The Tender Bar - A Movie Review

You gotta have it if you are willing to conquer your passion.

The Tender Bar is a 2021 Amazon Prime film based on a memoir written by J.R. Moehringer. A young boy growing up in Long Island seeks to understand his direction after graduating from college.

What we want to do with our lives is an essential road map. The Tender Bar is a motivating film for anyone in their 20s. You’re never going to achieve your goals if you mope around waiting for life to hand you things.

Before you turn your nose up at him, we can all relate to J.R. Our 20s are a tough age. Not the smartest person, J.R. learns a valuable lesson about himself. Tye Sheridan found his truth, relating to this character. I would like to know what it was like for Sheridan to meet the real J.R. in person along with how they talked about the persona.

I did not find the casting for J.R.’s younger counterpart believable. Tye Sheridan and Daniel Renieri did not share many physical similarities. Overall, they both did a wonderful job in their performances. The sequence where J.R. has a conversation with his younger self is a moment that we’ve all had.

The people in J.R.’s life have an impact on him, whether in a positive or negative light. We all need an uncle like Charlie. Ben Affleck was outstanding in his role. More films need to highlight the role of an aunt or an uncle. That’s one of the reasons why Affleck was nominated for best supporting actor.

Lily Rabe, Christopher Lloyd, Max Martino, and Rhenzy Feliz were all great in their roles. Lloyd’s part could have been expanded. As the sarcastic grandfather, he filled in for a significant role to his grandson but then he disappeared. Most of the supporting characters drift out of the story when they had pivotal roles in the beginning.

Parts of the film were shot in Beverly, Massachusetts - my hometown! And the bowling alley is located in Wakefield, Ma another town which is close to me. It was fun pointing out familiar locations. I like how filmmakers designed the interior of the bar. All bars have something unique. Filmmakers put in their own creative touch.

The bar used for the film is an integral location. I didn’t realize it until I was legal to drink, but bars are a significant place. One doesn’t go there just to have a drink. It’s where you can solve problems.

The film lagged in the middle half, repeating its message. I liked George Clooney’s setup of this film, especially with how he dictated conversations. He signified the importance of a relationship between a child and an uncle.

Growing up is not easy, particularly in your 20s. You have to prove to yourself that you want something. This is the right advice that I needed to hear. Upon graduating from college a few years ago, I was also overwhelmed about what happens next. Take your roadmap slow, and understand the goals that you want to conquer.

The Tender Bar came out at the right time. Ben Affleck noted how we all needed a film with an upright message. Just because a pandemic uprooted our lives does not mean we should stop living and wait. What you do next is important, so make the decisions that will help you get where you want yourself to be.

You have to find The Tender Bar on Amazon Prime and watch it. It is an eye-opening film for all to watch.