Good Fortune

Kudos to Aziz Ansari for getting a movie made, getting a theatrical release, and sneaking in a little social commentary. But the comedy here is uneven. Rogan and Reeves are both on their mark and subvert their personas admirably. Ansari though, with his voice like a blaring bugle, feels a bit off. The editors of Parks and Rec must have understood his rhythms better than he does, because there are times where he seems like he’s tired and trying to keep up. Maybe that’s because he was wearing writing and directing hats, too. The concept isn’t wildly original. It’s Trading Places, Life Stinks, Sullivan’s Travels, and every Capra movie all rolled into a big, LA street taco. So while the execution isn’t stellar, it’s a serviceable thesis of wealth inequity and Keanu the slacker angel offers some mild chuckles.