First 100 University Students Attend AIR Premiere

Warner Bros. Malaysia invited the first 100 university students in Klang Valley to be panel reviewers of an exclusive premiere of AIR: Courting a Legend at TGV Cinemas One Utama.

The event was in celebration of the movie’s release on 6 April. Taylor's Flix Society, a movie-oriented social club, was among the students with two complimentary tickets each. Over 20 participants, including plus-ones, represented Taylor’s Lakeside Campus.

Some members pose with their tickets at the movie premiere’s backdrop

(Source: @taylorsflixsociety)

Warner Bros. Malaysia was in collaboration with TGV Cinemas and SneakerLAH, a major sneakers and streetwear retailer in Malaysia. The movie is based on a true story made for sneakerheads, especially fans of AIR Jordan or Michael Jordan.

Many movie-goers were seen in their AIR Jordan shoes. The early screening nevertheless was also celebrated by non-sneakerheads.

Arrian Azmil, a non-sneakerhead from Taylor’s Flix Society, feels great that the club was invited. “I did not even know that they have premieres in Malaysia,” said Arrian.

He thinks that the event could be a networking opportunity.

Some members recognised local media personalities and artists at the event. They were Ili from HITZ FM, Cassey Soo from 988 FM, SYA, DJ CZA and Asyraf Nasir.

The r-rated movie had the audience laughing at the strong language. Parent Previews remarks at least 55 sexual expletives – including slang expressions for male genitalia –, 18 curses and 15 minor profanities.

@jvncis among others share their reviews on Instagram (Source: @taylorsflixsociety)

The common feedback was that the movie was “inspiring”, “motivating” and creating the edge of a seat feeling despite knowing the ending. Some consider the movie to be the best of 2023 by far.

Arrian agrees that AIR is inspiring and motivating, especially when Nike shoe sales executive Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) delivers a pitch to secure a deal with then-rookie Michael Jordan.

“If I listen to it every day, I will be able to do more…” he said. “It’s not a Marvel movie, it’s a casual movie, … but it was enjoyable … it exceeded what I was expecting.”

Sneakerhead Ting How Thong added that the movie made him realise the AIR Jordan he wears is not just a combination of fabrics, leather and stitches, but “various stories behind the sneaker being stitched together”.

But not all were thrilled by the movie. Liong Ka Wai said that he fell asleep for the first five to ten minutes.

A quotable quote to walk away with was: ‘A shoe is just a shoe until someone steps into it’.