Title – Good Fortune (2025)

Director – Aziz Ansari (feature debut)

Cast – Aziz Ansari, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, Keke Palmer

Plot – Down on his luck Arj (Ansari) finds his fortunes turning around when well-meaning angel Gabriel (Reeves) swaps his life with that of rich entrepreneur Jeff (Rogen), setting in motion a series of events that will reshape the rest of their lives.  

“I’m here to save you”

Review by Eddie on 27/02/2026

Arriving at a time where the cinematic comedy is struggling to find its place in the global marketplace where it appears destined to live a genre life that is now tailor-made for easy streaming wins, many had hoped that Aziz Ansari’s star-studded directional debut would be one of the years sleeper hits.

Despite decent reviews however this was not to be the case.

Ansari’s first project since his sadly halted Bill Murray starring debut was shattered when allegations of on-set behaviours forced it into retreat, Good Fortune finds the likeable comedian with a familiar feeling but nonetheless intriguing set-up that on paper should be ripe for the comedic pickings.

Following the exploits of Keenu Reeves well-meaning but not entirely capable angel Gabriel, Ansari’s down on his luck Air-tasker Arj and Seth Rogen’s millionaire businessman Jeff as the trio get embroiled in a complicated lives swap that threatens their respective ways of life, Fortune has its moments both narratively and comedically, especially with Reeves having a great time in his miniature wings or with cigarette in hand but for the most part Fortune feels stilted and bland as you wait for it to kick into a gear it never reaches.

It’s a shame, especially as you get a sense that everyone on board with Ansari’s debut is there for the right reasons and appear to be enjoying their time on the film to boot but Fortune struggles to maintain your interest as it trudges along its 90 minute running time that often feels more like a series of vignettes rather than a structured and free-flowing feature length narrative that is unable to make up for its storytelling shortcomings with hearty or notable jokes that land in big ways.

Showing great signs as a creative in his cult-show Master of None, there’s enough in Ansari’s past to suggest a great feature film is within his grasp and while the performer can’t be described as a great actor with a wide range, if he can learn to work within his confines and attract the right people to his project, comedic greatness lays within his grasp.

There were many that badly wanted Fortune to succeed and there will be many that enjoy this affair enough to call it a mid-tier success but it’s hard to escape the feeling that Fortune had a lot more to give in all facets particularly in the laughter/joke landing space where there’s little in the way of quotable lines or memorable punch-lines as Ansari struggles to unlock the potential that his debut feature may have had within it.

Final Say –

Neither funny enough or narratively engaging enough to work as it is, Good Fortune has the bones of something enjoyable and fresh but comes across as stale and stilted, even if its likable cast try their best with what they have to work with.

2 concerned Denny’s employees out of 5