Since 1984, Nike’s Air Jordans has been the leading basketball shoe brand, with its maximum comfort improving performance on the court, and its unique design with a very recognisable logo, all based around NBA legend and Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan. Nike wasn’t always the giant sporting brand we know them today, however. ‘Air’ tells the story of the man who started it all, with a crazy idea, willing to bet everything and put his career on the line, directed by, and starring, Ben Affleck.

Matt Damon leads the cast as Sonny Vaccaro and the film focuses on his time working for Nike during the mid-80s. Sonny is a serious basketball fanatic, committed to watching NBA games, and even follows college leagues, seeking out potential future NBA stars to represent their brand and take them to new heights. What sets Sonny apart from his colleagues at work, is that while they’re more focused on looking at players’ stats, Sonny is looking at the actual player not just as an athlete, but also as who they are, the role model they could be, and what they could become in the future.

With Nike falling far behind its competitors Adidas and Converse, Sonny sees a young Michael Jordan set to make his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls, and the potential future of their brand. No matter what, Sonny tries to find ways to just do it and is willing to go to great measures; argue with every colleague, break every rule, take flights on short notice, and risk it all on a single player, who could not only change the future of the Nike brand but the world of basketball forever.

‘Air’ features an ensemble cast including Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Ben Affleck as Nike CEO Phil Knight, Chris Messina as sports agent David Falk, Chris Tucker as Nike Vice President Howard White, Matthew Maher as Nike’s shoe designer Peter Moore, and Viola Davis and Julius Tennon as Michael Jordan’s parents. The entire cast portrays their important roles incredibly well, but the standout performance, though, is by Matt Damon, who brings so much life and character to not only his portrayal of Sonny Vaccaro but also the whole movie.

The film does an amazing job of illustrating Sonny’s sheer will, determination, and undying passion for the sport and its players. It’s clear to see the difference between him and others at Nike when discussing NBA players to represent their brand. Sonny spends a lot of his time researching, reading magazines, and watching VHS tapes constantly replaying specific moments during matches.

The way Damon reacts, responds, communicates, and carries himself throughout the entire movie is done so well and so precisely that there is never a dull moment in the entire film. Even just seeing Damon’s subtle facial movements, really tells a lot about what might be going on in his mind, whether he’s watching basketball tapes, waiting for a phone call, or having to listen to something he doesn’t want to hear. Audiences will be drawn in and anticipate every moment.

Fortunately, Matt Damon’s performance doesn’t overshadow the rest of the cast, allowing them to have many memorable moments throughout the film too. The chemistry between everyone just feels natural and gives each character so much personality. Seeing what goes on in the offices, board meetings, designing the shoe, and more, really gives a lot of insight into the business side of the sporting world and how competitive the industry really is.

‘Air’ features various scenes mostly in offices and boardrooms, as well as a few other locations. Seeing cars, fashion, telephones, other technology, and all the food products and magazines in a convenience store, are incredibly accurate to that time period. There is so much attention to detail that it always feels like being in the 80s, and the movie’s soundtrack featuring only hits from the 80s adds a really nice touch of nostalgia too.

It’s not often we get movies based around a shoe brand, but it’s clear that there was an incredible and inspiring story to be told, especially since a shoe is only a shoe until someone steps in them. Even if the movie leaves out some key people from the actual story, what it aims to achieve, it overachieves. Ben Affleck once again proves why he’s an incredible director, but of course, couldn’t have done it without the talents of the entire cast bringing to life most of the key players that turned Nike’s fortune around in a big way, and created one of the most recognised shoe brands in history. ‘Air’ aims high and is a must-see movie of 2023, and it’s a real slam dunk. “Believe to Achieve.”

Written by: Sammy Hanson