The story of J.R. Moehringer and his memories of living in Long Island with his quirky, but caring family.
Another coming-of-age drama you say. Well, don’t get too excited because even though The Tender Bar is nostalgic, includes a quirky soundtrack, and evokes feelings of a pleasant story, this film doesn’t break any new ground. Adapted from Moehringer’s own memoir from 2005, George Clooney’s new film follows the life of J.R. Moehringer; from humble beginnings as a young star gazing kid who hangs around his uncle’s bar, to the Yale graduate looking for a purpose in life and trying to travel the right path. It is an incredibly light-hearted story, which then takes the realism away from it slightly. But it does have funny moments, along with some joyful ones too, and a great performance from Golden Globe nominated Ben Affleck to finish it off.
This film is a little different for Clooney it seems, moving away from political thrillers and dark comedic crime capers. But with those films of the past there was always one thing, and that was excitement, something this lacks on. I understand this isn’t a politically charged nail-biter, or an offbeat comedy, but it just needs that little kick of something to thrust it to another level. Even though the film works for an easy afternoon viewing, and with enough endearment to engage some people, it does seem to amble its way through the story, with no attempt to leave first gear.
Set in 1972, a nine-year-old J.R. Moehringer (Daniel Ranieri) moves into his grandfather’s rundown house in Long Island with his struggling mother (Lily Rabe). With no dad in the picture, J.R. searches for a father figure, eventually finding it in the shape of his uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck). Charlie takes the young boy under his wing, teaching him the tricks of life and introducing him to the locals in his bar – this is probably the best education the boy could get. As the years pass by and J.R. grows into a young man (now played by Tye Sheridan) with aspirations of becoming a writer, J.R. must try and live the lessons his uncle taught him, lessons that will make him a man, and make his mother proud.
The film suffers from pacing issues though, which could be down to Clooney’s direction and trying to be so matter of fact. There is an attempt to squeeze too many events into the story, with it then becoming disjointed and very confusing. It was so puzzling at times; jumping from one place to another, trying to juggle different timelines simultaneously – just keeping it simple, and with an attention to detail would have been far superior – and the voice over just wasn’t needed, defecting any of the charm away. This technique has been used countless times over the years, especially in the coming-of-age genre, films like Stand by Me and Badlands – just to name a few – and yet, it lacks the effect of those other films, hindering it more than anything.
The biggest strength the film possesses is the relationship between J.R. and his uncle Charlie, with Affleck basically carrying the film with his wise words and enigmatic persona. This relationship is well structured and very endearing; with J.R. searching for the image of a father, and Charlie wanting to impart some wisdom to his nephew and offer him the chances he never had. It is clear that the focus of this bond was something key for the real J.R and his career as a writer. And not just that, but the bar and its host of colourful characters being an unorthodox school full of relatable teachers is another interesting aspect, and a true one at that – you can’t beat those wisecracking locals and their undoubted knowledge of the world.
The Tender Bar does induce a certain amount of nostalgia, shipping us back to 70s America with some valour, and that soundtrack which was created using songs from that era is another one of its strengths. But ultimately, this is an unadventurous coming-of-age drama, and if it wasn’t for Affleck, this film would fall into the forgettable category without a doubt. I can’t help but think about how much of a missed chance this was, to try and evolve Moehringer’s memoir into something exciting, or at the very least somewhat engaging – maybe the mundanity of the story is something that was key from the start, who knows.
The Tender Bar is available to watch on Amazon Prime now.
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