Air

 

  

      Loosely fact-based drama detailing how Nike signed Michael Jordan to a contract that changed the company and the sports world forever.

    Directed by Ben Affleck, this fast-paced story puts a full court press on Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro and his pursuit of Mr. Jordan to sign an exclusive contract with Nike. Matt Damon is perfection as Sonny and Mr. Affleck, while directing, doubles down, playing the role of Phil Knight, the CEO of Nike and Sonny's boss.

     The film also stars Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker and as Mr. Jordan's mother, Viola Davis. While Michael Jordan is portrayed by Damian Delano Young, we only see him from the back in one particular scene. Mr. Affleck makes the choice to not focus on Mr. Jordan as a character as the film is really not about him and his image is really only shown on magazine covers and basketball video clips.

     Chris Messina plays David Falk; Mr. Jordan's agent and he has some of the juiciest scenes in the film. Of course, being the agent, he is portrayed as the "villain" of the piece, which was far from the truth, but it makes for good drama.

      The film takes other liberties with how the story actually occurred but the fictious parts all make for a better film. Backed by a strong script and a great '80's soundtrack, the film never misses a beat creating excitement and tension for the viewer, which in reality, was probably not all that exciting outside of the corporate world.

       It's fun to watch Mr. Affleck and Mr. Damon together again on screen and Ms. Davis hits a three pointer with another strong performance. Mr. Affleck keeps everything lively and thoroughly entertaining. You don't have to love basketball or even know a lot about Michael Jordan to enjoy the film.