Good Fortune – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Good Fortune – A Bit of Soul for Life’s Comedy

From the whimsical to the sweet, we are figures with unknown vices trying to find a way to live, laugh and love.  Through life’s trials, we all hope to make that point of connection, one where a line of worth comes about in the journey.  As we find that spark, it becomes a slice where memories become stories, and stories become worth telling.  In film, if you can find that genuine point, it makes for a good escape.  In this review, I look at the latest comedy to hit the big screen.  From a basic premise, Good Fortune is an enjoyable escape into how a little bit of faith can mean the most in life.

When worlds collide, an angel’s meddling will lead to two people learning what it really means to live a good life.  At the heart of any film is the journey.  From emotional pulls to amusing decrees, you want to feel something in the escape.  With ‘slice of life’ tales, that pull is innate to the character, one defined by individual moments and thematic grips.  With this film, it pulls you in with its characters, but it is the general premise that pushes you further into the journey.  In the beginning, we meet Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), an angel who is seeking to find more purpose in his line of duty.  Through some convenient plot devices, he comes across a human by the name of Arj (Aziz Ansari), who is struggling to find a steady job in Los Angeles.  With Arj down on his luck, Gabriel comes to him with a proposition: live the rich life of tech billionaire Jeff (Seth Rogan) for a week and decide if this is the way he wants to live (main plot).  From here, the filmmakers push forward from this simple premise, building up a narrative that molds in ‘slice of life’ motifs with the markings of conversational gags and dry humor.  As Arj and Jeff adjust to their ‘new’ situations, the simplistic narrative brings forth moments of stoic behavior and methodical self-reflection.  Within the absurdity, living different lives provides a raw sense of emotional fervor, showcasing how each individual deals with ego, vanity and hubris  From Arj basking in his new rich life, Jeff trying to find a stable job or Gabriel blinded by his own innocence, each of them showcases individual prowess that compliments the growth of life’s journey.

As each character slowly comes to terms with the switch, the comical herring of their situations provides levity that adds a humanistic spin to the predictable tropes.  As truths and consequences collide, we head into a third act that builds upon poignancy through the ironic spin of comedy.  This leads to a full circle climax and epilogue.  Good Fortune is a journey of life’s choices, with a comical spin.  If you are a fan of slice-of-life or simple comedies, this is one for you.  In the end, this film can be a good time at the theaters. 

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)