AIR is a uniquely nostalgic sports drama about the greatest endorsement deal ever inked.
THE GOOD:
The script. Rather than focus on the drama surrounding an athlete’s or team’s rise, setbacks and victories that we usually get in sports dramas, this movie highlights the unglamorous negotiations that lead a rookie athlete down the path to financial success. For most of them, financial freedom after their athletic career is rare.
Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris, curated his future, not just as an NBA prospect, but as a businessman. She guided him into becoming the wealthiest athlete in history, which positioned him to purchase an NBA team. He remains the 2nd and only Black man ever to own an NBA team in the league’s history, due in part to the deal structure this film chronicles. That’s what Alex Convery’s screenplay explores — an insider’s view of this historic, unprecedented endorsement deal.
The performances. They are superior because of the talent involved. These are Oscar and Emmy winners. You will be impressed.
Chris Messina steals about 5 minutes of this film before Viola Davis swoops in and steals the rest of it. Her performance as Deloris Jordan further proves why she is one of the greatest actresses of all time. This role to anyone else is micro. But she takes 20 minutes of screen time in a supporting role and delivers the most pivotal dialogue that will linger in your mind long after you’ve left the theater.
Matt Damon as Nike Marketing Exec Sonny Vaccaro makes you root for him just as much as the young rookie from North Carolina whose face you never see on screen.
The music. They licensed your favorite 80s hit songs and placed them ever so strategically so that the audience remains engaged throughout this nearly 2-hour film.
The Wardrobe. Costume Designer Charlese Jones captured 80s style-culture precisely. From the Stacy Adams Matt wore to the knee-length poly pencil skirt worn by Viola — the Wardrobe Dept. encapsulated 1984 to a T.
THE ISSUES:
Pacing. There are some low moments because a lot of this film is about orchestrating a business deal. As I mentioned, the song placement livens up the beats in the film that are less entertaining.
The humor. There are some really funny scenes. You will laugh out loud. But there are moments where the jokes didn’t land. I think those jokes will fall flat for those that weren’t around in the 80s.
The craft. Because dissolving scene transitions were popular in the 80s, that technique is used here. There were also bulletpoint graphics meant to define particular scenes that seemed inconsequential to the overall story.
Director Ben Affleck does a great job directing this film as he continues to prove that he can beautifully capture biopics with distinct perspectives.
Overall, AIR is worth seeing on the big screen. It will be released wide in theaters April 5th.
