Throughout my 36 years of life, I’ve been known to accumulate many hobbies. From professional wrestling, video games and film memorabilia, I’ve never been shy about finding something new to dip my feet into. One hobby that spawned from years of playing basketball and adoration towards Michael Jordan was collecting Air Jordan sneakers. I’ve accumulated an Air Jordan collection that has totaled 175 pairs, so it’s safe to say I am a fan.

With this love of the sneaker and the player, I’ve also become engrossed in the history of the brand’s meteoric rise. With that research came a fascinating look at the NBA banning Air Jordan from the league, and despite that ban, MJ would continue to wear the sneaker and be fined $5,000 a game by the league, which Nike paid for.

The fascinating story of a company, a sneaker, and a man is one I was always intrigued about if it could adequately be adapted on the big screen. It’s not just a story about a billion-dollar company but how an athlete changed the foundation of sports and the sneaker culture. Knowing that the adaptation would come from the direction of Academy Award winner Ben Affleck, it was hard not to be overwhelmed with anticipation.

That anticipation was met with the best sports film since Moneyball. Like Michael Jordan, Air defies gravity and expectations in a film rich with hope, affection, inspiration, and a jumpman — it’s an impeccable and memorable way to iconize the greatest sneaker and athlete ever.

Air follows Sonny Vaccaro, a talent guru for Nike, who works to secure Michael Jordan as the face of the brand. The challenge for Vaccaro is that Nike is in a distant third place behind Converse and Adidas in sneaker sales.

Alex Convery’s screenplay effectively captures the era and Nike’s basketball division in 1984. But, unfortunately, it’s a company currently being left in the dust by its competitors, and Convery shows that struggle as his script takes the time to map out the events of the company and the men involved.

The heart of the screenplay comes in the form of the conversations between Sonny and Deloris Jordan (Viola Davis). Through these discussions, we see not just a mother but a confident advocate for someone who she feels will go on to accomplish greatness.

Academy Award winner Robert Richardson’s cinematography stands out. Richardson magnificently captures the 1980s aesthetic, emphasizing every moment inside a board room and Air’s reveal of the Air Jordan 1. Along with a banger of a soundtrack, the 1980s have never been more alive in this film.

Air‘s ensemble is nothing short of electric. The film is a character actor showcase as Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina, and Academy Award winner Viola Davis all have stand-out moments, while Ben Affleck enjoys his yoga.

Speaking of Affleck, with a resume that includes a Best Picture win with Argo, The Town and Gone Baby Gone, it’s a bold statement to say this may be my favorite Affleck-directed film thus far. Affleck’s ability to handle the unique subject matter and carve out drama and hilarity throughout deserves praise.

His most crucial choice did not have Michael Jordan as a character but as a presence and ambiance that lives throughout the film. Smartly, Affleck uses archival footage of Jordan playing, which keeps MJ in the conversation and his legend present.

Air is a tailor-made “Dad movie” that feels like it was made for me. A time capsule of the 1980s, Nike, and my favorite basketball player and athlete – his royal “airness.” It’s a 50/50 dunk from the free throw line in what will go down as one of the best and most impressive films of 2023.

Air opens in theaters on April 5th, 2023.