Ben Affleck's Bromance With Chris Tucker And Promotion Of His Michael Jordan Movie 'Air' Highlighted The Start Of NBA All-Star Weekend

PATRICK T. FALLON. Getty Images.

You could say Ben Affleck was just a tad more in his element to tip off NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City than he was at The Grammys not long ago and you love to see it. One of his castmates on the upcoming Michael Jordan-inspired film Air was in attendance as well, and what ensued transcended movie magic and set the stage for the bromance I never knew I needed. 

That's right y'all. I think we're getting a Chris Tucker comeback. No one-off appearance in Silver Linings Playbook this time around. The second Chris Tucker started talking, my body and soul were ready for more. Sounds like we're closer to a green light for Rush Hour 4 than ever, so there's that!

But like, the even cooler thing about Friday night's All-Star festivities was how Affleck held a full-blown media session and gave all sorts of insightful answers about Air, the creative process, and had some affectionate Tucker impressions in the chamber ready to unleash at the podium and beyond that are better than you'd probably expect them to be…

…Because let's be honest. It seems like most folks often can't wait to talk shit about Ben Affleck. To those of you, I say listen to him here:

Like, what's with all the criticism aimed at Affleck all the time!? Are people still not over some of the inevitable dud movies he had over the course of a long, prosperous run in the entertainment industry? SHEESH.

I'll never understand it. This man co-wrote and had a key supporting part in Good Will Hunting to launch a career beyond his wildest dreams, has been open about his battles with personal issues, and has sunk to pretty low points as an actor only to come roaring the fuck back. He's also an excellent Bruce Wayne/Batman to boot.

Kind of a bummer that the long-awaited reunion between Affleck and Matt Damon for The Last Duel flopped at the box office. That was a damn fine movie. It'll be interesting to see how Air does, because it does tell a fascinating story about how basketball shoes skyrocketed to popularity thanks to Nike's leadership spearheading the movement and rallying behind Michael Jordan, who obviously became a brand and global phenomenon unto himself as the greatest basketball player of all-time. Given MJ's universal appeal, my obvious passion for sports and the star power of this cast and creative team, Air is a Day 1 Ass In The Theater Seat movie for me on April 5.

As I preemptively try to talk any of you commenters out of descending into the madness of a LeBron-MJ GOAT debate, I'll plug the fine breakdown KenJac did for Air from a while back, along with some Lights Camera Barstool goodness for your enjoyment.

PS: Affleck also announced the Celebrity All-Star Game starting lineups with his son, but that dragged on for a long time and wasn't as interesting, although this was a notable highlight:

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