Movie Review: AIR Breathes Joy Into Early 2023 Movie Season
Sports movies thrive on the excitement of the championship, of which, usually, ¨corporate¨ is some guy in a suit that has no idea how to play the game but has a few ideas on budget spending. Yet, Air is a majestic turn in formulaic sports films because suit are replaced by 80s tracksuits, and a dying corporation is courting a legend with the absolute respect he deserved for being one. Based on the game-changing union between Michael Jordan and Nike, Air is going to be one of the most refreshing films of 2023.
It may sound cheesy but I like feel-good films. I like the movies where people from different walks of life learn to like each other and honor the other´s capabilities and dreams for themselves. In Air, Matt Damon plays Sonny : a starry-eyed business aficionado whom is determined to cut big deals with both charm and slight nobility. That latter note is what makes the chemistry between him and THE FAB Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan o endearing. When you are a mom, especially to a black boy breaking racial and sports barriers never before seen, you are rightfully protective and not necessarily moved by every white guy with a bachelors in business. Hence, the heart of Air is how heart can make a deal.
The movie soars between Damon’s Sonny dnd Davis´ Deloris growing, mutual respect and genuine like for the other. One of them main notes you hear about ¨business¨ is that it is not personal; it is just money and trying to make sure everyone or, at least, some us get very well-paid. Yet, Ben Affleck serves one of his best directorial turns by changing that dynamic. Deloris needs to know her son will be cared for, and she has the savvy and strength to assure his heart is apart of the deal. In retrospect, knowing that Jordan is bazillions and an icon of sportswear, you almost want to message Deloris and ask if she is looking to adopt. There is something so undeniably moving about watching a good mother protect and prosper their child in a world that has no problem doing the opposite.
I think what I loved most about Air is that there are no villains. It really is about how a shoe deal was made by a cast of characters that were not perfect but were good, kind, and funny. It feels like the first corporate deal ever made with a slight dosage of sincerity and sweetness. Hence, Affleck´s turn as Nike Head Phil Knight is so comical and charming as a wealthy Buddhist eager to keep his zen and sport´s car intact. Jason Bateman and Chris Messina are smooth as David Falk and Rob Strasser, and, of course, Damian Delana Young as Jordan himself: a kid brimming with power, promise, and the vibrancy that comes with finding your path at such a young, glistening age. Air is a total win, and I hope it gets the recognition and nominations it deserves, especially after EEAAO proved that feeling good and hopeful in a theater can win you the big prize.
