#MovieReview: Air is one of the most entertaining movies of 2023

Air ultimately boils down to a two-hour procedural on corporate marketing, but it’s one of the most entertaining movies this year.

The film, which tracks Nike’s courting of soon-to-be superstar Michael Jordan for their basketball division, is pitch perfect in its comic-melodrama execution.

Directed by Ben Affleck, it is the first time he has sat back in the director’s chair since the middlingly divisive Live By Night, and again proves a steady hand behind the camera.

His first trio of efforts, Gone Baby Gone, The Town and Argo were all excellent and it bodes well for the industry if he starts producing on a more regular basis.

This is a throwback kind of film, not because of its setting in the 80s, but rather for its mid-budget execution and ambition.

It will be a pleasant surprise on TV reruns for years and has all the makings of something that will retain cultural cachet going forward.

These films are exceedingly rare in an industry that favours micro-budget risks or $250-million sure things, which has left something of a missing middle.

And though it did cost $90-million, certainly not a paltry budget, most of that is clearly spent on securing star power as opposed to huge set pieces or CGI reshoots.

Affleck also co-stars as Nike CEO Phil Knight, but Air is focused mainly on Matt Damon who plays talent scout Sonny Vaccaro.

Damon’s affably competent shtick fits perfectly into this story, where his primary focus is to convince Jordan’s mother Deloris (Viola Davis, who is typically excellent) to let her son sign with Nike.

Nike is one of the industry leaders in 2023, but was firmly behind Adidas and other competitors in terms of market share in 1984, which is when Air is set.

The company throws everything at the Jordans to get them to sign, later creating the still-popular Air Jordan shoe brand.

Modern viewers are, of course, more attuned to corporate strategy and are generally cynical towards major corporations – for good reason too.

And there are times when Air feels like a feature length advertisement, with product placement quite literally in the title.

But with a propulsive script, well-handled 80s aesthetic and tonally perfect performances, Air does enough to convince you to leave your critical thoughts at the door.

This is a quality movie that is made for adults and will likely be one of your best viewing experiences of the year.

Rated 16 for Language.
4/5.

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