As if Michael Jordan’s career hasn’t been compelling enough on the basketball court, it seems outrageous that the story of his partnership with Nike is just as crazy. Air (2023), directed by Ben Affleck is the storyline of Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) a basketball talent scout who takes on the impossible task of getting Micahel Jordan, the 3rd 1984 NBA draft pick, to partner with Nike shoe company on the court.
CEO Phil Knight (Ben Affleck) and Marketing VP Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman) inform him of the impossibility of his endeavor but Sonny decides to follow his gut and use everything he has to get Jordan on their side. With the knowledge we have of Jordan’s iconic partnership with Nike with Air Jordan’s, Affleck and first time screenwriter Alex Convery craft a crowd pleasing film about the journey to the shoe we all love.
Convery has written one of the strongest scripts so far this year. It is filled with comedy, heart, and tension in a way that seems unlikely when dealing with a topic like basketball shoe business deals. What makes Air so strong is the inevitable result we all know is coming. Yet, Alex Convery and Affleck are able to put the audience on the edge of their seats to see just how everything will go down. Seeing Nike as only the third highest shoe company behind Converse and Adidas in 1984 seems shocking knowing what we know today. Not only are we seeing the triumph of the company, but the journey to get there is just as fulfilling.
The movie’s script is both heartfelt and realistic. It never loses sight of the primary reason Sonny Vaccaro attempts to secure a deal with Michael Jordan in the first place: for business. In an attempt to ensure that Nike does not fall too far behind Converse and Adidas, Sonny knows that his main focus must be on his job.
However, it becomes evident that Sonny’s focus on Jordan is not solely for business purposes. He sees greatness in Jordan that he believes could revolutionize the basketball world. Consequently, the film’s script achieves an excellent balance between Sonny Vaccaro’s business and personal perspectives on Michael Jordan, juxtaposing two incredible stories of a man who wants to transform the world of shoe collaboration and another whose skills and talent have made him the greatest basketball player of all time.
Business sports as a sub-genre of the sports film has proven to be just as compelling as buzzer beater shots and last minute touchdowns. Air makes sure to look at all sides of this incredible story. In other films where it would be obvious to focus on Matt Damon’s character and use others as a means to tell his story, Convery is able to bring out amazing performances by Affleck and Bateman.
Related: Super Mario Bros Movie Review – Colorful Yet Emotionless!
One of the most memorable scenes from the movie features Bateman’s character explaining how although risks are necessary in business it’s important to at least acknowledge the consequences of these risks. It is a scene one just has to see for themselves to understand just how incredible Convery is as a screenwriter. Air is a film that will touch all generations and movie goers alike. It is undeniable how incredible Air is in all cinematic aspects. This is one not to miss in theaters!
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