There are just SO many films out there! You see two to three wide releases on the weekend with a handful more in limited release. Throw out at least a dozen more on VOD or streaming and now you have an overload on content. But we only have so many hours in the day, and we must be thoughtful towards what we dedicate that precious free time to. That is the point of this series of articles giving you specific reasons why you should run out to your nearest multiplex, drive to search for that limited release, drop some money in the virtual cinema, or to surf those streaming services. Here on The Wasteland Watchlist, you will find some reasons to check out the latest and greatest of films including… Air (April 5th)
| Directed by: Ben Affleck Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis |
Ben Affleck
Is Affleck back to his old directing quality? He certainly is! Live By Night felt like a big step down for Affleck as a director but his return feature Air gives you plenty of reason to be excited. For all of you, this film goes down like your favorite beverage. Affleck gives this a cool and smooth feel that is thoroughly entertaining and so enjoyable to watch. The style and tone of the film deliver as well as this two-hour film is perfectly paced. But Affleck can still deliver the tension that made his other films so effective. There feels like real weight and stakes for the members of Nike and that is needed for this whole film to work.
The Cast
What a great collection of performances Affleck gets out of his actors. Starting with his pal, Matt Damon. His performance is charismatic and charming. Damon’s character is a salesman, and it shows. He is funny and brings plenty of the film’s laughs. But it is the empathy that he creates that sticks with you. Affleck is offbeat and quirky as the founder and CEO of Nike. He has a great dynamic with Damon (surprise!). Jason Bateman is a fine addition to the film and adds surprising depth including one powerful scene that he has with Damon. Chriss Messina, Chris Tucker, and Marlon Wayans all have their moments as well. But it is Viola Davis who brings depth and heart to this film. She kills it with this key supporting role as Michael Jordan’s mother.
The 1980s
This movie is SO 80s. The soundtrack is killer with so many iconic songs from the decade. Affleck expels plenty of effort trying to make sure that the details are there. You can see so many references to the popular culture of the time as well. You can feel the era with the context as well. With such a focus on basketball, hearing about Converse All-Stars, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird just fills out the world so well. I can promise you that you will be jamming out for days with plenty of these 80s hits once the credits start rolling.
Surprising Depth
This film has some good heart and soul to it. Was I surprised? A little! You can feel the pride and drive that Damon imbues in his protagonist. He sees the true value in Jordan and how special he really is. He has one moment that is deeply moving and poignant at the climax of the film. As referenced earlier, Bateman’s character adds some layers to the film and the stakes with an impassioned exchange that he has with Damon. It is Davis who is the key to the emotions of the film. The love that Mrs. Jordan has for her son is such an important key to the creation of the Air Jordan. Her final exchange with Damon is jam-packed with importance and emotion that is hard to ignore.
Surprisingly Dynamic Story
There are a lot of true stories that seem uncinematic. This story of the Air Jordan seems on the surface that it would not make for an interesting film. The film can capture the competition of this bid for Michael Jordan and how significant it was for an underdog like Nike to come in and take on Adidas and Converse. But it is the long-term impact of this story and how it changed sports that adds real weight to this film.
