Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Air review says the film chronicling Michael Jordan’s epic endorsement deal with Nike is a triumph for director Ben Affleck.

It takes one helluva director to make a film that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, even though they know darn well what the eventual outcome will be. They might even be wearing proof of it on their feet as they watch.

Judging by the giddy suspense that bubbles over while watching marketing flashback film Air, it’s safe to say Ben Affleck (Argo, Gone Baby Gone, The Town) has once again proven himself to be one helluva director.

And he did it without using flashy special effects, breathless action scenes, jump scares or dragons. Air is simply a fascinating story well told.

Air review — the plot

There’s a good chance you’ve heard some version of how Michael Jordan signed an endorsement deal with Nike, but you don’t remember the gory details. I’ll set it up for you, without spoiling the delightful plot points.

Back in 1984, Nike was the number three basketball shoe brand, behind Adidas and Converse. Nike needed a partnership with a superstar to save their basketball division, but all the best players in the NBA (Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, etc.) had already signed with the competition.

Jordan was a promising but unproven rookie. Still, the now legendary Sonny Vacarro (purposely downplayed by purposely pudgy Matt Damon), believed that Jordan could be Nike’s salvation.

He just had to convince Nike CEO Phil Knight (Affleck), colleagues Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman) and Howard White (Chris Tucker doing what felt like a bit of a standup routine), Jordan’s agent David Falk (Chris Messina throwing hilarious temper tantrums) and Jordan’s mother (Viola Davis, who is reported to have taken the role on special request from Jordan himself) that Jorden and Nike were the right fit.

Air review — The Verdict

To his credit, Affleck chose not to show anything but the back of Jordan’s head, and mere glimpses of that. Otherwise, the buzz would have been all about who played Jordan, why he was cast and how well he may or may not have done.

Affleck did, however, inflate Air with a bouncy soundtrack full of hits of the day, taking those of us who remember that period right back to when MTV could get you money for nothing and your chicks for free. Do yourself a favor and download the soundtrack here.

Air is not a giant blockbuster, but I believe it will be a gangbuster at the box office. It proves that hero films come in all shapes and sizes, not just super.

Rated R

1 Hour 52 Minutes

If this Air review encourages you to bounce on over your local cineplex, get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Air review says that the film chronicling Michael Jordan’s epic endorsement deal with Nike is a win for director Ben Affleck.