Ever wanted to scream at someone who claims money can’t buy happiness? This movie is your cathartic revenge.
Movie Review – Good Fortune (2025)
Directed, written by, and starring Aziz Ansari, Good Fortune is a sharp-witted comedy that flips the script on the tired adage that wealth doesn’t solve problems. Featuring an all-star cast including Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer, this film dives headfirst into the absurdity of modern-day class divides—with a heavenly twist.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While the film acknowledges that money isn’t a cure-all, it boldly argues that financial stability does make life significantly easier—a take that might ruffle some feathers in today’s polarized discourse on wealth.
SYNOPSIS:
Meet Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), an angel with a thankless job—saving distracted drivers from accidents by haunting their backseats like a celestial backseat driver. Frustrated with his mundane duties, Gabriel yearns for a bigger purpose: intervening directly in the lives of those on the brink of despair. Enter Arg (Aziz Ansari), a down-on-his-luck gig worker drowning in life’s misfortunes—sleeping in his car, enduring familial comparisons, and striking out in love. When Arg crosses paths with Jeff (Seth Rogen), a blissfully oblivious venture capitalist, Gabriel sees his chance. He orchestrates a Freaky Friday-esque life swap, convinced that Arg will realize wealth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Spoiler: He’s hilariously wrong.
And this is the part most people miss... The film isn’t just a critique of wealth inequality—it’s a celebration of the small freedoms money can buy, like the relief of not panicking over every unexpected bill. Ansari’s script cleverly balances satire with heart, showing Arg’s euphoria at finally catching a break, Jeff’s bumbling attempts to navigate the struggles of the working class, and Gabriel’s fish-out-of-water journey as a fallen angel learning to be human (including mastering the art of eating a burrito).
WHY IT WORKS:
- Keanu Reeves as Gabriel steals every scene, channeling the same lovable, clueless charm as Bill & Ted. His comedic timing as a divine being utterly failing at humanity is gold.
- Seth Rogen’s Jeff is a masterclass in playing the affable but clueless rich guy. His gradual (and grudging) empathy for Arg’s struggles is both funny and surprisingly poignant.
- Aziz Ansari’s Arg is relatable in his desperation and hilarious in his excess. His joy at finally having financial breathing room isn’t greed—it’s the giddy relief of someone who’s been suffocating for years.
THE DEBATE:
The film’s blunt take on wealth (“Money might not fix everything, but it sure helps!”) will spark arguments. Is it a critique of capitalism or an inadvertent endorsement of it? The movie walks a tightrope, mocking Jeff’s privilege while also admitting that Arg’s life improves because of money. Where do you stand?
FLICKERING MYTH VERDICT:
Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
A riotously funny, if occasionally heavy-handed, takedown of class inequality. Its flaws (like a forgotten plot thread about reversing the life swap) pale next to its wit and heart.
Thoughts? Is Good Fortune a bold critique or a hypocritical shrug? Sound off in the comments!
