Air (2023 American film)

Air is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery. The film tells the story of Sonny Vaccaro, a Nike marketing executive, who pursued a partnership with rookie basketball player Michael Jordan in 1984, which led to the creation of the Air Jordan brand.

The film stars Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro, Ben Affleck as Phil Knight (Nike co-founder), Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Chris Messina as David Falk, Marlon Wayans as George Raveling, Chris Tucker as Howard White, and Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan (Michael Jordan's mother). Michael Jordan is not portrayed directly, appearing only through archival footage.

Air focuses on the challenges and risks taken by Vaccaro and Nike in betting on Jordan, a relatively unproven player at the time. It explores the negotiations with Jordan's family, particularly his mother, Deloris, who played a crucial role in securing the deal. The film highlights the importance of Deloris Jordan in understanding Michael Jordan's value and ensuring he received fair compensation and control over his image.

The film received positive reviews for its performances, particularly those of Damon, Affleck, and Davis, as well as for its screenplay and direction. Critics praised the film's nostalgic feel and its engaging portrayal of the business and cultural impact of the Air Jordan partnership. Air was released theatrically by Amazon Studios.