Watch The Tender Bar

The Tender Bar, which was released in 2021, is a coming-of-age drama film directed by George Clooney and based on the memoir of the same name by J.R. Moehringer. The movie has an impressive cast that includes Ben Affleck, Tye Sheridan, and Daniel Ranieri. The story is centered around J.R. Moehringer (played by Tye Sheridan), a young man who is raised by his single mother (played by Lily Rabe) and his grandfather (played by Christopher Lloyd) in Long Island, New York. After his father leaves when he's just a child, J.R. is left to navigate the world without a male role model. His mother, who is a nurse, works long hours to support them, while his grandfather, who was a World War II veteran, is mostly absent due to his drinking problem.

J.R. grows up feeling lost and alone, turning to the local bar, Dickens, for solace. The bar becomes a sanctuary for him, and the patrons become surrogate fathers and mentors. The owner of the bar, Uncle Charlie (played by Ben Affleck), takes J.R. under his wing and becomes a father figure to him. Uncle Charlie helps J.R. navigate his adolescence, offering him advice and support along the way.

The narrative explores J.R.'s journey from a young boy to a young man, and the various relationships he forms. He develops a crush on a local girl named Rodeo Girl (played by Maxim Roy) and becomes friends with a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist named Mr. Burke (played by Daniel Ranieri). J.R. also befriends the regulars of the bar, including a group of firefighters and a bookie named Neils (played by Tony Danza).

The movie tackles various themes, including the importance of family, fatherhood, and the struggles of growing up. It portrays the harsh realities of life, such as poverty, alcoholism, and broken homes, while still maintaining a sense of hope and optimism. The characters are well-rounded and fleshed out, with their individual struggles and quirks adding to the realism of the narrative.

The acting in The Tender Bar is superb, with Ben Affleck giving one of the best performances of his career. He shines in the role of Uncle Charlie, bringing a raw vulnerability and complexity to the character. Tye Sheridan is equally impressive as J.R., perfectly portraying the character's development from a naive boy to a confident young man.

The cinematography and direction are also noteworthy, with George Clooney capturing the essence of Long Island and the Dickens bar perfectly. The soundtrack features classic rock songs from the 70s and 80s, adding to the nostalgic feel of the movie.

Overall, The Tender Bar is a heartfelt and poignant movie that will leave audiences moved and inspired. It's a testament to the power of love, family, and community, and a reminder that we're never truly alone. The film is a must-watch for anyone who's ever struggled with finding their place in the world.

The Tender Bar is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 53.