“Air” is the latest movie directed by Ben Affleck that tells the captivating story of Sonny Vaccaro, a Nike salesman, and his pursuit of basketball rookie Michael Jordan to create a partnership that’ll forever alter the landscape of professional basketball. And if you’re starving for more movies that explore the fascinating intersection of sports, business, and culture, we’ve got you covered with these 5 suggestions.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
In this movie, directed by Cameron Crowe, the audience is introduced to Jerry Maguire, the enigmatic and influential sports agent who is a force to be reckoned with in the cutthroat world of professional sports. He’s known for his lavish lifestyle, glamorous apartment, and stunning girlfriend, Avery, all of which seem to symbolize his unwavering pursuit of success and material wealth. But one day, Jerry has an epiphany that rocks his world to its core. He realizes that the sports industry has lost its way, becoming too focused on profits and ego, and he can no longer ignore his conscience. In a moment of boldness, he pens a heartfelt and impassioned mission statement that calls for a more honest and gracious approach to his profession.
Tom Cruise delivers a tour de force performance that leaves a lasting impact. As the titular character, Cruise flawlessly portrays the evolution of Jerry Maguire from a slick and self-serving sports agent to a genuine and caring human being. Cruise brilliantly captures Jerry Maguire’s unquenchable thirst for success, his insatiable hunger for material wealth, and his immersion in the ruthless world of sports agents, painting a candid and unapologetic portrait of Jerry’s darker side.
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
“The Wolf of Wall Street,” directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is a riveting tale that follows the meteoric rise and tumultuous fall of Jordan Belfort, a charismatic and cunning stockbroker. Teaming up with his loyal partner-in-crime, Donnie Azoff, they embark on a thrilling journey to establish their own trading empire, Stratton Oakmont. With his unbridled ambition and insatiable appetite for success, Jordan quickly makes a name for himself as a slick salesman, using pushy pitching techniques and flashy charm to reel in clients.
The film thrusts viewers into a world of opulence and debauchery, where Belfort’s unapologetic pursuit of wealth and indulgence knows no bounds. From wild parties and lavish spending sprees to a web of corruption and deceit, Belfort’s extravagant lifestyle is portrayed in all its unapologetic and equivocal glory. Terence Winter, the film’s screenwriter, delivers a harsh condemnation of the stock market industry and the corrupting effect of wealth and influence.
Kalashnikov (2020)
“Kalashnikov,” directed by Konstantin Buslov, portrays the incredible journey of Mikhail Kalashnikov, a war veteran in Russia, during a tumultuous time. Despite facing the challenges of combat and enduring wounds, Kalashnikov’s unwavering determination to help his fellow troops shines through. Amidst his struggles, including a prolonged stay in a medical facility, Kalashnikov’s ingenuity and resilience come to the fore. With a burning passion for making a difference, he used his inventive mind to create a weapon that would leave a lasting mark in history—the iconic AK-47 assault rifle. Mikhail’s story is living proof that the human spirit can triumph over adversity and do great things when given a chance.
The movie’s straightforward, relatable approach hits home with viewers and serves as a sobering reminder of the difficulties inherent in being human and in living through a conflict. Yuriy Borisov’s portrayal of the titular character is a tour de force, delivering a compelling performance that delves into the character’s intricate layers.
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
In “Love & Other Drugs,” directed by Edward Zwick, Jamie Randall bursts onto the screen as a charismatic and ambitious pharma salesperson armed with his quick wit and boundless ambition. However, beneath his smooth-talking exterior lies a man searching for his true identity in an industry known for its ruthless competition. But Jamie’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Maggie Murdock, a captivating young woman who is battling Parkinson’s disease. Despite Maggie’s initial hesitation, Jamie is captivated by her spirit and is determined to win her heart. His pursuit of Maggie becomes an emotional rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs as he navigates the challenges of love and disease.
Gyllenhaal and Hathaway’s on-screen chemistry is simply a sight for sore eyes. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Jamie is a masterclass in charisma, an exuding charm that could sell ice to an Eskimo. Hathaway, on the other hand, is a beacon of vulnerability and strength as Maggie, flawlessly capturing the complexities of her character’s journey.
Cadillac Man (1990)
This Roger Donaldson masterpiece depicts Joey O’Brien, a flashy and flamboyant auto salesperson who struts his stuff on the showroom floor of a struggling car dealership. With his sharp suits, slick hair, and silver tongue, Joey knows how to sell a car like nobody’s business. But behind the facade of success, Joey’s personal life is spiraling out of control. His bank account is dwindling, his wife has reached her limit with his reckless behavior, and his mistress is pushing him to marry her. As if things couldn’t get worse, fate has a cruel twist in store for Joey. Enter Larry, the leader of a band of armed thieves who barge into the dealership and take everyone captive. Suddenly, Joey’s world is turned upside down as he finds himself caught in the middle of a high-stakes hostage crisis.
This masterpiece is a comedic whirlwind of slapstick antics and witty banter that keeps audiences in stitches from start to finish. At the heart of the film is the incomparable Robin Williams, who brings his trademark charisma and impeccable comic timing to the role of Joey. Amidst the comedic chaos, the movie also delves into more profound themes that give the film depth and resonance. It explores the consequences of one’s actions as Joey grapples with the repercussions of his reckless behavior and learns the value of taking responsibility for his actions.