The Tender Bar
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 17, 2021 (limited release), January 7, 2022 (Amazon Prime Video)
Genre
Drama, Coming-of-Age
Cast & Crew
- Ben Affleck as Charlie Moehringer
- Tye Sheridan as J.R. Moehringer (young adult)
- Daniel Ranieri as J.R. Moehringer (child)
- Lily Rabe as Dorothy Moehringer
- Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa Moehringer
- Max Martini as Johnny Michaels
Director
George Clooney
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
- The Ides of March (2011)
- The Monuments Men (2014)
- Suburbicon (2017)
Producer
- George Clooney
- Grant Heslov
- Ted Hope
Writer
- William Monahan (screenplay)
- Based on the memoir by J.R. Moehringer
Budget
Estimated at $25 million
Production Company
- Amazon Studios
- Smokehouse Pictures
Running Time
106 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Alcohol use
- Mild violence
- Mature themes
Movie Story
“The Tender Bar” is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama based on the memoir by J.R. Moehringer. The film follows the story of young J.R. Moehringer (Daniel Ranieri as a child, Tye Sheridan as a young adult) who grows up fatherless in the 1970s and 1980s, but finds guidance and a surrogate father figure in his Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck). Charlie is a bartender at a local bar called “The Dickens,” a place filled with eccentric characters and where J.R. learns valuable life lessons.
J.R.’s mother, Dorothy (Lily Rabe), is determined to see her son achieve the success that eluded her, pushing him to aspire for a better life, particularly through education. However, it is in the bar, surrounded by his Uncle Charlie and the regulars who frequent it, that J.R. finds a sense of belonging and identity. Charlie teaches J.R. about life, love, and what it means to be a man, all within the informal, rough-and-tumble setting of the bar.
As J.R. grows older, he struggles with the absence of his biological father, Johnny Michaels (Max Martini), a radio DJ who remains a distant and unreliable figure in his life. Despite these challenges, J.R. pursues his dream of becoming a writer, drawing inspiration from the wisdom and experiences he gains from his time at The Dickens.
“The Tender Bar” is a reflective film that explores themes of family, mentorship, and the journey to self-discovery. The story is told with warmth and humor, capturing the bittersweet moments of growing up and the importance of the people who shape our lives. The film emphasizes the significance of finding one’s own path, even when the road is filled with uncertainty and hardship.
Special Effects
“The Tender Bar” is a character-driven drama that focuses on storytelling and performances, with little reliance on special effects. The film’s period setting is authentically recreated through production design, costumes, and music, transporting the audience back to the 1970s and 1980s. The visual aesthetic is warm and nostalgic, reflecting the tone of J.R.’s memoir.
Box Office Performance
“The Tender Bar” had a limited theatrical release before streaming on Amazon Prime Video. While it did not achieve significant box office numbers due to its limited run and the shift to streaming, the film received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for Ben Affleck’s performance. The film resonated with audiences who appreciated its heartfelt narrative and strong character portrayals.
Filming Locations
- Beverly, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Being a man is knowing when to fight, and when not to.” – Charlie Moehringer
- “Your job is to not let the world harden you.” – Uncle Charlie
Behind-the-Scenes
George Clooney directed “The Tender Bar” with a focus on capturing the emotional core of J.R. Moehringer’s memoir. The film was shot in various locations around Massachusetts, which doubled for the Long Island setting of the original story. Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Uncle Charlie was widely praised, with many noting it as one of his best performances in recent years. The film also highlights the importance of mentorship and the impact of community in shaping one’s identity.
Awards
- Golden Globe Award Nomination: Best Supporting Actor (Ben Affleck)
- Satellite Award Nomination: Best Supporting Actor (Ben Affleck)
Final Verdict
“The Tender Bar” is a warm, nostalgic film that tells a coming-of-age story with heart and humor. Ben Affleck shines as Uncle Charlie, delivering a performance that is both charismatic and deeply empathetic. While the film may not break new ground in its genre, it offers a comforting and relatable narrative about the importance of family, mentorship, and finding one’s own path in life. It’s a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and those who appreciate stories about personal growth and resilience.
IMDb Rating
6.8/10