Directed By Ben Affleck; Written By Alex Convery; Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Jay Mohr, Julius Tennon, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis.
Inspired by a true story, Air is set in 1984. As Nike is trailing far behind Converse and Adidas in overall sales, concerning CEO Phil Knight (Ben Affleck) watches the rise of the star athlete benefit other companies. Just when Nike needs something big to compete, marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) is tasked with finding someone promising in the world of basketball. Such a figure arrives in an exceptional college player named Michael Jordan, who's about to embark on a career in the NBA. Facing stiff competition from corporate rivals prepare to make life-changing offers to Michael. When a meeting date is set, Sonny, colleagues Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman) and Howard White (Chris Tucker), and shoe designer Peter Moore (Matthew Maher) go to work, preparing a presentation for his family.
Air has a very compelling ensemble cast full of very compelling performances. Matt Damon is quite charismatic as Sonny Vaccaro. Ben Affleck is pretty strong as Phil Knight. Jason Bateman is terrific as Rob Strasser. Chris Tucker is likable as Howard White. Viola Davis is memorable in her few scenes as Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris. It's also nice getting to see her work alongside her real-life husband, Julius Tennon, who plays her spouse here.
Behind the camera, Affleck creates a very 80s visual aesthetic with cinematographer Robert Richardson very successfully. The editing by William Goldenberg is mostly solid. Although I did kind of zone out at a couple points. With that being said, the rest of the movie still kept me invested in this true story I previously knew nothing about. Air may not be a must see, but I think it’s still worth checking out.
Rating: 3.5/5
Inspired by a true story, Air is set in 1984. As Nike is trailing far behind Converse and Adidas in overall sales, concerning CEO Phil Knight (Ben Affleck) watches the rise of the star athlete benefit other companies. Just when Nike needs something big to compete, marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) is tasked with finding someone promising in the world of basketball. Such a figure arrives in an exceptional college player named Michael Jordan, who's about to embark on a career in the NBA. Facing stiff competition from corporate rivals prepare to make life-changing offers to Michael. When a meeting date is set, Sonny, colleagues Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman) and Howard White (Chris Tucker), and shoe designer Peter Moore (Matthew Maher) go to work, preparing a presentation for his family.
Air has a very compelling ensemble cast full of very compelling performances. Matt Damon is quite charismatic as Sonny Vaccaro. Ben Affleck is pretty strong as Phil Knight. Jason Bateman is terrific as Rob Strasser. Chris Tucker is likable as Howard White. Viola Davis is memorable in her few scenes as Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris. It's also nice getting to see her work alongside her real-life husband, Julius Tennon, who plays her spouse here.
Behind the camera, Affleck creates a very 80s visual aesthetic with cinematographer Robert Richardson very successfully. The editing by William Goldenberg is mostly solid. Although I did kind of zone out at a couple points. With that being said, the rest of the movie still kept me invested in this true story I previously knew nothing about. Air may not be a must see, but I think it’s still worth checking out.
Rating: 3.5/5