Welcome to the year 1984. At this time, Nike is at an all-time low with a poor market share for shoe sales. Continually being outdone by their competitors Adidas and Converse, Nike plans to work with three new upcoming Basketball players to promote their product. They hope these players will carry the next financial year of return sales and increased profits.
But after studying the current offering of players and viewing multiple videotapes, Sonny (Matt Damon), a key executive at Nike, suddenly feels that the company should make a different choice. This choice is radical and different to anything the company has ever done before. Sonny wants to partner with one player instead of three. He is confident that this player- a rookie basketball player named Michael Jordan- will become the most outstanding athlete the world has ever seen. However, multiple issues are stopping Sonny’s vision from coming to fruition, such as funding, competitiveness, and the current lack of interest from the player himself. It also doesn’t help that the board of Nike, including upper management, claim that the idea is unrealistic and impossible. Sonny decides not to give up so easily, betting his entire career on this move and continuing to chase after what would later become the greatest pursuit in sports history.
In case you are not aware, Air is inspired by true events. Firstly, if you’re not interested in this film because you feel it’s all about basketball and shoes, Air is far greater than that. We see one man reaching out and pursuing an athlete, taking huge risks, and going to deep lengths along with his peers and close friends. Here, the focus is on the power of taking risks, determination, friendship, family, passion, and so much more.
Performances-wise, there is an outstanding range of magnetic characters on-screen, and each performance from the range of actors here is exceptional, unforgettable, and excellent. The cast I’m praising includes the likes of Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. All are stunning.
I adored the world this film created and felt Air successfully took me back to another time and place- the 80s. Director Ben Affleck also reminds the world of his talent behind the camera. His direction was highly enjoyable and clever throughout the entire duration. Some examples include costume designs, culture, and technology. More importantly, the soundtrack is excellent, continually keeping the film upbeat, fun, and exciting. The pacing here is superb. I found myself engaged for the entire duration and highly invested in the story as well as each of the key characters introduced.
Overall, I enjoyed this film incredibly. Air is sensational, delightful, heart-warming and highly motivating. The entire on-screen cast is magnetic, and energetic and communicates many heartfelt moments. Ben Affleck continues to shine brilliantly in his work as a film director, and the same can be said about the leading performance from Matt Damon. I also loved that Air had multiple themes, which are encouraging and touching, and there’s so much more here than a film about basketball and shoes. I walked away from this film feeling so uplifted that I could “fly”. Air is a must-watch and highly recommended; see it “Just Do It”.
10/10
28th March 2023
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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