Director: Ben Affleck
Writer: Alex Convery
Stars: Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, Chris Messina, Viola Davis, Chris Tucker
‘AIR’ see’s not only Ben Affleck’s return to directing, but also his latest collaboration with best friend Matt Damon, and reviewers are calling this movie an absolute triumph. I got the chance to watch this at an exclusive premiere thanks to Universal Pictures, and after watching it I have to agree with reviewers, ‘AIR’ is brilliant.
This movie holds one important message, something that was all to familiar to me growing up, when consumers are buying footwear, they’re investing in the fantasy of walking in someone else’s shoes. In hopes of being able to achieve what their favourite sports star or personal idol has achieved, with the possibility of becoming greatness.
From award-winning director Ben Affleck, ‘AIR’ reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.
‘AIR’ is far more than just a sports film, utilizing the story of Nike pursuing a partnership with Michael Jordan, we get a testament to believing in yourself, believing in others, and standing for something. From Jason Bateman, Matt Damon, to the likes of Marlon Wayans and Chris Tucker, it’s an absolutely aces ensemble cast, everyone is just keyed in to the material, their roles, and work together to execute this story effortlessly. There is never a dull moment, and it never ceases to be a delight.
I saw an interview with Ben Affleck on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’, and Affleck stated that himself and Matt Damon had a meeting with Michael Jordan, who told them that they could make the movie under one condition, that Viola Davis plays his mum. That investment became a small yet crucial part of the film, and Davis took her role of Deloris and made it absolutely soar. Her belief in and love for her son shines through, with tremendous results.
‘AIR’ makes a solid statement that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon together make magnificent films. It will go down as one of the best sporting films ever made, side by side with the likes of ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘The Blind Side’, it stands out as one of the best films of 2023. A movie you do not want to miss.
‘AIR’ hits theatres everywhere 5th of April.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
