In a world where movie stars often seem larger than life, Keanu Reeves continues to stand apart — not for his fame, but for his humanity. He’s the rare kind of Hollywood legend whose greatest role might not be on screen, but in the way he lives his life. And in Aziz Ansari’s new film Good Fortune, Reeves reminds us once again why audiences across generations love him — not just for his action-packed heroics, but for his kindness, humility, and effortless charm.
In Good Fortune, Reeves plays Gabriel, an angel sent to Earth to help lost souls rediscover joy and meaning. It’s a character that feels tailor-made for him — gentle, selfless, and deeply human, even with wings. His presence lights up the film, blending sincerity with a subtle humor that feels refreshingly pure. Unlike his brooding assassins or cyber warriors, Gabriel is a role that lets Keanu explore the warmth and wit fans have always sensed beneath his quiet persona.
Aziz Ansari, who both directs and stars in the film, has described Reeves as “the beating heart of Good Fortune.” The story, part fantasy and part heartfelt comedy, follows Ansari’s character as he struggles with life’s disappointments, only to be guided — sometimes clumsily, sometimes hilariously — by Gabriel. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable. Reeves brings an almost childlike wonder to his role, the kind of warmth that turns a simple line or a quiet smile into something magical.
It’s a reminder that Keanu has always had impeccable comedic timing, even if audiences mostly associate him with dark suits and bullet-time stunts. Long before John Wick or The Matrix, Reeves made his mark as one-half of the lovable, clueless duo in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. That role, goofy as it was, revealed something essential about him — an innocence, an authenticity that couldn’t be faked. Even when he’s poking fun at himself, Keanu never condescends to the material. He finds the humanity in humor, the truth in the absurd.
In Good Fortune, that same sincerity becomes his superpower. Whether he’s fumbling through divine interventions or quietly comforting a heartbroken stranger, Reeves plays Gabriel as a being who understands that real goodness isn’t about perfection — it’s about compassion. Watching him glide between laughter and tenderness feels like seeing the best of Keanu distilled into one role: a man who makes you smile even as he makes you think.
What makes Reeves’ performance so powerful is how much of himself seems to be in it. Off-screen, he’s famously humble — known for giving up his seat on the subway, donating millions to children’s hospitals, and quietly supporting crew members behind the scenes. His kindness has become Hollywood legend. There are no scandals, no ego-driven feuds, no pretentious soundbites — just a man who treats everyone with decency. In Good Fortune, those same qualities shine through. You don’t feel like you’re watching a performance; you feel like you’re watching Keanu being exactly who he is: gentle, funny, and profoundly good.
Aziz Ansari’s direction gives Reeves plenty of room to play, and he uses it masterfully. One moment, he’s the wide-eyed celestial being who doesn’t understand human sarcasm; the next, he’s the wise guide whose words strike straight to the heart. His comic timing is impeccable, balancing absurdity with grace. It’s no surprise early reviews are calling Good Fortune “a love letter to optimism” — and to Keanu himself.
For Reeves, the film also marks a full-circle moment. After years of brooding action roles — from Speed to The Matrix trilogy to John Wick — Good Fortune allows him to reconnect with the softer side that first made audiences adore him. It’s the same warmth that made his turn as Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4 so memorable — a hilarious, self-doubting Canadian stuntman who ends up teaching everyone about courage. Beneath the humor, there’s always heart. That’s what defines Keanu Reeves.
There’s also something beautifully symbolic about seeing him play an angel. In a way, it’s what fans have been saying all along — that he’s a rare soul in Hollywood, someone who gives more than he takes, who listens more than he speaks. And in Good Fortune, that purity isn’t exaggerated or theatrical; it’s disarmingly real. When Gabriel delivers lines about faith, kindness, or second chances, you believe him — not because he’s playing a celestial being, but because it feels like Keanu is speaking from experience.
By the film’s end, Good Fortune feels like more than just a comedy. It’s a reflection on what it means to be human — flawed, hopeful, and always searching for light. And in that journey, Reeves shines brightest.
From Bill & Ted to John Wick, from Neo to Gabriel, Keanu Reeves has done what few actors can: evolve without losing himself. His secret? Staying true to the simple virtues that Hollywood often forgets — humility, humor, and heart.
Maybe Good Fortune isn’t just the title of a movie. Maybe it’s what we’ve all had, for decades now — the good fortune of watching one of the kindest souls in Hollywood remind us, again and again, that being a hero doesn’t always mean saving the world. Sometimes, it just means being good.
