Air: Movie Review

It may feel like a Nike ad, but it’s a good one!

Hey there, movie buffs! If you haven't seen AIR yet, brace yourselves for a star-studded flick that aims to bring us an epic true sports story. But guess what? It turned out to be the most extravagant corporate promo ever! However, let's find the silver lining and turn those frowns upside down.

Travel back to the 80s, where Sonny Vaccaro, a bigwig at Nike, had this wild dream of signing up none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan to rock their revolutionary Air Jordan kicks. These sneakers were all about MJ, an essential part of his iconic brand. But hold up! Converse and Adidas waved around more cash, trying to steal the show. Undeterred, Vaccaro embarks on a daring adventure, hitting the road to North Carolina, aiming to bypass all the legalities and win over the formidable Deloris Jordan, MJ's kickass momma.

Let's talk cast, my friends. Matt Damon rocks it as Vaccaro, keeping things cool and breezy. But let me tell you, Viola Davis steals the spotlight as Deloris Jordan. She brings charisma and power, taking her performance to the next level! However, there's one hitch—they didn't give her enough screen time. The connection between her and Vaccaro barely shines through.

Fun fact: It was Michael Jordan’s idea to cast Viola Davis as his mother in #AIRMovie, a thought he pitched straight to Ben Affleck when he came to MJ for his blessing on the film. pic.twitter.com/rDjN00dsHY

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) May 16, 2023

Instead, we get a bunch of snazzy execs, grinning from ear to ear. Nike CEO Phil Knight (played by none other than Ben Affleck himself), marketing director Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman), NBA liaison Howard White (Chris Tucker), and MJ's aggressive agent David Falk (Chris Messina).

Now, here's where things get interesting—MJ himself doesn't make an appearance! It's a bold artistic choice, my friends. But you know what? They kept us on our toes and added a unique twist. However, it's Deloris Jordan, the real MVP, who deserved more screen time. Let's hope they make it up to her in the future!

Fun fact: This powerful line in #AIRMovie was completely improv'd by Viola Davis day-of. pic.twitter.com/tkPEQqb5jf

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) May 22, 2023

So, my fellow movie enthusiasts, get ready to be pleasantly surprised! While this flick might not hit all the expected notes, it still manages to deliver an intriguing experience that dives deeper into the industry's history and the company's journey. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend giving it a watch. It sheds light on the untold stories behind the scenes, giving us a glimpse into the captivating world of sneaker culture and the rise of an iconic brand.

Grab your popcorn, settle in, and let Air take you on a captivating journey through sports history and the triumphs of a game-changing company. It's a must-see for anyone curious about the hidden side of the industry. Don't miss out on this unique cinematic adventure!