An angel (Keanu Reeves) intervenes in the life of a man (Aziz Ansari) who’s about to give up on life, but things soon get uncontrollably out of hand very quickly.

Aziz Ansari’s fantasy comedy, which sees him directing, writing, producing, and starring, is clever, laugh-out-loud funny, relatable, and inspired. The concept plays a cross between Trading Places and It’s a Wonderful Life, while never feeling generic or derivative of those films, even if the idea’s similarities aren’t being hid. Ansari gives a flawed yet understandable frustration and hopelessness with his circumstance, and a charismatic humorous side. Seth Rogen gives an incredibly funny and physical performance as his character goes on quite an unexpected journey. Keke Palmer shines as Ansari’s love interest Elena, who’s passionate and humble, with Palmer providing lots of genuine heart to the film. The casting of Gabriel was perfect and Reeves was perhaps the only actor who could convey this emotional sweetness come off as effortless yet genuine and real.

The film’s best when looking at humanity’s relationship with materialism, and contrasting wealth with the the lower class trying to achieve the seemingly impossible task of making ends meet, including the unreasonable cost of living, the terrifying market of finding a job (and usually one isn’t enough), and the corporate greed that makes harsh conditions for minimum wage workers. The film feels like it’s missing a piece of the puzzle when it comes to its main character’s arc, but it’s got a real heart to it that’s boosted by it’s lovable actors and the humor’s attempt to keep one-upping what came before. Somehow, it still feels restrained enough to be a screwball comedy that’s not completely silly, and still very genuine while fantastical and uplifting.