Even though everyone knows Michael Jordan has been associated with Nike for nearly four decades, "Air," nimbly recounts the origin story of how that business deal transpired. It is a good American underdog story, and director Ben Affleck tells it in a slick, enjoyable style. Nike, in Beaverton, Oregon, had a pitiful 17% share of a sneaker market dominated by Adidas and Converse — until it signed a game-changing contract with Jordan.
"Air" is not deep, nor is it demanding. Affleck spoon-feeds viewers what they need to know to understand the business, including some comic Nike lore, such as one rumored origin of the "Just Do It" slogan, and CEO Phil Knight's (Affleck) comments about the company's name and trademark swoosh.
