While watching the documentary series The Last Dance, screenwriter Alex Convery got interested in how Nike signed with Michael Jordan. Convery wrote the script between 2020 and 2021 under the title Air Jordan and was on that year’s Black List. In 2022, Amazon Studios acquired the screenplay and hired Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, with Affleck as director. Before production began, Michael Jordan met with Ben Affleck to give his blessing if the script was changed. Mostly, Jordan wanted specific figures included, namely George Raveling and Howard White, along with the removal of Tinker Hatfield. Jordan also asked for his parents’ role to be further expanded and requested that Viola Davis play his mother. Once the changes were made, the movie was shot in Los Angeles between June and July 2022. While initially planned for a streaming-only release, Amazon decided to release Air to theaters in April 2023.
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Synopsis
Set in 1984, Nike is considering closing their basketball division because of poor sales and competition from Converse and Adidas. Nike’s basketball talent scout, Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), has to find a player to be the new spokesperson. Vaccaro thinks young up-and-coming Michael Jordan (Damian Delano Young) has potential, but he’s considered off-limits because he loves Adidas. After meeting with Jordan’s former Olympic coach George Raveling (Marlon Wayans), Vaccaro flies to Wilmington to meet with Jordan’s parents. Vaccaro assures Michael’s mother, Deloris (Viola Davis), that Nike will provide everything the competition can’t. Despite Jordan’s agent David Falk’s (Chris Messina) warning, Vaccaro and Robby Strasser (Jason Bateman) start working on their pitch. They ask designer Peter Moore (Matthew Maher) to develop a shoe specifically for Michael Jordan, which they call “Air Jordan.” The future of Nike’s basketball division depends on whether or not this deal will go through.
Review
Much like Ford v Ferrari, Air is a fantastic biopic you can enjoy whether or not you’re a sports fan. I don’t claim to be a sports expert, but I found the story captivating and was riveted throughout. It helps that everyone in the cast is giving a phenomenal performance, and the script is incredibly well-written. Matt Damon is relatable as the middle-aged, slightly overweight guy trying to do a successful job at work. His scenes with Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck are among the film’s many highlights as they exchange tons of banter. Like every other film she’s been in, Viola Davis gives an outstanding performance as Michael Jordan’s mother. Marlon Wayans does an excellent job in the few scenes he has, as do Chris Tucker and Chris Messina. Honestly, there isn’t a single bad actor in the entire cast.
Returning to James Mangold’s 2019 film about the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, the film touched on the American Dream. Similarly, Air exemplifies how anyone can succeed with the drive and perseverance to overcome larger-than-life obstacles. Some might see this as a giant advertisement for Nike, but the film is more about proving your worth. Not only is Vacarro’s job on the line but so are the livelihoods of his coworkers and his entire department. The fast pace can sometimes be overwhelming, but the movie keeps the story engaging. At slightly under two hours, there isn’t a spot that drags, and even the slower scenes are entertaining. It’s hard to say since 2023 isn’t halfway over, but this might be one of the year’s best films. Overall, Air works, thanks to its fantastic cast, solid direction, snappy writing, and riveting story.
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