The story behind how Michael Jordan chose to wear Nikes before winning six NBA titles and defeating the Monstars in “Space Jam” is revealed in “Air.”
Starring in the film is Ben Affleck, who also returned to the director’s chair for the project, teaming up with first time screenwriter Alex Convery. The film centers on talent scout Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), who works in the basketball division for Nike, operated by CEO Phil Knight (Affleck).
A smaller company at that point, Nike doesn’t appear to have the ability to go after a ton of up and coming NBA players for shoe contracts. However, Vaccaro says Nike doesn’t need to go after a whole bunch of players, and instead, the company should give it their all to sign NCAA Champion, future Chicago Bull and eventual Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.
In basketball terms, “Air” is not at the level of seeing your team win with a buzzer beater in the playoffs. Instead, it’s more akin to watching your team cruise to a comfortable win in the middle of the season on a weeknight. It puts a smile on your face, but won’t be something you hold on to as memorable.
It benefits from Affleck’s skill as a director and Convery’s snappy script, which come together nicely for a compelling business picture. It’s somewhat reminiscent of an Aaron Sorkin project, with a fast-paced story revolving around a subject featuring a good mix of human drama and career ambitions.
However, instead of, say, politics, the subject of “Air” is selling basketball shoes.
Basketball and the related business ventures act as the catalyst for the various engaging character journeys featured, such as Sonny’s conviction regarding Jordan’s potential greatness and Michael’s mother (played by Viola Davis) wanting to ensure a good future for her son.
Admittedly, “Air” is a little breezy, no pun intended. It is true that in the film, Nike is putting a lot of resources on the line for this deal, yet the stakes still aren’t entirely high, and there’s a rather calm atmosphere over the whole picture.
It’s not as intense or cutthroat as, say, 2010’s “The Social Network” or 2015’s “Steve Jobs.” As a result, “Air” won’t have anyone on the edge of their seat and the drama isn’t as endlessly enticing as other business-centered films out there. It is competently made, though, thanks to its experienced director, and also features a solid cast.
In acting terms, the movie boasts an Oscar winner in Davis, an Oscar nominee in Damon, a Golden Globe winner in Jason Bateman and a BAFTA nominee in Affleck. The four of them, as well as supporting players like Chris Tucker and Matthew Maher, while not giving career bests, are all solid in this picture.
“Air” is a fine film for a weekend matinee. It’s an entertaining drama with good acting, clever writing, and while there may be a bit too many needle drops, the music is pretty good, managing to capture the 80s feel. 3.5 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 
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