Air
The history of the game-changing partnership between a then undiscovered Michael Jordan and Nike's fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and culture with the Air Jordan brand.
Manuel Frangis reviewed
April 8, 2025•
I just watched Air, and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. This movie took a story I thought I already knew and made it feel fresh, intense, and even kind of inspiring. It is not flashy or action packed, but it has great energy and solid performances across the board. I was into it the whole way through, and even though the outcome is no secret, the way the story is told makes it feel exciting anyway.
The movie focuses on Nike during the early 1980s when the basketball division was struggling. Nobody really cared about their shoes at that point. Then along comes this crazy idea to go all in on one player. That player is Michael Jordan. Everyone knows how big that partnership became, but this movie is all about what had to happen behind the scenes to make it work. It is more about the people who believed in something risky and pushed through to make it real.
Matt Damon plays Sonny Vaccaro, and he is the heart of the movie. He is not some slick salesman. He is a guy who believes in talent and is willing to take a chance when everyone else tells him not to. Damon gives the character a lot of warmth and grit. He is easy to root for. You understand why he cares so much, and he carries that feeling into every scene.
Ben Affleck, who also directed the movie, plays Phil Knight, the co founder of Nike. He brings a lot of personality to the role. Sometimes he is kind of laid back and other times he is intense, but it works. The dynamic between him and Damon gives the movie some great moments. Viola Davis is also incredible as Deloris Jordan. She is not in every scene, but when she shows up, she makes a big impact. You feel the strength of her presence and how much she believes in her son’s worth.
One thing I really liked about Air is how focused it is. It does not try to tell the whole story of Michael Jordan. It does not even show much basketball. This is a behind the scenes business story, and it owns that fully. It is about the pitch, the phone calls, the meetings, and the pressure. That might sound boring, but it never is. The writing is sharp, and the way scenes are edited keeps the pace moving. You feel the clock ticking the whole time.
The movie also nails the 1980s vibe without overdoing it. The music is great. The colors, the outfits, the cars—it all feels authentic. It adds just enough style to make the world feel real, but it never distracts from the story. The cinematography is clean and keeps the focus on the actors, which works because this movie is all about conversations, reactions, and strategy.
I give Air 4 out of 5 stars because it is smart, well acted, and way more entertaining than I expected. It is not trying to be a big blockbuster. It is just telling a great story about belief, risk, and how one bold decision can change everything. Overall Air is a strong drama with a great cast, tight writing, and a ton of heart. It is one of those movies that reminds you how much work goes on behind the scenes before the world ever sees success. I really enjoyed it.