HCA Gradebook: “Air”

Movie: Air
Plot: ​​From award-winning director Ben Affleck, AIR reveals 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.
Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Julius Tennon, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis.
Director: Ben Affleck
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Studio: MGM
Number of Graders: 45
Overall Grade: A

Matthew Creith says, “The success of Air comes down to Ben Affleck’s direction and Matt Damon’s power as an actor in pivotal moments. There is one pointed scene where Damon’s Sonny explains to MJ how the rest of his personal and professional life will play out, regardless of how inspiring a figure he will undoubtedly be. Affleck uses quick cuts over a montage of events in the future roller coaster that becomes MJ’s existence in Basketball just as Sonny is desperate to land the plane during the film’s climatic negotiating table. It’s superb.”
Grade: A+

David Gonzalez says, “Like Michael Jordan, Air defies gravity and expectations in a film rich with hope, affection, inspiration, and a jumpman — it’s an impeccable and memorable way to iconize the greatest sneaker and athlete ever.”
Grade: A+

Kevin Jan says, “Air soars with a cleverly-crafted script about the ground-breaking partnership between a then undiscovered Michael Jordan and Nike’s struggling basketball division, and the key players who revolutionized the world of sports and pop culture. A riveting tale that will have the crowd going wild. Featuring incredible performances by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, Chris Tucker, Matthew Maher, Julius Tennon, and Viola Davis, the all-star ensemble and creative team are at the top of their games, led under the masterful direction of Affleck. If you’re asking yourself whether you should see this film, just do it.”
Grade: A+

Rachel Wagner says, “I’m not sure why they didn’t release this last year so it could count for Oscars 2023 but I hope at least the screenplay doesn’t get forgotten for next year. It’s super fun.”
Grade: A+

Jana N Nagase says, “Air is fun, entertaining, a feel-good movie that I loved a lot. Amazing cast ensemble, especially Viola Davis & Matt Damon are perfect playing their characters Deloris Jordan and Sonny Vaccaro, respectively. The movie’s pace is perfect, the editing is great! The script by Alex Convery is plot driven and it’s flawless. For, me, Air checks all the boxes of what a great movie should be and It’s one of the best films of the year so far! It’s a must watch in the theaters (I love that Amazon is giving fully theatrical release for this one).”
Grade: A+

Zaki Hasan says, “An engrossing and uplifting depiction of the various business maneuverings that led to Nike landing a contract with Michael Jordan in 1984. Ben Affleck’s confident direction is bolstered by an all-star cast and plenty of perfectly placed needle drops. Matt Damon anchors the ensemble, which includes Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Jason Bateman –– along with Affleck himself. It tells you something about the consummate skill with which the project is executed that what sounds like a jump ball ends when you hear the concept up as a slam dunk.”
Grade: A+

Mark Pacis says, “Air is a sharp and witty flick with perfect performances from the cast, especially Matt Damon. Because of all the common knowledge about Nike and the Air Jordans, the movie is still a rip-roaring crowd-pleaser that’ll have you cheering for the company’s success even though you know the results. The film should appeal to everyone, not just sneakerheads, basketball fans, or Jordan fans.”
Grade: A

Peggy Marie says, “Air is a sports movie without being a ‘sports’ movie. it’s an emotional journey about chances of life & belief in greatness. With a bangin’ soundtrack that embodies the movie almost as a character, makes this the feel good film of the year. Ben Affleck, you’ve done it again.”
Grade: A

Nancy Tapia says, “This film takes us through the Air journey as if living it with the characters. The cast ensemble couldn’t be more perfect. The pace is right, not to mention the set decor I admired the entire time and the extra with Ben Affleck’s wardrobe. The chemistry and humor between Damon, Bateman, Affleck, Messina and Tucker is flawless.”
Grade: A

Ricky Valero says, “Ben Affleck hits nothing but the net with yet another incredibly directed film featuring a career-best from Matt Damon and an ensemble to die for.  is hands down the best movie of the first quarter of 2023, and I find it hard-pressed that this won’t make many year-end lists. This one demands to be seen on the big screen.”
Grade: A

Zachary Pope says, “Ben Affleck Soars back to the director’s chair in a fantastic return with Air! A must see inspirational sports drama about the business of the industry that changed forever after the Air Jordan deal. A love letter to Jordan but specifically the focus on Jordan’s Mom was GREAT.”
Grade: A

Nestor Bentancor says, “A tight script and great players, under an excellent direction, end up victorious with a perfect crowd-pleaser that oxygenates the current film landscape. If you want a soaring cinematic experience, Air will fit you perfectly!”
Grade: A

Rick Hong says, “Ben Affleck directs one of his best since Argo, for any sneakerhead or Michael Jordan fan! Very much like a Netflix overtaking Blockbuster, is how Nike over took the shoe industry.”
Grade: A

Lupe Rodriguez Haas says, “Ben Affleck has managed to make a riveting movie out of a mundane story. Everyone knows how this story ends, but the cast and Affleck deliver a pulse-pounding drama with a lot of heart and gusto. Air would make a great double feature with another sports-related film, Jerry Maguire.”
Grade: A

Francisco Cangiano says, “Absolutely fantastic! Best film of the year so far. A throwback crowd-pleaser about risks, rewards and legacy. Inspiring and engaging, the screenplay flows like water. Cast is amazing, the soundtrack is awesome and Affleck’s direction is strong. Believe the hype. It’s a big W.”
Grade: A

Connor Petrey says, “Air is a film about the power of internal endurance and understanding when you have the potential to do something really monumental in the life of yourself and the people around you. It may seem like a movie just about a shoe company trying to find their star to sell more shoes but it’s more than just that; it’s about hard work and perseverance in moments of uncertainty. Without Matt Damon’s clear motivation as Sonny, the film wouldn’t be as effective or encouraging as it winds up. One of the easiest watches of the year and easily one of the best.”
Grade: A

Mara Knopic says, “The story of Michael Jordan’s career is one with which many people are likely familiar, but the story of how his business relationship with Nike tread new ground for athletes might be a new one. Air weaves a fascinating narrative of the particulars surrounding the corporate side of brand ambassadorship while also showcasing three-dimensional characters and delivering some ‘choke on your drink’ comedy (yes, that really happened to me). Matt Damon is our main protagonist, Sonny Vaccaro, and delivers one of the most genuine monologues I have seen in some time, without the saccharine nature that seems to have become the norm, especially as it concerns biopics. The surprising character is David Falk, played by Chris Messina, who furnishes the audience with its biggest laughs and leaves a lasting impression, despite not being a predominant character in the movie. Air balances jargon with layman’s terms well and illuminates just how significant Michael Jordan and the team at Nike had been in creating the equity stake for athletes. Air creates stakes at the human level, earning its feel-good moments, and brings to the table the thing I search for most in a biopic: it teaches me something that I didn’t previously know.”
Grade: A

Patrick Stoner says, “Ben Affleck proved he cut take a reallife story everyone knows & make it suspenseful in spite of that with ARGO. He does it again with Air.”
Grade: A

Landon says, “Air is graciously galvanizing and grandiose as it thoughtfully meditates on the cultural impact of a single product, the greatest basketball player of all time, and one company’s disruption of an entire industry. It’s not just a sports movie; it’s a perfect film.”
Grade: A

Scott Menzel says, “With an Aaron Sorkinesque script perfectly written by first time screenwriter Alex Convery, Air is the type of cheer worthy crowd-pleaser that will make you fall in love with movies all over again. The film’s stacked cast, which includes Chris Messina, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon, all bring their A-game and each character gets his or her moment to shine. Director Ben Affleck recreates Nike’s legendary tale with a totally tubular 80s soundtrack and his simple yet sleek direction. Pardon the pun, but Air is a total slam dunk and will be hard to beat as one of the best films that 2023 has to offer.”
Grade: A

Scott Mendelson says, “Air is Ben Affleck’s best directorial effort since ‘Gone Baby Gone.’ It is a superbly written/acted crowdpleaser. Everyone (Damon, Davis, Tucker, Bateman, etc.) is in top form. This one is likely to remain among the year’s best films. I liked it even more than Moneyball.”
Grade: A

Sean Chandler says, “A captivating and entertaining look at the creation of Air Jordans. Affleck manages to use the audience’s knowledge of Michael Jordan and Nike’s future to extract extra emotion from each sequence.  It’s inspiring, uplifting and really funny.  This is the best film of this far in 2023.”
Grade: A

Kit Stone says, “With an assist from excellent direction by Ben Affleck and the remarkable on-screen chemistry of the talented ensemble cast, #AirMovie has jumped the ranks as one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. I’ve never felt cooler owning a pair of Jordans than I do now.”
Grade: A

Tom O’Brien says, “Ben Affleck’s Air is a big-hearted, ridiculously entertaining ode to a shoe. OK, it’s more than that — a lot more — but as his 2012 Best Picture winner “Argo” proved, Affleck has the knack of taking what would be otherwise a mundane piece of recent history and make it pulse with the pace of a white-knuckle thriller. Here, the birth of Air Jordan basketball shoe in 1984 is just the vehicle for a look at a corporate America which can be heartless on the outside but functions thanks to the dreamers who work within its cubicles. Fueled by a superbly layered script by Alex Convery and big performances by Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker and a hilariously profane Chris Messina, Air throbs with energy. But the story’s moving core is a simple attempt to establish trust between a paunchy talent scout (Matt Damon) and a mother (Viola Davis) who knows her son’s worth and is determined to get it for him. Great stuff.”
Grade: A-

Nikki Fowler says, “”Viola Davis is really the MVP of Air. The main point of Air is not so much the outcome because it’s common knowledge that Jordan signs with Nike; it’s the history-making spearheaded by who Michael was and still is, and his mother’s business sense. She demanded that her son receive a percentage of revenue from every shoe that has his name on it; she didn’t take no for an answer. Viola Davis gave a brave and stoic rendition of Deloris with excellent pacing throughout her dialogue. She made you feel that mother’s love, loyalty, and patience. Viola perfectly captures that spirit and that heart of not only knowing her son’s worth but explaining how Michael did too as a Black man with extraordinary talent. While some viewers may get caught up in the story of Nike making this huge brand-changing deal, there would be no deal without the excellence of Michael Jordan and his family’s support. Damon and Affleck give outstanding performances and this duo still has their signature famous chemistry.

Damon was able to channel the average guy looking to make a difference with his anti-runner, twinkie-eating, guy-next-door charisma, and his spontaneous speech that goes off the cuff in the meeting with Michael, that was completely inspiring. There was energy and emotion mixed with the great comedic timing of Affleck’s one-liners playing the aloof CEO focused on Nike’s core messaging at the time, running, as well as trying to attain zen and ‘following his breath’ when meditating during the negotiations. Chris Tucker as Howard White, gave a great animated portrayal in true ‘Tucker’ fashion. Chris Messina’s back-and-forth banter with Damon’s character was definitely comical and Messina’s snarky and berating competitive ‘agent’ performance gave even more life to the story. Matthew Maher had many laugh-out-loud moments as the skateboarding ‘mid-life crisis having’ creative director for Nike. There are scenes with some of Nike’s competitors, including Converse and Adidas, that offers some comic relief in the dog-eat-dog world of capitalism. Loved all of the ’80s nostalgic gadgets and fashion choices production wise, including Affleck’s ski goggle-esque visor shades and geometrical tracksuits. The editing, at times, was a bit haphazard, overall though, it was a feel-good solid film, and I would expect a nomination for Viola Davis at the least.”
Grade: A-

James White says, “An effective and propulsive drama (even if it mostly features people talking in offices and conference rooms broken up by occasional stirring sports footage, Air represents Ben Affleck’s best film as a director since Argo. A fantastic starring turn by Matt Damon is played with subtlety and authenticity, and while Viola Davis steals any scene she so much as wanders into, there is room for fine work from Chris Tucker, Chris Messina, Jason Bateman and Marlon Wayans to name but a few. The decision to keep Michael Jordan off to the side actually works, even if the film stretches the concept a little too far at times. As someone who isn’t a sports fan, I still found it gripping.”
Grade: A-

Rick Bentley says, “Air is the hummingbird of the cinematic world. Everything suggests the hummingbird should not be able to fly but it does. A film about business negotiations should not be fascinating enough to fill a documentary short but in the case of Air it soars to the top of the best films released so far in 2023.”
Grade: A–

Dan Murrell says, “Air is more than just a movie about a sneaker – it’s about the career-threatening risk that went into the pursuit of Michael Jordan when Nike was just a struggling third-place competitor in the basketball shoe race. Smartly taking the focus away from Jordan, already one of the most famous and well-covered athletes in history, Air focuses on those around Jordan and how they guided him to one of the smartest business transactions in history. Matt Damon leads a strong ensemble as the man who had the vision to pursue Jordan in an all-or-nothing deal, and Viola Davis brings a quiet presence to Jordan’s mother, seeking to guide her son through a world of people who see him only as a commodity. Ben Affleck turns in a strong supporting performance as Nike founder Phil Knight, and an even stronger presence behind the camera, making the story of a shoe deal fascinating throughout. Air isn’t about a product, it’s about the people who built it into an empire, and it’s a fascinating watch.”
Grade: A-

Rodrigo Salem says, “Air plays like a well-oiled NBA team: a great actor (Matt Damon) who plays beautifully for a collective of superstars like Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. Ben Affleck balances perfectly humor and tension and makes a vibrant and slim movie for all ages.”
Grade: A-

Don Shanahan says, “The bright style is all well and good, but that is not the reason mainline movie lovers are coming to Air. They are here to watch the ‘greatest hits’ of big names playing within a winning formula. Though he’s been retired for 20 years now, the mystique of Michael Jordan as a sports and cultural icon has not diminished. Affleck received Jordan’s blessing and allowed Air to be a whiff at breathing in that legend again, a draw that cannot be discounted. Likewise, folks are coming to see familiar and reliable movie stars spar. Those curious and poised to watch composures rattled, zingers exchanged, balls busted, and dreams fulfilled get all that and then some in Air.”
Grade: A-

Emmanuel Noisette says, “What a pleasant reminder of Ben Affleck being a fantastic director. So many good feels in this movie. The dialogue alone could put some actors in the awards conversation. The cast was great, and it only feels right to wear some J’s if you see #AirMovie.”
Grade: A–

Anthony Digioia says, “Air despite being filled with office conversations is riveting and inspiring because of its skilled writing and capable performances. It’s filled with drama, high stakes, plenty of grounded charm, and it’s all dropped into a peppy 80’s backdrop. It captures the bold vision of the shoe and the mystique of the legend who would wear it resulting in an underdog story that can lure you in whether you’re a sports fan or not.”
Grade: A-

Nate Adams says, “An honest, invigorating dramatization of how the once decaying Nike sports division courted Michael Jordan, Ben Affleck’s Air shoots and scores. Joining the subgenre of sports movies where the main action takes place off the court, Air features an all-star cast working in complete harmony. Not since ‘Moneyball’ has understanding the mathematics and intense closed door meetings been this satisfying and Affleck’s directorial instincts are well suited for unveiling the Air Jordan origin story, a brand that would catapult Nike past its competitors and reshaped the entire industry.”
Grade: B+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “The smartest thing director Ben Affleck does in a film about signing Michael Jordan to Nike is leaving the legendary basketball player mostly out of it. Air would only get so far in telling this story of corporate creatives attempting to achieve the impossible were His Airness to have a prominent presence. Instead, the focus is spread among an ensemble cast of very reliable performers to deliver a crackling drama that understands how to properly convey a message while serving as crowd-pleasing entertainment.”
Grade: B+

Nicholas Spake says, “Michael Jordan isn’t just the greatest athlete who ever lived, but one of the most fascinating individuals ever to breathe air. As seen in the docuseries The Last Dance, there are so many chapters of his life tailored for cinema. Of all the aspects that director Ben Affleck could’ve tackled, Jordan’s shoes might seem like an odd choice. However, there’s a lot more to Air Jordan than the Bugs Bunny commercials and the ensuing 1996 film. While Air revolves around Jordan, it’s more about the people in his orbit. Even the biggest player, Nike founder Phil Knight, will never be as recognizable as Jordan. After seeing this absorbing sports drama, though, Jordan isn’t the only name you’ll associate with the iconic silhouette.”
Grade: B+

Erik Anderson says, “I don’t know much about basketball but what Ben Affleck does with Air, a behind the scenes of creating a legend, the passion and ambition – that’ll always reel me in. Matt Damon (that speech) and Viola Davis are really great here. Soundtrack is out of control, 1984 is unbeatable.”Grade: B+

Jillian Chilingerian says, “Disguised as an origin story of Nike and Michael Jordan’s partnership, Air is a reintroduction of director Ben Affleck that at its heart is a story about having purpose and believing in yourself.”
Grade: B+

Jonathan Fujii says, “Air is one of those movies that wistfully flies, always entertaining and leaves people feeling happy. Might not have a show stopper moment, but maybe it doesn’t need to. Equivalent to a pick and roll, simply effective.”
Grade: B+

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “I don’t know anything about basketball (or any sport for that matter – shocking, I know), but Air is such a classic ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ crowdpleaser that I didn’t care. A razor-sharp script, propulsive pacing, and an all-star ensemble – this is what the movies were made for.

Matt Damon gives one of his best performances (with an instantly iconic speech in the final stretch that will bring the house down), while Viola Davis provides the ending with its emotional impact, and Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, and Chris Messina take turns stealing all their scenes. It’s a slam dunk.”
Grade: B+

Abbie Bernstein says, “Apart from playback footage, usually shown on scratchy VHS tape, the most action we see is people jogging. Director Ben Affleck and writer Alex Convery come together to make Air seem like it is full of motion, keeping the characters active and colorful. The filmmakers have also assembled a great ’80s jukebox score that maintains the mood (at least, for those who can afford name-brand footwear) of the era.”
Grade: B+

Matt Neglia says, “Who doesn’t love a good dad movie? Air finds Ben Affleck skillfully directing a stripped down, inspirational story of a business dealing that changed sports and the lives of many many people. This movie won’t change the cinematic landscape but it doesn’t need to. It’s the sort of predictable, smooth, entertaining film that’s easy to make but hard to make well. Solid writing & performances from the whole charismatic cast. Matt Damon’s speech (you’ll know it when you see it) is going to be quoted again and again for years to come.”
Grade: B+

Jon Negroni says, “In many ways, Air is a bit too schmaltzy and elbow-nudging for its own good, constantly mugging at the camera and reaching for emotional highs that look good in an Oscars reel but are expectedly quite awkward in context. But it’s such an unassuming and efficiently told story, penned by Alex Convery, hitting just 112 tight minutes that fly by like Jordan himself.”
Grade: B

Cole Jaeger says, “A breezy, feel-good story that succeeds in giving its audience something to root for. The ensemble cast and snappy dialogue carry the film far, even through some surprisingly weak editing and framing choices. Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and Jason Bateman really shine here. Comedy is the secret weapon in Air‘s arsenal that hooks the audience in this story about a company making a profit off of a shoe. I wasn’t always sold on the film’s sincerity but it’s tough not to be on this film’s side.”
Grade: B

DarkSkyLady says, “Air‘s cast is compelling, weaving a story both dramatic and comedic. Though the most fascinating characters are not seen enough, the film brings an underdog story with drama and sports together in an unforgettable movie. Had the film tackled more of the racial dynamic and given more screen time to Viola Davis and Chris Messina’s characters, I’d enjoy it more. But while I love the story, its another white-centric lens despite its underdog status.”
Grade: B-

Clarence Moye says, “Matt Damon keeps Air afloat with one of his very best career performances. His scenes with co-star Viola Davis are subtle, powerful, and pretty great. The rest of the film feels a little long, a little dramatically inert, and sometimes quite fun. Affleck is still a good director, but see it for Damon and Davis.”
Grade: B-