(AP) — Aziz Ansari tries to meld social commentary and comedy in his new film “Good Fortune,” about wealth disparity and the shackles of the gig economy. It’s populist territory that is ripe for a big screen skewering and Ansari, who wrote, directed and stars, is attempting something sincere, noble and broadly entertaining. But a modern day “Sullivan’s Travels” this is not.

“Good Fortune,” in theaters Friday, gets a little lost in the logistics of its familiar high concept premise, involving a guardian angel (Keanu Reeves) who makes the poor guy (Ansari) switch with the wealthy guy (Seth Rogen). In its attempts to be empathetic toward everyone, it ambles around between absurdity, social realism and Apatow-esque antics trying to find its groove. And yet nothing is ever quite laugh out loud funny, which is shocking considering the people involved, and its messages are essentially toothless.

Workers unite? Find joy in the small things?

Perhaps the idea that no matter how bad life gets there are always cheap tacos and dancing and laughter should be life-affirming.

And yet it feels hollow, like fodder for an embroidered throw pillow in the discount bin, instead of what it should be: Frank Capra for the billionaire age.

Still, “Good Fortune” is the rare mainstream comedy that doesn’t turn its lens away from the tents and RVs all over Los Angeles and the plight of the omnipresent gig worker, toting food all around town and facing the wrath of a rating system that blames the driver for everything.