Our Ben Affleck miniseries comes to an end with Air (2023), the story of how Nike landed Michael Jordan and changed the sneaker industry forever. Directed by Affleck and starring Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Affleck himself as Nike co-founder Phil Knight, Air blends corporate drama, sports mythology, and sharp-witted humor into one of the most entertaining business movies in years.

Bobby Shortle and Nick Rocco Scalia discuss Affleck’s return to form, Matt Damon’s performance as the determined Sonny Vaccaro, and whether the film manages to make the signing of a shoe deal truly compelling. They also break down the film’s humor, its nostalgic 80s aesthetic, and the fascinating blend of fact and fiction in its storytelling.

Topics Covered:

* Ben Affleck’s comeback as a director after Live by Night

* Matt Damon’s performance as Sonny Vaccaro and his corporate underdog arc

* The film’s humor and standout performances from Jason Bateman and Chris Messina

* How Air treats Michael Jordan as a near-mythic figure

* The business of branding: Air as part of the “corporate biopic” trend

* The movie’s themes of risk-taking, innovation, and corporate culture

Chapter Timecodes:

* 00:00 - Introduction to Air and Affleck’s return to directing

* 10:00 - Breaking down the Nike vs. Adidas vs. Converse competition

* 20:00 - Matt Damon’s performance and the real Sonny Vaccaro

* 35:00 - Chris Tucker, Jason Bateman, and the supporting cast

* 50:00 - The film’s humor and sharp dialogue

* 1:05:00 - The business of nostalgia and corporate storytelling

* 1:20:00 - Final thoughts: Where Air ranks in Affleck’s filmography

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