Ben Affleck’s and Matt Damon’s latest film collaboration “Air” follows Nike’s struggling basketball department in 1984 and its efforts to sign a young Michael Jordan and save the division from bankruptcy. The film centers on Sonny Vaccaro (Damon) — an aging gambling addict, basketball fanatic and creative executive — as well as his collaboration with the barefoot guru CEO Phil Knight (Affleck) and sports marketing pioneer Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman). Vaccaro and his team must compete with rival companies, as well as the stagnation of bureaucracy and middle age, to save the department and revolutionize the industry.

The film feels reminiscent of Damon’s previous project “Ford v Ferrari” in its emphasis on determination, innovation and a gutsy run at the American Dream. Deloris Jordan (Viola Davis), however, stands out as the real star player of the film. The teenage Michael Jordan gets just a few minutes of screen time and even fewer lines, while his proud yet resolute mother stands in for her son during negotiations. Davis does a truly impressive job of carrying the emotional crux of the film. The climax comes not when Jordan makes his decision to sign, but rather when his mother’s radically generous terms are agreed to.

As director, Affleck mixes the industry stakes of “Moneyball” with the quick workplace wit of “The Office.” However the film, much like Vaccaro himself, seems to bet everything on Jordan. Much of the story’s appeal comes from the audience’s prior knowledge of its conclusion: both Jordan and Nike’s future fame. Laughter easily erupts when characters mock the new Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” as a temporary marketing ploy. Damon’s heartfelt monologue on Jordan’s future career becomes all the more poignant when actual clips of Jordan on the court float across the screen. However, the film’s self-aware references to the era and its culture can get repetitive. By the end of the film, the audience ends up well-reminded of the 1980s’ reliance on car phones and Run DMC.

Though at times caught up in its own past, “Air” ultimately delivers a heartwarming story of community and creativity in the sports industry. It captivates audiences despite the deceptively boring subject matter of shoe sales and a preordained ending. It succeeds in its homage to both the fans and cubicle workers that make celebrity-like Jordans possible. And yet, the typical dad might enjoy the film more than the average viewer will.

3.5 perfect basketball shoes out of 5