Good Fortune
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Angels have been a fascination in Hollywood since the beginning of cinematic history. From the legendary Clarence Odbody from It's A Wonderful Life to the laughable heavenly host of celestial beings in Angels in the Outfield, these messengers of God have had a role to play in the movies. Writer, director, and actor Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation) taps into a comedic side of the spiritual realm by pondering the ranks of legions, the possibility of jealousy over more prestigious roles, and whether they ever make mistakes.
Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) serves as a guardian angel whose rank serves humanity by keeping drivers from crashing while texting and driving. Until one day he spares the life of unemployed Arj (Ansari), who seems to be at the end of hope for life after being fired by tech multi-millionaire, Jeff (Seth Rogen). With minimal thought for the consequences, the angelic being switches the men's lives to give them a life-affirming lesson. Yet, when things don't go to plan, Gabriel loses his job until he can rectify his mistake by getting these men back into their original life trajectories.
Even though the concept of angelic mishaps has been a staple of pop culture for years, Ansari has found something special in this familiar narrative. There is a comedic beauty in the story's simplicity that offers hilarity, heart and hope wrapped in angelic wings. This is a script that provides a contemporary view of angels, dipping its toe into the pool of religion without committing to any one faith. Still, Keanu Reeves has been allowed to shed his John Wick persona to showcase his comedic timing and prove that he can convey care for others without a gun in hand.
Admittedly, despite the heavenly creatures and the heartfelt storyline, this film contains mature content that may surprise audiences who are hoping for a Touched By An Angel experience. The script shows the reality of this world and how it can destroy those who succumb to the expectations of our modern gig economy. Despite falling short of a biblical answer to the problems of this world, there are lessons for us all to glean from the messaging put forward by this angelic comedy.
Good Fortune is more Heaven Can Wait than a Hallmark spin on angels. Still, Aziz Ansari proves he has something to say about society while acknowledging a spiritual realm along the way. Another marvel about this film was hearing the crowd laugh out loud throughout and enjoy the whole journey; it was, for lack of a better word… heavenly.
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REEL DIALOGUE: Angels are real
Aziz Ansari delves into a world that many may not wish to acknowledge; he opens the door to discuss angels, heaven, hell, and God. Even though his screenplay fails to encapsulate the realities of these beings and this realm, and resorts to less than reputable methods, the writer/director begins a discussion that has plagued humanity throughout the ages. The spiritual realm is a topic that everyone must confront at different times in their lives.
From the beginning to the end of the Bible, God answers the celestial beings' notion on the side of good and evil. Angels, demons, and the Holy Spirit (or, by another name, The Holy Ghost) offer an alternative view of spirits to Hollywood's portrayal. Still, this film should challenge us all to search for the answer.
Do you believe angels, demons and God exist? If you need answers to your questions, the Bible is the best resource.
