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‘Air’ review: Dir. Ben Affleck (2023)

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite for this terrific sports movie examining a specific and defining moment in the history of Nike, specifically the signing of Michael Jordan to the brand to bring the famous Air Jordans to shelves. An uplifting affair delivered with gusto from Affleck and co, the film delights and just might be one of the best films of the year.

Without a doubt, this is Damon’s movie; the actor properly linking back up with his old mate some twenty-six years after their Oscar-winning bow with Good Will Hunting, save for a brief parlay in 2021’s Ridley Scott epic The Last Duel. Air is hugely enjoyable for a film that largely takes place between the four walls of an office block. Damon is Sonny Vaccaro, an in-house sports marketing executive at Nike who is tasked with making their basketball division better than it is – which is largely failing. He focuses his sights purely on an unknown named Michael Jordan, a rookie with tons of promise who also has the eye of rivals Converse and German manufacturer Adidas. The film charts Sonny’s plays to secure the signature of Jordan to their basketball roster, to promote a new show that would go on to be one of the most iconic brands of all time, and a deal that would set a precedent and trasnform the relationship between sports stars and brands for decades to come.

I loved every minute of this movie – think Jerry Maguire crossed with Moneyball and you’ll have an idea of the tone of this film. Affleck once again proves that he’s a force to be reckoned with behind the camera, a filmmaker refusing to be tied to genre and with this, delivers his most lighthearted and rewarding feature to date. As well as Damon, he’s put together a remarkable ensemble cast. Standouts include Viola Davis as Jordan’s loving, though determined mother, Deloris, as well as an in-form Jason Batman as fellow marketing man Rob Strasser, and a brilliant Chris Tucker as Howard White, who would go on to become Vice President of the Jordan Brand. Then there’s Affleck himself who positions himself as Nike founder Phil Knight, a terrific turn from the actor who is a delight to watch in every scene.

This is brilliant, unmissable stuff – both funny and very inspiring throughout. It is heartfelt, sincere, and very uplifting, Make no mistake, Air is one of the best films of the year, and oh so very rewarding. Don’t think twice about going to see this film. Just do it.

Air is released in cinemas on 5th April 2023.

Air

Paul Heath

Film

Summary

A very inspiring, uplifting and ultimately rewarding piece of work and up there as one of Affleck’s best as director.

5

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