Based on the memoir by Pulitzer-winning journalist J.R. Moehringer, The Tender Bar proves that not only does it take a village, it takes a bar.

WHAT IS THE TENDER BAR

TENDER BAR

Directed by George Clooney (Oceans 11) and adapted from the 2005 memoir of the same name, The Tender Bar is a coming of age dramedy. J.R. is raised by a single mother and lives in his grandparents’ house on Long Island. This is where young J.R. stops searching for his father “in the radio” and is mentored by his Uncle Frank who owns and operates The Dickens Bar. 

THE TENDER BAR – A SLICE OF LIFE AND A WHOLE LOT MORE

Some may not be a fan of a slice of life story, but personally, I love them. The Tender Bar is the slice that gives you a wacky, but an endearing family who’s a little down on their luck giving nothing but love and support to each other. They encourage J.R. to find and follow his passion – even if it’s not a lawyer. While also doing their best to make him feel loved even if his father (Martini) is garbage. That’s where Uncle Frank (Affleck) steps in. In his bar, aptly named The Dickens, is where J.R. first finds his love of reading and dreams of being a writer. All while Uncle Frank gives him sage life advice. 

THE STELLAR CAST

The film stars Tye Sheridan (Ready Player One), Lily Rabe (American Horror Story), Christopher Lloyd (Back 2 the Future) as his cooky grandfather, and Ben Affleck (Argo) as Uncle Frank. The film also has a stellar supporting cast; Daniel Ranieri as young J.R., Rhenzy Feliz (Runaways), newcomer Briana Middleton, Max Martini (Pacific Rim), and more.

The script lends itself to be sort of a love letter to the man who helped shape Moehringer in his youth, Uncle Frank. Affleck’s portrayal of him is one of the best of his career. He has so much charisma, heart, and plays Frank with ease that it makes me wonder if Ben based him on someone in his own life. 

That said, I never thought someone could out charm Affleck in his own film, but Sheridan as J.R. does just that. I found myself falling in love with the incredibly smart, brash, kid from Long Island from the moment he steps on the screen. Sheridan handles the comedy of the film with such a delicate touch and finds the heart in every scene. He has definitely come a long way since Ready Player One. I honestly didn’t find any major flaws with the film. I enjoyed the story, loved the way Clooney embraced the time period, and the pacing was great. 

WHERE TO WATCH

Make sure to check out The Tender Bar in theaters on December 17th and streaming in January! Stay tuned with That Hashtag Show for more reviews!