“Air” Review: A Captivating Tale of Sonny Vaccaro and the Rise of Air Jordan
“Air” is a gripping film centered around Sonny Vaccaro, an energetic hustler determined to strike the deal of a lifetime. With Vaccaro’s relentless efforts, Nike successfully secured Michael Jordan, propelling him to become one of the greatest basketball players in history. The film derives its title from the iconic Air Jordan sneakers that became a coveted symbol worldwide.
Ben Affleck’s directorial brilliance shines through as he skillfully tells a story whose outcome is already known. Following his previous successful works like “Gone Baby Gone,” “The Town,” and “Argo,” Affleck delivers another solid, mid-budget film for mature audiences. With a sharp and snappy script by Alex Convery, “Air” delves into the process of how Nike captured Jordan’s essence and created a shoe that embodied his soon-to-be legendary persona.
The film excels in its portrayal of the interactions within mundane spaces such as offices, conference rooms, and production labs. Affleck and Matt Damon’s on-screen reunion is a sheer delight as they portray longtime friends and colleagues. Damon shines as Sonny Vaccaro, while Affleck embodies Nike co-founder Phil Knight with a mix of calm and corporate arrogance.
Set in 1984, during a time when Nike’s basketball division was overshadowed by its competitors, “Air” follows Vaccaro’s relentless quest to convince everyone around him of Jordan’s transformative potential. The film features a stellar supporting cast, including Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina, and Viola Davis, who bring depth and humor to their respective roles.
“Air” is a timeless underdog story that captures the essence of determination and resilience. Affleck expertly evokes the 1980s era through subtle references and a nostalgic soundtrack, although at times it can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, the film remains smooth and reliable, akin to one of Jordan’s remarkable buzzer-beating shots.
Catch “Air” on Prime today, May 12th, for an enthralling cinematic experience.
