Aziz Ansari’s latest venture, Good Fortune, is a bold reimagining of the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, but with a modern, darker twist. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just another feel-good holiday movie—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of wealth, identity, and the unexpected consequences of getting what you wish for. Ansari, known for his roles in Parks & Recreation and Master of None, steps behind the camera for his feature directorial debut, also starring as Arj, a struggling Angeleno whose life takes a surreal turn after crossing paths with his wealthy boss, Jeff (Seth Rogen). Enter Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a charmingly naive angel who orchestrates a divine body swap to teach Arj a lesson about the true value of life. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if solving all your problems at once creates a whole new set of complications? Critics have praised Reeves’ performance, but the film’s box office performance has been underwhelming, grossing just $15.8 million against a $30 million budget. Is this a case of art not finding its audience, or does the film fall short of its ambitious premise?
For those who missed Good Fortune in theaters, the wait is almost over. Starting November 7, 2025, you can rent or purchase the film on PVOD platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home for $19.99 and $24.99, respectively. Physical media fans will have to wait until December 9, 2025, but be warned: the prices are steep. The Blu-ray will set you back $39.99, the DVD $29.99, and the 4K Ultra HD combo pack from Amazon is $34.99. Is this pricing strategy a fair reflection of the film’s value, or is it a missed opportunity to make it more accessible?
Adding to the complexity, the special features are scattered across platforms. While physical media versions include most extras, like an audio commentary with Ansari and producer Alan Yang, PVOD platforms offer exclusives like Fandango’s Task Sergeant Ride-Along and Apple’s Do You Want to Dance?. Does this fragmented release strategy enhance the viewing experience, or does it alienate fans?
Good Fortune may not be a box office hit, but its unique blend of humor, heart, and social commentary makes it a must-watch. Whether you stream it or splurge on the physical release, Ansari’s directorial debut is sure to spark conversations. So, here’s the question: Does Good Fortune live up to its potential, or is it a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments!
