A Reel Review: AIR

One of the best mini-genres in film are the stories centered around overlooked moments in history. THE KING’S SPEECH from 2010 was one, and Ben Affleck’s ARGO from 2012 was another. Here in 2023, Affleck takes another shot at it (behind and in front of the camera), in telling the tale of the most impactful, big-dollar marriages of an athlete and a corporation. 

 

It is 1984 and Nike is on the verge of bankruptcy. Talent scout Sonny (Matt Damon), and CEO Phil Knight (Affleck), decide to woo future NBA superstar Michael Jordan as their main spokesperson. 

 

Directed by Ben Affleck, AIR is a tale of human determination disguised as a corporate drama. Sonny is the driving force of the film, knowing that if he fails in recruiting Jordan, Nike may be doomed. The task is nearly impossible, with Nike not having a reputation as a basketball shoe and the Jordan family (led by his mom, played by Viola Davis), eager to sign with Nike’s rivals Converse or Adidas. 

 

On paper, the stakes seem low as even the average person who wears Nike’s may have a hard time caring if a corporation makes a few bucks. But AIR makes it work thanks to the desperation felt in Sonny. The burden of saving the Nike world is on him, and he has a vision of not just signing a player, but making him a cultural icon that would change the NBA and basketball marketing forever. 

 

Affleck behind the camera saturates AIR with the 1980’s, peppering it with the music of the time (excellent choices), and the culture. He re-captures the era perfectly. The script, written by Alex Convery, is sharp, witty, and often hilarious. Pacing is brisk, and the AIR flies through its 112 minutes. 

 

Matt Damon is excellent, and his scenes with his long-time collaborator Ben Affleck are electric. Jason Bateman comes in as a marketing guy and is very good. Viola Davis steals the show, and Chris Tucker is a surprise. 

 

AIR is presenting a story that we already know the ending to, as it’s difficult to walk anywhere without seeing a Jordan/Nike shoe or hoodie. But the journey to get there is what counts, and gives us a destination that means even more. The Jordan/Nike relationship was a historic merger, and thanks to AIR we see that it wasn’t just all about dollars and cents. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it