Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Earnest but mature comedy promotes empathy, compassion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Good Fortune
What's the Story?
Written and directed by Aziz Ansari, GOOD FORTUNE follows an angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) whose main duty as a low-level guardian is to stop people from getting in texting-while-driving accidents. One of his assignments, Arj (Ansari), is a college-educated but unemployed film editor who's temporarily unhoused and struggling to make ends meet by working for various delivery and service apps around Los Angeles. After completing an organizational task for venture capitalist Jeff (Seth Rogen), Arj convinces the tech mogul to hire him as a personal assistant, but a small mistake costs him the job and leaves him despondent. Hoping to teach Arj a lesson in gratitude, Gabriel reveals himself and magically swaps Arj's life with Jeff's for one week. But the plan backfires when Arj refuses to return to his old life, forcing Gabriel to enlist Jeff's help—and ultimately leading to the angel's own punishment, as he's demoted to mortal life until Arj regains hope and appreciation. Meanwhile, Jeff discovers how much he took for granted about his status and unknowing exploitation of the working class.
Is It Any Good?
This mashup of Trading Places and It's a Wonderful Life is a must-see feel-good comedy about the power of empathy and hope. Reeves is perfectly cast in Good Fortune as the guileless Gabriel, who longs to make a greater impact than simply preventing car crashes. His storyline is just as meaningful as those of the two men whose lives he upends. Both Rogen and Ansari are hilarious in their roles, with Rogen doing his signature schtick as a clueless tech bro who's blind to his privilege and oblivious to how the other half lives. And Ansari's Arj is a relatable gig-economy worker whose college degree holds little weight in a tough job market. Co-star Keke Palmer is terrific as Arj's co-worker-turned-love interest, a furniture maker and union organizer whose warmth and authenticity are a necessary foil to Arj's depressed view of his life.
A short, sweet film with an uplifting message and surprisingly substantive themes, Good Fortune encourages viewers to value all kinds of work, recognize their shared humanity, and think twice before giving a delivery driver one star. While the movie's modest production values occasionally feel more suited to television than film, its sharp writing and strong performances create plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a few genuinely moving ones—especially those centered on Gabriel's journey. One of the film's more moving scenes finds a formerly downcast Gabriel, now a restaurant dishwasher, joyfully dancing at a Latin club with his co-worker Felipe (Felipe Garcia Martinez), who reminds him that joy still exists for those who struggle. Sandra Oh also stands out despite having relatively little to do as Martha, Gabriel's no-nonsense angelic boss. Ultimately, this heartfelt comedy proves to be a thought-provoking crowd-pleaser in fraught times.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Good Fortune explores class differences and income inequality. What do you think the movie is trying to say about the disparity between the one percent and the working poor?
What do you think each main character learns about himself and others from the identity shift? How do they demonstrate compassion, empathy, and perseverance?
Jeff believes that he's a "self-made man," but we learn he actually comes from generational wealth. How does this reflect the idea of being born on third base yet thinking you hit a home run?
Arj is educated but broke and looks down on his plight of being working class. How does his character contrast with the much more optimistic Elena or Felipe?
The movie includes jokes about the dangers of texting while driving. Do you think distracted driving is a serious problem? What can we all do to keep drivers focused and safe on the road?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 17, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : November 7, 2025
- Cast : Keanu Reeves , Aziz Ansari , Seth Rogen , Keke Palmer
- Director : Aziz Ansari
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some drug use
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 2, 2025
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