Film offers audience something new

from Edmond Life and Leisure - April 13, 2023

Former Las Vegas dancer will be in Edmond to sign her book

By George Gust

As we stand on the precipice of a summer movie season full of decades long franchises; we’ve got a new Fast & Furious, more Marvel & DC, another legacy Indiana Jones, and hey even the Transformers are back in the mix! All these tentpole classic summer movies will aim to be THE event movie of the month, week, or season, but this is April and two Hollywood luminary Boston bros (Director Ben Affleck and star Matt Damon) have the temerity to release the lowest stakes movie of the year. “Air” is an energetic and comedic film that no one really asked for but is ultimately a movie that simultaneously appeals to sneaker fashionistas and basketball fans alike.

“Air” follows the history of shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball: Michael Jordan.

While you wouldn’t necessarily think of “Air” as a comedy in the traditional sense (there’s no outward ‘jokes’ that are being pitched to the audience and the ratio of pie to face is 0!) there is a natural comedic tone to the film that feels like charismatic actors given the opportunity and space to have a good time reliving a pivotal time period in their career and lives. And as the ultimate resolution of the film is no mystery for anyone who lived through the mass cultural hysteria surrounding the career of Michael Jordan, the filmmakers were able to build enough tension for the characters at hand to engage the audience more than you would expect for a behind the scenes showbiz kind of film.

“Air” has an immensely talented cast and is such an enjoyable ensemble of familiar character actors. From the top, Damon is enjoyable as the main propulsive character in the film and was able to bring his movie star charisma with a touch of inspiration thrown in for good measure. The supporting cast is also phenomenal with Jason Bateman adding in his fun and signature comedic delivery, but the presence of Viola Davis as Jordan’s mother was a scene stealer every time she was on screen. Davis was asked to do the kind of performance that she’s been known for, and in this film, she is pitch perfect for the role.

Overall, “Air” is a wonderfully refreshing movie that knows exactly what kind of movie it wants to be and who the audience is. With Affleck in the directing chair “Air” has brilliantly brisk pacing, a breezy tone and a fun sense of late 80’s nostalgia from the needle drops to the mullet/windbreaker costume combinations. “Air’ is worthy of checking out in theaters before we gear up for another barrage of bigger, louder, franchise led summer movie blockbusters.

“Air” is rated R for strong language throughout.

3.3 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com

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Philharmonic releases upcoming lineup

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic celebrates its 35th season with a magnificent new lineup of concerts and musical magic.

“We want to fill the hall, to be meaningful in Oklahoma,” said OKCPHIL Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate. “We want to be fun and create something in the city where we are all united. It sounds very simple, but it’s true. Doesn’t matter what race, color or ideology; we are all one, and we celebrate that through creativity. In our upcoming season, it’s all about the music. A joyful noise, if you will. And we want to celebrate that with our OKCPHIL family.”

The Opening Night Gala will be Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall, combining the annual Maestro’s Ball with the season opener of the Inasmuch Foundation Classics series. Ukrainian violinist Anastasiya Petryshak performs as part of an allTchaikovsky program.