gabriel; Aziz Ansari as Arj / Delivery Robots (voice); Seth Rogen as Jeff; Keke Palmer as Elena; Sandra Oh as Martha; Sherry Cola as Linda; Stephen McKinley Henderson as Azrael; Blanca Araceli as Rosa - **Runtime:** 1h 37m - **Certificate (RO):** 12 - **Release (Romania):** 17 October 2025 - **Genres:** Comedy, Fantasy - **Budget:** $30 million - **Box office:** $26 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAMkXY2Ja80 ## Where to watch in Romania Not streaming, renting or buying in Romania at the last check. Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, SE, SG, TH, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Heaven Can Wait* (1978), Fi1m 74: Another celestial administrative error, handled with more patience and an appealingly straight face. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/heaven-can-wait.md) - *Trading Places* (1983), Fi1m 80: A nastier wealth-swapping comedy that lets its jokes do more of the explaining. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/trading-places.md) - *Miracle in Milan* (1951): For another fantasy willing to bring miracles into a story about poverty. - *Local Hero* (1983), Fi1m 86: A gentler encounter between wealth and ordinary life, with room for human eccentricity. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/local-hero.md) - *The Man Without a Past* (2002): Deadpan humour and practical kindness give this account of starting again its warmth. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/good-fortune