TIFF 2025: Good Fortune Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Adult big studio comedies have seemingly been a dying breed as of late as the genre is seen as a risky proposition. Comedy itself isn’t quite the same as it used to be, which a different discussion in and of itself, as viewing habits have shifted away from the theatrical experience to streaming. That being said, that trend is slowly coming back around as more films find their way into theatres. Good Fortune, the feature directorial debut of comedian Aziz Ansari, attempts to bring something a little different to the table and, for the most part, it works. That’s not to say that there are no flaws here. In spite of a silly premise, the film is hilarious albeit predictable, but what truly ties it together is its spectacular comedic cast, including Ansari as well as Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves. Through its trials and tribulations, the strength of their dynamic shines in a comedy that doesn’t outstay its welcome. As the story goes on, the film becomes less about it and more about the cast having fun on screen for just under 100-minutes. Not only directing, but also writing the script, Ansari delivers a decent effort, using his premise to make yet another commentary on the struggles of the working class where familiar lessons are learned through a bit of introspection.

Good Fortune follows Arj (Ansari), a struggling gig worker an aspiring documentary filmmaker forced to work multiple jobs to get by. Developing feelings for Elena (Palmer), a co-worker at one of his jobs, he was faced with the push and pull of wanting to move on from a job that was meant to be temporary and wanting to pursue a relationship with her. Meanwhile, Gabriel (Reeves), an ambitious yet well-meaning angel whose job was simply to guard over those texting and driving. Wanting to do more, he became consumed with Arj and his story and then took it upon himself to help. However, the way Gabriel went about it wasn’t exactly the most ideal. Lacking the understanding of the many nuances and intricacies of the human race, he found himself meddling in not only Arj’s life but also the life of Jeff (Rogen), an ultra-wealthy odd job client. Feeling increasingly hopeless, Gabriel sought to teach him a lesson by having the two switch lives. However, the move would have the opposite effect, leaving Arj living the high life and Jeff struggling. Demoted for his actions by his boss Martha (Oh), Gabriel and Jeff were left to fend for themselves while Arj was living it up. The contrast between their experiences in and of itself made for some decent entertainment.

Though the humor may not be new by any means, it works thanks to the comedic timing of Ansari, as well as Rogen and Reeves. As the film heads towards a predictable conclusion, the three were a blast to watch, with the chemistry of the latter pair leading the way. The stronger material came from the latter dynamic as Rogen’s Jeff balancing out Reeves’ scene-stealing Gabriel, and his newfound human side, was gold.

In the end, audiences will find good fortune with Good Fortune, a decent comedy and directorial debut lifted by the strength of its talented cast.

still courtesy of Lionsgate

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.