The Tender Bar

       Based on the memoir by J.R. Moehringer, this coming-of-age drama is about his life growing up on Long Island and is directed with sentimental efficiency by George Clooney.

      It stars Ben Affleck as Uncle Charlie, Ty Sheridan as the adult J.R., Daniel Ranieri as the young J.R, Lily Rabe as his mother, and Christopher Lloyd as his grandfather.  Co-stars include Briana Middleton, Max Martini, and Sondra James.

      Mr. Affleck is excellent, easy and loose as the self-taught bartender worshipped by his nephew. The entire ensemble work well together and young Mr. Ranieri is adorable in his first major film. Mr. Clooney faithfully recreates the look and feel of Manhasset, Long Island in the '70's and '80's. It's a sweet story, small in scale filled with the joys and sorrows that exist within every family.

     After a short theatrical run, the film is available now on Amazon Prime.