REVIEW: Ben Affleck Shines in The Tender Bar

Films based on memoirs sometimes have a habit of being a tad bit boring. Occasionally the director can fail to adapt the story into a film that is not only interesting but captivating at the same time. Director George Clooney does not have this issue with his new film, The Tender Bar. Clooney brings to life a story that is not only interesting but also captivating. The Tender Bar is a coming-of-age story which follows J.R. Moehringer (Tye Sheridan) as he grows up in Long Island. With no real father figure in his life, Moehringer seeks out father figures while he hangs out at his Uncle Charlie’s (Ben Affleck) bar. Filled with a fantastic group of characters, the audience sees J.R. gather advice from his friends, family, and, namely, his Uncle Charlie to help him grow from a boy to a man.

Based on the 2005 memoir of the same name, Clooney has no problem translating J.R. Moehringer’s story to screen. The story transitions seamlessly from scene to scene, never missing a beat. Each character introduced only helped propel the overall story along while the music helped elevate every scene. From songs like Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”, Clooney and the creative team chose music that constantly reminded the audience the era in which J.R. grew up in. The music easily became one of my favorite parts of the film. However, with the case of memoirs, the story does get a tad bit slow at parts. Not slow enough you will be turning the film off, but slow enough that you may become distracted doing something else. Just be patient through those scenes as the film will pick back up and will grab your attention once again.

With that being said, it is the cast that really makes this film. There is no weak link in the group. Sheridan leads the cast as J.R. and does a fantastic job bringing to life this real-life character. His performance showcased an impressive range of emotions, which were only made better when he was performing alongside his co-stars, particularly his scenes with Affleck’s Charlie. Affleck’s Charlie is the bartender everyone wants to find at their own local bar. He and Sheridan’s chemistry radiates from the very first scene they are in together, and only intensifies as the film progresses. Their relationship is the clear winner in this film. The duo is joined by Lily Rabe, who does an excellent job portraying Jr’s mom, and Christopher Lloyd, who plays J.R. ’s grandfather. My only wish is that we had gotten more scenes between Lloyd and Sheridan.

The Tender Bar is a great film to watch on a night in during these cold winter months. Is it a film for the family, no. But it is a film for those who like great storytelling and great performances, so cuddle up on the couch with your favorite drink and give this film a go.

Grade: B+