AIR: COURTING A LEGEND is directed by Ben Affleck. The film stars Affleck, Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis.
In the year 1984, Nike is a struggling athletic company, facing fierce competition from industry giants Converse and Adidas. The company is in a bad way, suffering financially with past losses forcing many company layoffs. Seeing the potential in the basketball world, the ambitious Sonny Vaccaro, against the wishes of his superiors, banks everything on signing a recently drafted basketball player with potential: Michael Jordan. Unfortunately, Adidas and Converse also have their eyes on him, and Vaccaro continually faces uncertainty from his fellow Nike employees. What will it take for Vaccaro to seal the deal, and will he be able to win over his co-workers, as well as the Jordan Family?
These days, Nike is a powerhouse company, and the Air Jordan line accounts for a massive percentage of the company’s wealth. Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t know who Michael Jordan is? What the Air Jordan line is? It’s hard to believe there was a day and age when Nike was a struggling company that was barely staying afloat. I am not a sports fan and make no claims to be, but AIR, based on a true story and directed by Ben Affleck, manages to create widespread appeal with its gripping and interesting subject matter. The film has a razor-sharp script, ideal pacing, fantastic 80s scenery and soundtrack, and a stranger-than-fiction story that will appeal to a wide array of moviegoers; not just sports fans.
While most people know Ben Affleck as an actor, his talents on the other side of the camera are criminally overlooked. AIR has a big story to tell, but Affleck proves from the get-go that this material is in good hands, with him finally directing a movie that’s not a crime drama. With a running time of just under two hours, the pacing is perfect, with the movie telling a very full story that never crumbles under the weight of its subject matter. This is a biopic, not a documentary, and I can’t speak for the product’s historical accuracy, but one thing is for certain: AIR both entertained and informed me, and that’s saying something considering I myself am no sports fan.
The script of AIR quickly becomes its strongest asset. This is a lightning-fast one with one-liners and witty quips around each corner, ensuring the film and its subject matter never feel passive or boring. It’s a drama, but I assure you these laughs never feel out of place! While there are many persons to keep track of in this film, AIR never overwhelms its audience. Whether you know the Air Jordan story inside and out or you’re an outsider just curious about the film, the final product will entertain you. Aaron Sorkin had nothing to do with this film whatsoever, but if you didn’t know better, you’d swear he did (and I mean that as an enormous compliment to the filmmakers).
Casting is top notch, with Matt Damon taking on the lead role. Movies about someone who defies the odds and never stops believing are commonplace in Hollywood, but rarely is it done this well. With his portrayal of Sonny Vaccaro, Mr. Damon deserves a Best Actor nomination, never relenting when it comes to pursuing what he wants, being willing to risk his job and a fledgling company on a positive prospect. Supporting parts are played equally well, including director Affleck as Nike’s CEO (how many movies have Mr. Affleck and Mr. Damon made together now?), Chris Tucker, Marlon Wayans, and in one of her finest roles to date, Viola Davis as the mother of Michael Jordan. Jordan himself is not seen in the film except for from the back and in archival footage, which is a strange but effective decision that works to the film’s favor.
The film also does a fantastic job painting its 1980s setting. The opening sequence is literally a VHS-quality montage set to Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing,” which does a solid effort getting the audience into the setting that the move explores. The soundtrack of classic 80s tunes spanning many musical genres only further helps the audience to get immersed in the past. Period details are handled fantastically throughout.
AIR is a must-see for moviegoers of all kinds, sports fans or not. It’s the fantastic story of the making of a legendary sporting goods company, as well as the transformation of Michael Jordan from young basketball hopeful to cultural icon. Easily one of the best movies I’ve seen in 2023. Absolute highest recommendations!
By Taylor T Carlson
Taylor T Carlson Assistant Editor/Senior Staff Writer Taylor T. Carlson was born August 17, 1984, and has called the Vegas Valley home his entire life. A die-hard fan of classic rock and metal music, Taylor has been writing album and concert reviews since he was 16 years old, and continues to do so, having done well over 1,000 reviews. He is also a fan of video gaming and cinema, and has reviewed a number of games and films as well, old and new alike. His thorough and honest (some would say brutally honest) reviewing style has won him the respect of hundreds of music fans and musicians alike, both local and abroad, and the ire of just as many others. Despite being one of the youngest attendees at classic hard rock/metal shows around Vegas, he is also one of the most knowledgeable, having gained the unofficial nickname of “The Eddie Trunk of Las Vegas.” In addition to reviews, Taylor has written and self-published three books on classic hard rock bands, and is a regular participant in rock and roll trivia contests. Taylor also holds a masters degree in special education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and has appeared on the hit History Channel television series Pawn Stars. His dream is to be able to one day make a living from writing music books and reviews.