From Lionsgate, Good Fortune arrives in theaters on October 17, 2025, offering a playful exploration of the age-old question: can money really buy happiness? Written and directed by Aziz Ansari (Master of None series, The Bob’s Burgers Movie 2022), the film stars Ansari alongside Seth Rogen (Knocked Up 2007, Dumb Money 2023) and Keanu Reeves (The Matrix 1999, John Wick: Chapter 4 2023). It follows a well-meaning but bumbling angel named Gabriel, who meddles in the lives of struggling gig worker Arj and wealthy venture capitalist Jeff, setting off a series of humorous misadventures. While the film delivers plenty of laughs and entertaining moments, it sometimes falls short of the comedic magic audiences might hope for.
Reeves is easily the best part of Good Fortune, with his charm and impeccable comedic timing allowing him to steal every scene he is in. It is a delight to see him tap into the playful energy reminiscent of 1989’s Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. His effortless chemistry with both Ansari and Rogen adds a spark that lifts the entire film, making his moments on screen the most enjoyable. Keke Palmer (Nope 2022, The Pickup 2025) also brings energy to the film in a supporting role, serving as the voice of conscience and grounding the story with heart and perspective.
Her presence helps balance the humor and keeps the film emotionally grounded. However, her undeniable comedic chops are underutilized—a missed opportunity in a movie that could have benefited from her natural timing and charm. While Ansari and Rogen deliver funny performances, the supporting cast often outshines them, making Reeves and Palmer the true highlights of the ensemble.
The pacing of Good Fortune is generally strong, keeping the story moving and sustaining curiosity about what will happen next. The humor is light and playful, offering plenty of chuckles, though it rarely reaches laugh-out-loud levels. This steady rhythm and gentle comedic touch make the film easy to watch, even if it doesn’t deliver consistently big comedic payoffs.
Good Fortune tackles the divide between the haves and the have-nots, but the fact that it is made by people who are themselves quite wealthy is evident at times. Some of the writing reflects this perspective, with scenarios and ideas filtered through a lens of privilege. The film’s message about wealth and happiness is timely, yet it often hits the audience over the head rather than letting the idea unfold naturally. This is especially true in the ending, where the lessons Jeff learns are communicated sloppily and feel disconnected from reality, and the conclusion feels lazy and unearned. The heavy-handed delivery leaves the narrative lacking the nuance that could have made its insights more impactful.
Despite its missteps, Good Fortune is a reminder of why Aziz Ansari remains such a compelling voice in comedy. Seeing him back in the spotlight as a writer, director, and performer is exciting. Even when the film falters, his creativity and energy shine through. While Reeves and Palmer are the true scene-stealers, Ansari’s return to the big screen is thrilling in its own right, leaving audiences eager to see what he does next and hinting at even more inventive and engaging projects on the horizon.
Overall, the film is a lighthearted, entertaining ride, and for many viewers, that is enough. This is why Cryptic Rock gives Good Fortune 3 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment