The movie AIR, which opens April 5, is a new Apple TV+ original film about Nike’s courting of Michael Jordan.
Written by Chicago native and “huge Chicago Bulls fan,” Alex Convery, the film is being released theatrically by MGM and it’s the first release from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s production company, Artists Equity.
While the film isn’t in theaters just yet, Air premiered in Los Angeles last week and critics have been raving. Air is currently rated 99% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes based on 75 reviews.
Also Read: How a Chicago area screenwriter sold Air
Here’s what critics are saying:
Richard Roeper from Chicago Sun–Times said, “This is one of those movies in which every scene just … pops, even when we take little detours, as when Jay Mohr kills it as an exec with the German-owned Adidas, a powerful but humorless bunch whose pitch to the Jordans is exactly what Sonny told Deloris it would be. Everyone is terrific—Affleck expertly captures Phil Knight’s unique blend of laid-back, guru and take-no-prisoners business acumen—but it’s Damon’s slightly paunchy, world-weary, sometimes irritatingly persistent Sonny Vaccaro who is the undisputed MVP of this story. “Air” is the best movie of the year so far.”
Mick LaSalle from San Francisco Chronicle said, “Air might not quite be in the class of Gone Baby Gone or The Town, but it’s old-fashioned in the best sense: solid, confident, simple, straightforward and entirely entertaining. It’s the work of an intelligent classicist.”
Brian Truitt from USA Today had this to say, “Ben Affleck’s superbly crafted drama “Air” lands like a classic Michael Jordan dunk – you can even imagine Affleck’s tongue wagging and legs splayed in mid-jump akin to his Airness.”
Rob Dean from TheWrap said, “The banter in Convery’s script is entertaining, but it’s truly the actors under Affleck’s excellent direction that makes “Air” feel like something special. It doesn’t nail every scene or sentiment; but when the film is good (which is often), it’s on fire.”
Peter Debruge from Variety said, “Casting Davis was the smartest thing Affleck could have done, as the EGOT winner is to acting what Jordan is to sports: Her strength inspires, and she can move us to tears while making it look easy.”
Marisa Mirabal from indieWire said, “Each actor in Affleck’s latest film gives a powerful and award winning performance. Air is a slam dunk and ultimately one of the best sports movies ever made. Affleck successfully captures Nike’s heartwarming and hilarious marketing journey while paying respectful homage to all involved. Air is a tremendous underdog story filled with lovable characters. It’s truly a film about legends made by legends.”
Bill Goodykoontz from Arizona Republic said, “Each actor in Affleck’s latest film gives a powerful and award winning performance. Air is a slam dunk and ultimately one of the best sports movies ever made. Affleck successfully captures Nike’s heartwarming and hilarious marketing journey while paying respectful homage to all involved. Air is a tremendous underdog story filled with lovable characters. It’s truly a film about legends made by legends.”
Cary Darling from Houston Chronicle had this to say, “An engaging and entertaining trip down memory lane and behind-the-scenes story that turns a seemingly minor moment in sports history — the development of a shoe that became a pop-cultural touchstone — into something often funny and occasionally moving.”
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