AIR REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Although Ben Affleck is probably best known as an actor, with appearances in films such as Gone Girl, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Armageddon and The Last Duel, his work as a writer and director has received the most praise. At the 70th Academy Awards, Affleck won his first Oscar along with friend and co-writer, Matt Damon, for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting. Fifteen years later, he directed the riveting thriller, Argo, which was based on the true events of 1979 which saw 60 members of the United States embassy taking hostage by Iranian Islamists, with six successfully avoiding capture and hiding out in the home of the Canadian ambassador. This leads to the US State Department exploring options for exfiltrating them from Iran. As well as directing, Affleck impressed with his performance as Tony Mendez, a CIA exfiltration specialist, who planned that they pose as an Canadian film crew that are in Iran scouting for locations. At the 85th Academy Awards, Argo won the Best Picture Oscar. Affleck has also directed the mystery based drama, Gone Baby Gone and the thriller, The Town. In 2016, he starred in and directed Live By Night, unfortunately, it received a disappointing response from critics. Seven years later, Affleck’s latest film, Air, has been released, however, is it a return to form for the director?

The premise for Air focuses on 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.

Although Michael Jordon’s partnership with Nike is widely known, Affleck wisely doesn’t try to build tension. His film isn’t about whether or not Jordon signed with Nike, it simply tells an inspiring story about a basketball talent scout, Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), who becomes determined to convince Jordon and his parents, including his mother, Deloris (Villa Davis), to sign with Nike, despite tough competition from rivals, Adidas and Converse. Because Affleck is known for directing dark and serious thrillers and dramas, it was refreshing to see him create a film that is much lighter in tone and tells the true story of one of the world’s most famous partnerships in an entertaining way. Air probably won’t be an Oscar winner like Argo, however, it’s certainly worth a watch for those looking for a film that provides audiences with entertainment through strong performances by its talented cast and tells a fascinating true story. 

Air sees the reunion of lifelong friends Affleck and Damon since they started in Ridley Scott’s medieval drama, The Last Duel, in 2021. Although they’ve acted alongside each other and co-wrote the Oscar winning script for Good Will Hunting, Air marks the first time that Affleck has directed Damon. It further proves that the pair work well together, with Damon delivering one of his most impressive performances recently. He brings a natural likability to his portrayal of Sonny who becomes increasingly determined to sign Michael Jordan to Nike after he sees him play. Sonny even meets with Jordan’s parents personally in order to persuade them, which is a decision criticised by his colleague, Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman), who works in marketing, and his boss, Phil Knight (Affleck). Davis leaves a lasting impression. Her role as Deloris could have easily been one dimensional and underwritten, however, Davis portrays her, not only as a loving and caring mother who wants what’s best for her talented son but also as someone who is smart and not easily persuaded. Both Affleck and Bateman provide solid supporting roles, however, it’s Damon and Davis who standout with their performances. 

Although it doesn’t represent Ben Affleck’s best work as a director, Air further highlights his skills behind the camera, with Matt Damon and Viola Davis impressing with their performances.

8/10