‘Good Fortune’: Too Nice to Compete With ‘Trading Places’

One can say, positively, that ‘Good Fortune’ is fundamentally positive and nice. Unfortunately, the best comedy is often quite mean.
‘Good Fortune’: Too Nice to Compete With ‘Trading Places’
Angel Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) explains his actions to his boss Martha (Sandra Oh), in "Good Fortune." Lionsgate
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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R | 1h 37m | Comedy | 2025

“Good Fortune” is the feature film directorial debut of Aziz Ansari, formerly of “Parks & Recreation.” He also wrote the script and plays the lead role himself.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the chief film critic for The Epoch Times, and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by a classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is cited in the book "How to be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to film, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, martial arts, rock-climbing, qigong, and human rights activism.