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Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, this whimsical comedy by actor Aziz Ansari, has been facing challenges in theaters. Many factors could account for the film's performance: The generic name fails to convey its movie's unique appeal. Its script is often preachy and obvious regarding its messages. The acting seem flat and presentational, as if the actors were reading lines directly from the page. Moreover, it arrives at a time marked by economic uncertainty and inequality, that may render viewers less open to a story which suggests rich people enjoy all the benefits while those in need have spirit.

However, here's what the movie stands out: It's original, daring, creative, frequently humorous, and undoubtedly timely. Plus, it provides an unexpectedly enjoyable the actor hangout movie.

Reeves in the role of Guardian: His Typical Portrayal

I have not considered Keanu Reeves to be a good actor. The actor's monotonal delivery and consistent look of mild concern has always seemed limited, despite the wide variety of roles he has taken on over the last 40 of his career. Astute directors have often cast him in roles where that stoic nature fits perfectly, including his early work to The Matrix to the action series. But nearly all of those roles called for him to appear hardened, closed-off, and removed.

Throughout the film, the actor portrays an angel, a minor guardian angel tasked with looking after people that use their phones while behind the wheel. The character's whole duty involves sitting in their vehicles and lightly touching their arms when they are close to have an accident, warning the person in order that they brake in time. But, while standing high above the city, looking down upon the mortal world similar to an alternative version of the angel from Wim Wenders' classic film Wings of Desire, Gabriel becomes ambitious. He desires to become an exceptional protector and a savior of lost souls.

A Surprising Turn: Keanu Playing a Human

So, he presents himself to down-and-out handyman a character (portrayed by the director), who is living in his car and resenting his situation. The angel then swaps Arj with the existence of stupidly rich tech mogul a character (acted by the comedian). The point behind the experiment was for Arj to understand Jeff's existence has major drawbacks, and thankfully return to his original life, similar to the character from the classic film.

Issue is, Arj right away discovers how the mogul's issues (boring appointments, expensive pool-heater invoice) prove minor and easily resolved using money. He also sees how being rich opens up endless chances for self-indulgent fun. He shows zero desire in returning to his own situation, and Gabriel can't compel him to return. Subsequently, additional bad news comes: For exceeding his duties and messing with the balance of the world, the character is fired from his celestial job, and turned to a mortal.

A Revelation: Keanu Reeves Smiles

Personally, I remained not convinced by the actor as an celestial being who has big aspirations and an intense wish to effect change. Reeves delivers a familiar somewhat stiff performance he has been offering for no less than the past three ten-year periods. Viewing him as an celestial being that has just become human for the first time, however, was highly entertaining, due to something which really surprised me initially: This is something new for the actor. Or to be precise, an aspect from the past.

Soon into his baffling experience being a human, staying with Jeff (whom Gabriel had swapped into Arj's hand-to-mouth life and jobless situation), the character begins tentatively experimenting with everyday activities such as chewing and swallowing food. Then the actor grins. Genuinely, hesitantly, happily beams. (It's a lot more believable than the grin shown in the promotional image, which appears artificially added.)

Why That Smile Is Significant

It truly took me aback to realize how surprising and welcome that expression was. When was the last time we saw the actor smile in a movie in which he was not expressing ill will, irony, or bitterness? He probably tries a smile somewhere in the recent ill-conceived the sequel, but I am not going to returning to that disappointment to find out. Reeves has been stuck with serious, violent, broody, or simply serious characters for so long that just seeing him smile felt like seeing an entirely different performer.

While the plot progresses, the character finds himself having to take a dishwashing position, a role that doesn't pay sufficient for survival, and he begins chain-smoking due to frustration. Just the image of the actor in a disposable paper restaurant hat, his recent trademark long hair pulled back in an unglamorous ponytail, leaning against a building and puffing on a cigarette, proves worth the price of admission. The dishwasher getup totally changes his face and body: Suddenly, the lean, well-dressed physical powerhouse of his famous films becomes gawky, unglamorous, and much more relatable.

A Joy of Viewing Keanu Relax

Good Fortune isn't always fun to watch, particularly when Ansari (who also wrote the screenplay) must find plausible reasons for {Ar