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Film reviews

Good Fortune Review

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Written and directed by Aziz Ansari, this is probably one of the most well-written and cleverly crafted comedies of 2025. Good Fortune is a comedy that is a delight because Ansari knows how to capture reality and fairness from a realistic perspective of how life seems for many individuals. He creates a dynamic of people with interesting lives (including himself), and he adds an angel to make things better. Well…that angel tries. But overall, the concept of the comedy is just genius. I have seen Ansari three times on stage doing stand-up comedy, and I will say his craft as a comedy writer seamlessly crosses over to movies. Good Fortune is a breakout of wonders for sure.

Aziz Ansari plays Arj, and he is a struggling delivery driver in California. He is desperately struggling to make ends meet. Around him, there is an angel named Gabriel, played by Keanu Reevers. Gabriel is an angel assigned to keep people alive by basically making them alert by not texting and driving.  He basically keeps humans alive by preventing them from getting into serious injuries due to obliviousness. Gabriel wants a change as well though. Gabriel’s boss is Martha, played by Sandra Oh. Gabriel wants to make people’s lives better, but his options are limited. Things begin to come around when Arj earns the opportunity to work for a wealthy venture capitalist named Jeff. Jeff is played by Seth Rogen. Once Arj begins to work for Jeff, his life starts to see some light.

There is a twist to this comedy and this is where the entertaining genius lies.  Arj convinces Gabriel to make it possible for him to swap lives with Jeff. This means that Jeff ends up being the one struggling financially, while Arj is rich and wealthy. At the same time, Gabriel is an angel who is trying to navigate the reality of what makes actual humans happy, because he himself is not (technically) a human. A film of moving parts where the rich live for fun, and those who hustle must truly hustle. Ansari creates the dynamics of fairness presented as daring.

The film leads to a path of envy and jealousy becoming the theme. That is seen more by the Angel character of Reeves. Moreover, there is the impression that some have a lavish life and may not deserve it. The creative style of Ansari’s directing is how it creates equality—the portrait that no one is perfect—no matter how rich, poor, or successful. Anyone can have flaws. The “flaws” in Good Fortune have witty misdirection making this one of the best comedies I have ever seen.

The classiness of Good Fortune is in the fact that it makes audiences look at reality. It makes us ask the question, “Are we are truly happy with our lives?”. Would many be happier if they were just rich all the time? Or would some rather just continue to hustle? How many would want to swap their life for another? Despite the good that comes out of rotated lives, the hurdles of change are presented with a reality that has plateaus that are unavoidable. Ansari’s writing has tangents that are spellbinding in that aspect, especially with Reeves as angel navigating making people’s lives better. There is no clear end in sight for Good Fortune. The light of happiness is in the writing, and the funniness is fueled by competitions to get lifestyles back. Four out of four stars for Good Fortune.

Film reviews

John Candy: I Like Me Review

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A documentary by Colin Hanks about a beloved actor is here. John Candy was a man who cared greatly about others. In this film, the story of his life is seen through the eyes of many. John Candy: I Like Me is not only engaging, but also a reminder of what good can come when always striving to stay positive. This is a vivid portrait of success that explores Candy’s trials and errors. John Candy: I Like Me made my heart ache because of the honest and in-depth exploration of his life.

The film focuses on John Candy and includes interviews with Tom Hanks, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and many more. A lot of the content talks about his time at Second City in Chicago and his days in Toronto, his hometown. There is a lot to know about John Candy.  The weight of professional success greatly impacted John, but it was also a lot for him as well. John Candy: I Like Me paints the portrait that being a winner does not always result in the positive picture everyone imagines.

Many of the discussions in the film go back to John’s son, Chris Candy. Chris discusses how he has coped with his father’s death, but also what his father was like as a human-being. While sharing many inspirational stories, he also elaborates on where he feels things went wrong. The celebrities interviewed for the documentary do so as well, especially the ones he was closest to.  Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray displayed lots of concerns. The many pounds John gained were influencing his impact, but his fame already so established that his thinking was altered. Deep-down, however, his caring heart was what made him special.

Audiences will feel they are in the mind of Candy as his world is revisited. From the many moments of laughter in his classics ranging from Home Alone to Uncle Buck to The Great Outdoors, and so many more. John Candy: I Like Me is a one-of-a-kind gem which captures the essence of human kindness and made this documentary hit home for me. There is a lot to think about when it comes to the many hurdles that John faced, but still, he was there for so many.

The upbeat energy in the Chicago Theatre where I attended this screening was fueled by producer Ryan Reynolds, Chris Candy, and Jim Belushi. It was the ultimate discussion of legends that made this documentary come to life. Each of them shared their own unique perspective on John’s personality which led to a joyful evening. The heartfelt energy flowed during and after the movie which made it a truly magical night.

There is a part of the documentary in which they interview Macaulay Culkin. What I appreciated is how Macaulay elaborated on the fact that he was not close to his father growing up. However, during Home Alone, John was thoughtful enough to check in regularly on Macaulay. Being there for someone is an important way that John demonstrated his kind nature. John Candy: I Like Me is full of positive memories messages. Although it doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships he faced, it shines with John’s greatest moments. Four out of four stars.

Film reviews

Spider-Man 2.1 (2004) Fathom Entertainment

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Spider-Man 2.1, First time with the Extended Cut in Theatres:

From Sony Pictures and Fathom Entertainment, the Spider-Man trilogy continues in cinemas for a limited run. Spider-Man 2.1 brings audiences in for a treat. 2.1 offers an extended cut of the film, which is fourteen minutes longer than the original theatrical release. The 14 additional minutes add meaning to the sequel and the franchise offering a few more webs of nostalgia. With Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man, Seabiscuit) as Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) as Mary Jane, and Alfred Molina (Coffee and Cigarettes, Luther) as Dr. Otto Octavius, the extended cut has a lot more humor and cleverness of added layers in the 2004 classic sequel. But there are also more moments of darkness among the vengeful side of Harry Osborne, as he is played by James Franco (Spider-Man, The Company). Fans can expect a lot more confrontational tracks for a more invigorating ride of uncharted webs with Spider-Man 2.1.

Fathom Entertainment Features:

Before the film begins, audiences will have a chance to listen to the words of Alfred Molina as he discusses some of the details pertaining to his preparation for his role as evil scientist Dr. Otto Octavius. Molina goes deep into explaining his love for the comic book character, and  how he felt that the layers of the humor of the comic books helped fuel his personality with the role. The pre-show feature also includes discussion  of the technological outlines for working out Doc Ock’s  many electronic arms. The production design,  layout, and character development  feel like a grand entry into the classical (and extended and never-before-seen) sequel on the big screen. The dynamic of Molina and Maguire tango rapidly in this sequel, and audiences will have a glimpse at how Sam Raimi’s film still lives on twenty-plus years later. The revisited fun continues, and the enemies of Spider-Man always have their classical trials and errors. That is because Spider-Man always gets back up, and he even (tries) to encourage his enemies to find the good in themselves.

Worth the time?

The continued fun of Spider-Man with Sony and Fathom Entertainment is an opportunity not to be missed. Especially with Spider-Man 2.1 offering  moments that were never before seen in cinemas.  The extended sequel highlights the revenge of Harry, Peter trying to navigate his life as Spider-Man, and a new villain swarming New York. Spider-Man 2.1 is a sequel with additional layers that cannot be missed. For more special events with revisited classics visitwww.fathomentertainment.com 

Review also available on MovieArcher

https://www.moviearcher.com/movie-archer/classic-targets-in-4k/spider-man-2-1-2004