The Tender Bar (2021) User Reviews

An Ensemble Gem - Affleck Deserves Recognition

[Instant_Palmer · 8/10 · 12 January 2022]

[UPDATE. AN UNBELIEVABLE AWARDS-SNUB BY THE ACADEMY!!) Clooney directs a highly capable ensemble cast in this intimate feel-good coming of age film based on the memoirs of J. R. Moehringer.

The adapted screenplay by William Monahan tells Moehringer's true story of an underdog finding his way from childhood to adulthood, while pursuing an ivy league education, and his dream of a writing career (including publishing his real-life memoirs that this film is based upon), despite the odds stacked against him of near-poverty, an alcoholic abusive father that abandoned the family, and a dysfunctional (but caring and committed) extended three-generation family.

Ben Affleck plays the boy's well-read self-educated uncle who takes over the reigns of his birth father, and together with his dedicated mother (Lily Rabe), and grandfather (Christopher Lloyd), help guide him (as best they can) along his journey through childhood to adulthood.

The story is interesting, meaningful, and ultimately inspirational, avoiding the cliche' Hollywood treatment that often makes such films unbelievable.

A low key film like this one that makes you reflect and captures your emotional involvement without manipulating is a rare treat indeed.

Clooney directs, teaming with past collaborators Martin Ruhe behind the camera, and Tanya Swerling as Editor, bringing this story to fruition in under two hours.

Oddly, a scene that was partially cut out from the middle of the film, becomes additional-footage shown while credits roll...I deducted points for this uneven editing decision, and don't understand why it wasn't simply pasted back to complete the scene. Regardless, stay with it til the end, as it's worth seeing.

Understanding the awards machine has tilted towards "agendas" of late, I'm not making a prediction for The Tender Bar. However, Affleck has already received both a Golden Globe and SAG nomination, so that at least indicates some sense will be applied this year in voting. That being said, this will be one of the most competitive years ever for Lead Actor awards... If Affleck gets nominated for an Oscar (he should), that alone is amazing. If he wins (he could), he knocks out a handful of the very best performances. Stay tuned...

[EDIT: Tinder Bar receives my "2nd Annual Oscar Snub Award" for the Academy's complete disregard for the film, and especially Ben Affleck who earned but did not receive a nomination, despite the Golden Globes and SAG Awards honoring him with such.]

Films like this don't come along every year, and I'm very thankful this one did.

Bravo to everyone involved 👏.

👍👍

"Don't look for your father to save you. And don't play sports."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 10 January 2022]

I really enjoyed this movie. Can't really say why, it just has that nifty, down home atmosphere that comes with lower and middle class values that eventually show up in the the progression of youth to adulthood. It's also a nostalgic look back in time to the Seventies and Eighties with a complementary sidetrack invoking songs from the era that fit the tenor of the story. A big surprise here is Ben Affleck portraying bar owner and all around wise man as Uncle Charlie to young JR (Daniel Ranieri), and later, the college bound youth (Tye Sheridan) that JR grows into. Uncle Charlie is the kind of presence you can relate to without being overbearing or annoying. And for a working stiff, he's a generous guy, handing young JR an autographed Tom Seaver baseball, and after he graduates, his very own first car to take him out on life's highway. Side stories of JR's unrequited first love come into play without being mawkish, and the harrowed relationship with his own father (Max Martini) is finally resolved with a cutting of the cord that proves his own maturity and independence.

Uncle Charlie's best advice to JR - 'take Philosophy, there's no right answer'. Did I say I enjoyed this movie? I loved it!

Clooney's best directorial effort

[maccas-56367 · 8/10 · 19 January 2022]

I really enjoyed this one. It has a phenomenal soundtrack, with some heartwarming moments and great performance by Ben Affleck as Uncle Charlie - the Uncle we all wish we had.

In some ways, it reminded me of Hillbilly Elegy. It's a solid coming-of-age film with a refreshing softness. The atmosphere of the film is infectious - we could all do with some of those bar characters in our corner.

Ron Livingston was well suited as narrator. It was also great to see Christopher Lloyd as the farting Grandpa - he's on a roll these days. I also thought Tye Sheridan held his own alongside the likes of Affleck. Lily Rabe really excelled at being JR's loving mother who just wants him to do well in life.

There are some laughs, some emotional moments, and a few thought-provoking lines. It's not short on inspiration for aspiring writers either. It's about life. It's about the people who help shape us, and it's about the importance of a writer finding their voice.

excellent first half

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 21 December 2021]

Greetings again from the darkness. Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and journalist JR Moehringer published his memoir in 2005. Fortunately for him, it led to his being in high demand to pen the memoirs of others. Unfortunately for us, it also led to George Clooney directing a mostly listless movie version. Adapted by Oscar-winning screenwriter William Monahan (THE DEPARTED, 2006), the film does offer a surprisingly interesting performance from Ben Affleck, while also failing to capitalize on other elements that could have provided a boost.

Opening with Golden Earring's "Radar Love" blasting over the speakers, this is the story of JR - from his childhood through young adulthood. Young JR (the acting debut of Daniel Ranieri) is being raised by his resourceful single mom (Lily Rabe, ALL GOOD THINGS, 2010). Financial hardships force them from the city, back to the Long Island home of JR's grumpy grandfather (Christopher Lloyd). Although his mother is a bit down at having to move back home, young JR embraces the slew of family members who use the house as a congregating spot. He's also taken under the wing of Uncle Charlie (2 time Oscar winner Ben Affleck), who runs the neighborhood bar called The Dickens.

Uncle Charlie becomes JR's adult male role model, and he passes along his love of reading to the boy. It's this that inspires JR to dream of becoming a writer - a dream that doesn't necessarily conflict with his mother's dream for him to attend Yale. Other life lessons include cancer, bowling, and living with regular disappointment courtesy of JR's absentee dad, a radio DJ referred to by the family as 'The Voice' (Max Martini, the "Fifty Shades" movies). In addition to Uncle Charlie's ever-present cigarette, adult beverage, and book of the day, are the regulars at the bar played by Max Casella, Michael Braun, and Matthew Delamater. Regrettably, these guys rarely offer anything outside of well-placed one-liners. JR is surrounded by folks who say they will always be there for him. And they mean they will always be there. They aren't going anywhere. Dreams and ambition don't exist, except for JR's mother - for her son, not for herself.

The first half of the movie is significantly more interesting and entertaining than the second. Once Tye Sheridan (MUD, 2012) takes over the role of JR, we immediately miss the bright eyes and eager spirit of young Daniel Ranieri. The realities of getting older set in as JR heads to Yale (class of '86). As JR fumbles through a romantic relationship with classmate Sidney (Brianna Middleton), he's little more than a typically clueless young man blind to realities of his situation. JR's post-college stint at the New York Times delivers very little that interests us ... heck, we aren't even sure JR is interested in the job.

I rarely find Ben Affleck's performance to be the best thing about a movie, but he is excellent here, following yet another terrific performance in THE WAY BACK (2020). Growing up, we all have role models. Affleck's Uncle Charlie is one of those well-meaning adults who seemed larger than life when we were young. His endless advice can be categorized as some good, some not so good - a combination which renders most of it meaningless. But instilling a love of reading and learning is one of the most important traits one can pass along to a youngster. The movie's issues aren't with that message, but rather with the bland storytelling. The recurring gags of 'what does JR stand for?' and 'where's my 30 bucks?' are just the most obvious misguided attempts at cuteness.

Opening in theaters December 22, 2021.

Ben Affleck's best performance ever

[jesse-846-720503 · 7/10 · 9 January 2022]

The movie was good. Very touching and heartwarming, with a great sense of time and place. A little uneven at times. But Affleck gives what I think is his best, most real performance. Not his usual movie star stuff. He should be nominated for an Oscar for this.

Based on his memoir, JR's coming of age to become a writer.

[TxMike · 8 January 2022]

This is an Amazon original movie, my wife and I watched it at home streaming on Amazon. It is set mostly on Long Island and in Connecticut but was filmed in various Massachusetts locations.

The movie is really two parts and they cut back and forth. The older part is in the early 1970s when young JR and his mother deal with their situation by moving back to her parents' home, dad is a radio voice and mostly absent. JR's uncle (Affleck in a good role) operates his own bar and gives young JR some life advice. Mom wants JR to go to Yale and become a lawyer, but JR decides he wants to be a writer.

The other half is in the 1980s when JR is at Yale, then later when he starts to get jobs as a reporter. Woven in are his frustrations with the girl he falls for but she never seems to be able to choose just him.

All in all a good and interesting movie ultimately about JR's coming of age.

Excellent Casting

[yusufpiskin · 7/10 · 7 January 2022]

There is a group of people who have troubled the cinema, and this mass is fed only by spreading negative energy.

George Clooney and Ben Affleck have been targeted by such people throughout their careers.

The film, which Clooney did a very clean job, attracts people especially with its 70's texture.

Intelligently chosen actors and actresses, excellent selection of songs, cinematography, art direction are very good.

The script is already a book adaptation.

Tye Sheridan is my favorite generation Z actor. He showed her talent in this movie as well.

A very good 'Coming of Age' movie is waiting for you and the movie gives you more than what it promises in this sense.

director George Clooney

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 12 January 2022]

It's 1973. JR (Daniel Ranieri) and his mother (Lily Rabe) have to move back in with her father (Christopher Lloyd). It's a house full of extended family including Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck). JR doesn't know his long-absent irresponsible father and Uncle Charlie who owns a local bar becomes his father figure. As an older kid, JR (Tye Sheridan) fulfills his mother's wish for higher education.

There are interesting moments of humanity and humor within an extended non-dramatic coming-of-age story. This is really a series of vignettes of his early life. Director George Clooney is a good workman but this story needs something extra. As it stands, it probably would work better as TV show. I kept thinking the kid needs some friends. Of course, the central theme is the father figure in a young boy's life. The movie needs to concentrate harder on that. Quite frankly, the movie needs more Ben Affleck. He has to sell this. He can't be a side character. I'm not sure if Clooney has the vision as a director.

Ben Affleck shines as he plays bartender mentor to his nephew

[madanmarwah · 7/10 · 17 January 2022]

There is Uncle Charlie, bartender ( Ben Affleck) in a bar named "The Dickens" inspired by Charles Dickens and instead of liquor bottles in the cabinet he has a collection of books. Something more unusual is that he doles out serious advice to young 10 year old boy JR ( Daniel Ranieri) on how an ideal man should behave. This movie is based on the memoirs of famous journalist JR Moehringer, and chronicles his growth from a boy to a young man studying at Yale and later aspiring to be a writer.

JR has gone through a troubled childhood without a father, has been through a turbulent manhood ( getting dumped 9 times, getting rejected for a job) but learns a lot from Uncle Charlie constantly. ( Later in life Uncle Charlie tells him to select philosophy as a subject since there are no right answers in this subject). JR's mom however has been supporting him throughout and this keeps him going as he navigates his ups and downs. A heart-warming scene has young JR attending a " Breakfast with dad" session in school with his grandpa standing in for his missing father.

A warm, sentimental film embellished with some good acting by Ben Affleck who carries the film well and gives it class. Young Daniel Ranieri is lovable and plays his role like a seasoned professional. Credit to the handsome hunk behind the camera, that is director George Clooney who has done a competent job. The movie has a foot tapping soundtrack of, believe it or not, around thirty numbers which add to the entertainment value of the movie. The movie ends on a positive note for JR as he says that unlike the selection process to become a lawyer, one has only to have self belief and can become a writer when one is ready.

A Delightful departure from Sturm und Drang

[tm-sheehan · 8/10 · 18 January 2022]

My Review - The Tender Bar (Amazon Prime)

My Rating 8/10.

I'm so pleased one of my cinephile friends recommended this very uplifting and entertaining movie as one I may like and he was so right .

It's based on the coming of age memoir of Pulitzer Prize winning author 'J. R." Moehringer novelist and journalist and his childhood experiences growing up on Long Island .

"JR"'s memoir obviously impressed other famous celebrities as he has previously written the memoirs of both the American businessman and Nike co-founder, Philip Knight (Shoe Dog), and tennis star, Andre Agassi (Open) .

"JR" as he is known in this movie has recently been commissioned with help from Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex to write his memoir .

The book is likely to draw a huge audience, which is probably why it's drawn a huge advance of $20m (£14m), which Harry says he'll donate to charity.

Now back to this delightful film beautifully directed and co produced by George Clooney . This is the 2nd collaboration between Ben Affleck and George Clooney, after both served as producers on Argo (2012).

Ben Affleck plays Uncle Charlie , JR's substitute father and proprietor of the Dickens Bar which is the social hub of the town.

Ben Affleck gives a great performance full of the humour and wisdom that this young boy desperately needs after moving back to Long Island with his mother and her family after separation from an absent and totally disfunctional father known only in the credits as "The Voice " played by Max Martini a very apt name .

In a Variety interview, Ben Affleck said "I think the world is a tough and ugly place, particularly now, so I feel good injecting this movie onto the world." The real charm of this movie is from the 2 performances from Daniel Ranieri who plays young JR and Tye Sheridan who plays JR as a young man entering the world of journalism and romance.

Interestingly after The Tender Bar I watched the 2012 movie Mud where Tye Sheridan plays a young boy befriending a fugitive Matthew McConaughey and it's easy to see why he won many acting awards and most promising newcomer.

There are some other delightful performances in this movie that doesn't feature gimmicks or pretends to be great art but just tells a touching story that's inspiring and entertaining.

I particularly enjoyed Lily Rabe as JR's mother who is determined that he will go to Yale or Harvard and become a lawyer.

Also Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa there's a beautiful scene where crusty old smelly Grandpa gets gussied up and takes young JR to the schools "Fathers Breakfast .

I actually enjoyed The Tender Bar as much as the 2020 similar plot movie Hillbilly Elegy.

Okay, but just okay, coming-of-age movie

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 8 January 2022]

As "The Tender Bar" (2021 release; 104 min.) opens, a young boy (named J. R.) and his mom are moving back into her parents' house on Long Island in 1973. Also living is the house is Uncle Charlie, the brother of The Absent Father who is a DJ on a New York Top-40s station. Uncle Charlie runs a bar, the Dickens, where everybody knows your name... At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest film directed by George Clooney (he doesn't star in it). Here he adapts the memoir of the same name from J. R. Moehringer for the silver screen. I haven't read the memoir and hence cannot comment how closely the film sticks to the underlying book. But I can say this: the movie is warm and pleasant, yet utterly straightforward without any major tension to speak of. The movie could've been called "The Absent Father" as that theme play prominently. But it also could've been called "The Wonder Years Meet Cheers", as the film more than remind of both TV shows. In fact, it feels derivative of both. Ben Affleck is fine as Uncle Charlie. Christopher Lloyd is Grandpa. Tye Sheridan ("Ready Player One") is J. R. as a teenager/college kid. But most noteworthy is Briana Middleton, making her film debut as Sydney, J. R.'s love interest in college. Surely we have not seen the last of her. Also noteworthy is Daniel Ranieri as the 9 yr old J. R. The movie opens with Golden Earring's "Radar Love" blasting from the car radio, and it is just the first of many, many song placements from the early and mid 70s. If you are a certain age, it will all come back to you in a flash.

"The Tender Bar" premiered at the London Film Festival last Fall, and was given a very limited US theatrical run in December. It just started streaming this weekend on Amazon Prime, where I caught it. If you are in the mood for a pleasant if utterly predictable coming-of-age film that is a derivative mix of "The Wonder Years" and "Cheers", I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it on Amazon Prime, Amazon Instant Video, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

An excellent film. So well written

[latinfineart · 8/10 · 17 April 2022]

If you like those sloppy, bulbous, bloated, fake, illiterate Marvel movies you probably won't be able to relate to this film, but if you like films that are written by adults, films that are written with a sense of lyricism and poetry, films that are about the celebration of life and characters and neighborhoods and people, then you'll probably enjoy this film.

I absolutely loved it. I thought it was just a beautiful piece of work and films like this just don't get made in Hollywood very much anymore, as the cultural bankruptcy seems to prevent it. This film is certainly bucking the trend and the quality of the writing was outstanding, as was the direction, the pace, the music and the performances. It was Affleck's best performance in years. Kudos to the entire team.

Nothing Wrong With It

[Maxax777 · 6/10 · 8 January 2022]

There's nothing wrong with this - it's not bad - but at the same time, there's nothing really great about it either. Just another story from the neighborhood - best part of the movie is the 70s soundtrack!

Average

[atractiveeyes · 5/10 · 7 January 2022]

It's an average coming of age film. It has some good elements but it feels empty. The cast is interesting with very good performances. Cinematography is nice. It also tackles a beautiful topic but the screenplay is a mess. Dialogues are weak and the story flows chaotically. Editing is bad too.

Clooney's adaptation of JR Moehringer's memoir

[gortx · 1 February 2022]

This year's entry in the poor kid who makes it as a writer awards bait entry. Like last year's HILLBILLY ELEGY, George Clooney's movie laddles on the woes and miseries while always trying to assure the audience that it will be all right in the end -- it's a memoir, after all (J. R. Moehringer).

Ben Affleck plays Uncle Charlie (literally "Uncle Charlie") who becomes a mentor to the author, JR (Daniel Ranieri as a tyke; Tye Sheridan as a college student). Affleck is good here, even if the character is idealized - yes, he's a bartender still living with his father, but he's also wicked smarht! Ranieri is a decent child actor, but Sheridan is more annoying than heroic here. Briana Middleton is winning as JR's on again, off again girlfriend, but one never gets why she's be attracted to him. Lily Rabe and Chrisopher Lloyd do fine, but they are playing cliches.

More crucially, the viewer never gets a true glimpse of JR's supposed writing talent. It's all second hand - "that kid's got it!" William Monahan's screenplay plays it safe and to the middle, and Clooney doesn't really give it much style, either.

A nice coming of age story

[davebelin · 7/10 · 21 December 2021]

We saw this at an Amazon premiere at our local movie theater. I enjoyed the story of JR growing up and learning about becoming a man from his Uncle Charlie, since his own father is absent. JR navigates his way through life and ends up attending Yale and getting a job as a writer. Charlie teaches him to respect women, fosters his love of reading and writing, teaches him to be responsible with money, and other lessons.

I wish there was a bit more character development of a few of the bar patrons - just a little one-on-one interaction with each of them with JR would have added to the story.

Overall, a nice story told well, and worth watching.

Fine but hardly a must-see

[guskeller · 7/10 · 18 January 2022]

The Tender Bar is an acceptable attempt at a solid subgenre. The coming-of-age story has merit but is overdone, making it difficult for new installments to stand out. So, even though The Tender Bar means well, it is missing a selling point to make it memorable. Ben Affleck excels in his supporting role and the soundtrack is strong, but that isn't enough to produce a hit. Primarily, this is because the story is stale. It explores ideas of manhood, self-efficacy, and success, yet not in particularly special ways. Despite some decent quotes, most of The Tender Bar is eclipsed by previous films in its class.

Meanwhile, the filmmaking of The Tender Bar is proficient yet underwhelming. The cinematography uses movement, zooms, focus, and color pallets, but rarely incorporates meaning or a specific style. Similarly, the editing utilizes inserts, yet almost never elevates a scene. Even though the sound is enhanced by J-cuts, it barely impacts the experience. Finally, the production design embodies the time period, but isn't overly elaborate. Ultimately, The Tender Bar doesn't have a weakness and doesn't have enough clear strengths. It's firmly good, not great: a fine movie for fans of the genre, yet hardly a must-see.

Writing: 6/10 Direction: 7/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 8/10 Editing: 7/10 Sound: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 7/10 Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 7.2/10.

Heartwarming and Heartbreaking

[lavatch · 7/10 · 28 February 2022]

"The Tender Bar" is a coming-of-age film that unfolds the joys and the heartbreaks in the formation of young J. R., the protagonist in this well-produced and well-acted memoir.

J. R.'s father left his mom and took a job as a DJ, never fulfilling his basic responsibilities as a dad. It was ironic that so many of the characters urged J. R. reconnect with his father. But there never seemed to be a vacuum in J. R.'s life, as he had such a strong paternal influence from his Uncle Charley. As J. R. prepares to write his memoir, the father will surely play a minor role.

One of the most intriguing yet problematic relationships in the film was J. R.'s connection to Sidney, his classmate in the world literature course at Yale. The unusual cruelty of Sidney in her rejection of him on the day after she invited him to her Westport home was never explained in the film. The impact of her fickleness could be greater on the young man than the influence of the deadbeat dad.

The major strength of the film was in the outstanding performances and in the character development of J. R. The two actors playing the child and the young adult were terrific. Another strong influence on J. R.'s life was his sensitive mother. While damaged from her failed marriage, she teams with her brother Charley to shape his character with decent values.

It is unclear whether J. R. will ever become a successful writer. But due to the positive family influences of the mother, uncle, and grandfather, J. R. has something that supersedes an education at Yale or a job with The New York Times. Due to the nurturing environment in which he was raised, he is a genuinely fine person.

Sentimental coming of age drama, everyone needs an uncle Charlie!

[blanbrn · 7/10 · 19 March 2022]

"The Tender Bar" for real was one well done and enjoyable drama film to watch, as it was an emotional tug on the heart as it was a road journey of life and the ups and downs that are thrown out. Based on a memoir of one J. R. Moehringer it stars Ben Affleck(not a "Batman" or rom com role, however this is perhaps Ben's best performance) as a lifelong Long Island, New York bartender Charlie who becomes a wisdom adviser and father like figure to his young nephew J. R.(played at an older age by Tye Sheridan) who comes from a broken and cash strapped home, as his D. J. radio broadcaster father has fled from J. R. and his mom(Lily Rabe) and upon moving in with Charlie and the grandparents(hey granddad is Christopher Lloyd). And while mixing and pouring drinks at the local Dickens bar, Charlie gives J. R, advice on life, love, and women. Thru all of the raw way of living J. R. scraps his way up as later at Yale University he sees more twists and turns of the cold world. Set in the 70's and 80's the pace and times of the film is well captured by director George Clooney, as the film is a journey and take on being happy with love and family as one like J. R. learned life with uncle Charlie.

The Tender Bar

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 12 January 2022]

George Clooney's The Tender Trap wants to be a feel good movie. Instead it is too smug and self congratulatory.

Based on writer JR Moehringer's memoirs. The film is set in two timelines.

Young JR in the early 1970s has moved to his grandfather's house in Long Island with his mum. His dad a radio DJ known as The Voice has abandoned them a long time ago.

Mum is not happy moving to back. It is a sign of failure. JR loves the mayhem of living with his extended family. He also comes into contact with his Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck) who becomes a surrogate father to JR.

Charlie runs a bar called Dickens, reads books and gives JR life lessons.

The older JR has got into Yale in the 1980s. His mother wants JR to become a lawyer so he can chase his father for child support. JR wants to be a writer.

He also falls for a girl called Sydney who uses JR for sex a few times and then casually drops him.

The trouble with the movie is that the first part featuring the young JR is more interesting than the second part.

The older JR played by Tye Sheridan travels a well worn path as he heads for college. It also has too many cliches especially the drunk deadbeat dad with a violent temper.

Affleck's performance has been praised. He plays it in a style Clooney would had done, if he had played Uncle Charlie.

The Tender Bar is a slow paced coming of age drama that leaves you emotionally invested

[Holt344 · 8/10 · 8 January 2022]

The Tender Bar is a coming-of-age drama directed by George Clooney from a screenplay by William Monahan. It's adapted from the memoir of the same name by J. R. Moehringer, and recounts Moehringer's life growing up on Long Island. Tye Sheridan stars as J. R. Moehringer and Ben Affleck stars as Charlie Moehringer. Daniel Ranieri, Lily Rabe, Christopher Lloyd and Ron Livingston also stars in the film.

Going into this film with no knowledge of it except hearing that Ben Affleck starred in it, an actor I really like, what I didn't expect was how good of a drama it would turn out to be. It's a period drama showing the life of J. R. Moehringer who seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle's bar. J. R is portrayed through various of ages in the film, three actors. Daniel Ranieri does a terrific job as the young J. R whilst Tye Sheridan plays the Young adult version of the character and Ron Livingston does the voice over as the older version. Tye Sheridan is absolutely fantastic in this film and so is Ben Affleck, the latter bringing the film's best performance. The cinematography is quite amazing, every department who worked on the film did a great job in making it authentic to the time period. Dara Taylor's musical score fits perfectly with the movie.

Though George Clooney created a great drama, I think the slow pacing can be off putting to many people. But I just love the character interactions and acting in the film, the writing is too quite good. Though the slow pacing is there, I was emotionally invested and got this warm feeling by watching it. It's a story worth telling and the writers did a great job at adapting the memoirs.

Some of the music was off

[ctheilman · 6/10 · 11 January 2022]

The film starts out in 1973 and they're listening to Pablo Cruise on the radio singing "Whatcha gonna do" but that song didn't come out until 1978. The next song is Alicia Bridges " I love the night life" which also came out in 1978. I knew right away when I heard them that they were not from 1973. It's surprising that no one checked to seIf the music was correct.

Enjoyed this movie.

[sudiniup · 9/10 · 8 January 2022]

I will sound like a cliche, but here goes. For me, this was a wonderful combination of a coming of age/loyal supportive, family and friends/standing up for your truths and ideals and also great music movie, People that love us, get us through the dark times.

VIEWS ON FILM review of The Tender Bar

[burlesonjesse5 · 7/10 · 12 February 2022]

It has been about 7 years since I've last seen a movie directed by George Clooney. The Tender Bar is George's latest and if you grew up in the 70s/80s (I did), then "Tender" bleeds nostalgia like a 2-inch staph wound. It's in the tunes (Steely Dan, Pablo Cruise, King Harvest), the setting (Yale University and some musty tavern in Long Island), and the subject (a dude has aspirations of becoming a writer). As a writer like myself (and I like to think that I am), The Tender Bar struck a chord with me. Why do you think I started penning this review with ciggies and coffee on hand.

The Tender Bar tells its narrative chronologically from 1973 till I suppose, the mid 1980s. It's coming-of-age personified and more persona arc-driven than plot-driven. The performances are darn good especially from Ben Affleck (barkeep and uncle Charlie Maguire) and Ty Sheridan (real-life novelist and Charlie's nephew, JR Moehringer). I'm an actual uncle (4 times over) and again "Tender" struck a chord with me. Just not in the same ray of light as some of these East Coat denizens did.

The Tender Bar is the kind of film that could feel like a comfortable shoe for good old George Clooney. I mean this is Confessions of a Dangerous Mind without the spy and CIA mediums. Clooney has never been the most focused storyteller but shot for shot, he always brings a lightness and breeziness to the proceedings. He can direct from a keen, ocular standpoint and well, thank gosh his stuff is good enough to not float away.

Watching a George Clooney flick, you feel as if you've been transported to all things past tense. Like life, people you meet tend to fade in and out and sometimes dangle like dropped loose ends. That's Clooney's vision as a filmmaker for better or worse. His characters although sometimes whimsically detached, complete that vision.

"Tender" follows JR and Charlie and their bond as blood. Everyone else falls by the wayside including the famous d-bag father who was never around, JR's rattled mother, JR's would-be girlfriend, and the elder who is flatulent (Christopher Lloyd as well, grandpa). I liked The Tender Bar but would I put a "bid" on it as a masterpiece? Not quite. It feels somewhat unfinished even though its true story adaptation has already been finished.

Disappointing

[fmilder-533-34251 · 4/10 · 8 January 2022]

The Tender Bar is a series of disconnected vignettes, first involving young JR, and then college-and-a-few-years-after JR. There's little continuity and an unexpected (and odd) jump between the two ages. In so many ways, this plays like the real JR wanting to tell you ten scenes from his life, with little regard for whether this would make an interesting, or even watchable, movie. It left me wondering who paired the book down to the movie.

And that's before we get to all the mediocre production choices - Long Islanders bowling candlepins, which don't exist in Long Island, young JR and older JR don't look much like each other, JR cursing out his father without so much as attending to the person who inspired the cursing, sound editing that loses the end of the sentence every five minutes or so, and the random scene choices and ending that seems no better place to stop than many other moments in JR's life.

There are lots of movies that disappoint me, but I nonetheless think were worth watching. The Tender Bar is just a waste of time. Ben Affleck doing a decent job in a supporting role, and a cute kid reminiscent of The Wonder Years, do not make a good movie.