[UPDATE. UNBELIEVABLE AWARDS SNUB BY ACADEMY!!) Clooney directs a highly capable ensemble cast in this intimate feel-good coming of age film based on the memoirs of J. R. Moehringer.

The adapted screenplay by William Monahan tells Moehringer's true story of an underdog finding his way from childhood to adulthood, while pursuing an ivy league education, and his dream of a writing career (including publishing his real-life memoirs that this film is based upon),despite the odds stacked against him of near-poverty, an alcoholic abusive father that abandoned the family, and a dysfunctional (but caring and committed) extended three-generation family.

Ben Affleck plays the boy's well-read self-educated uncle who takes over the reigns of his birth father, and together with his dedicated mother (Lily Rabe),and grandfather (Christopher Lloyd),help guide him (as best they can) along his journey through childhood to adulthood.

The story is interesting, meaningful, and ultimately inspirational, avoiding the cliche' Hollywood treatment that often makes such films unbelievable.

A low key film like this one that makes you reflect and captures your emotional involvement without manipulating is a rare treat indeed.

Clooney directs, teaming with past collaborators Martin Ruhe behind the camera, and Tanya Swerling as Editor, bringing this story to fruition in under two hours.

Oddly, a scene that was partially cut out from the middle of the film, becomes additional-footage shown while credits roll...I deducted points for this uneven editing decision, and don't understand why it wasn't simply pasted back to complete the scene. Regardless, stay with it til the end, as it's worth seeing.

Understanding the awards machine has tilted towards "agendas" of late, I'm not making a prediction for The Tender Bar. However, Affleck has already received both a Golden Globe and SAG nomination, so that at least indicates some sense will be applied this year in voting. That being said, this will be one of the most competitive years ever for Lead Actor awards... If Affleck gets nominated for an Oscar (he should),that alone is amazing. If he wins (he could),he knocks out a handful of the very best performances. Stay tuned...

Films like this don't come along every year, and I'm very thankful this one did.

Bravo to everyone involved

It's 1973. JR (Daniel Ranieri) and his mother (Lily Rabe) have to move back in with her father (Christopher Lloyd). It's a house full of extended family including Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck). JR doesn't know his long-absent irresponsible father and Uncle Charlie who owns a local bar becomes his father figure. As an older kid, JR (Tye Sheridan) fulfills his mother's wish for higher education.

There are interesting moments of humanity and humor within an extended non-dramatic coming-of-age story. This is really a series of vignettes of his early life. Director George Clooney is a good workman but this story needs something extra. As it stands, it probably would work better as TV show. I kept thinking the kid needs some friends. Of course, the central theme is the father figure in a young boy's life. The movie needs to concentrate harder on that. Quite frankly, the movie needs more Ben Affleck. He has to sell this. He can't be a side character. I'm not sure if Clooney has the vision as a director.

George Clooney's The Tender Trap wants to be a feel good movie. Instead it is too smug and self congratulatory.

Based on writer JR Moehringer's memoirs. The film is set in two timelines.

Young JR in the early 1970s has moved to his grandfather's house in Long Island with his mum. His dad a radio DJ known as The Voice has abandoned them a long time ago.

Mum is not happy moving to back. It is a sign of failure. JR loves the mayhem of living with his extended family. He also comes into contact with his Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck) who becomes a surrogate father to JR.

Charlie runs a bar called Dickens, reads books and gives JR life lessons.

The older JR has got into Yale in the 1980s. His mother wants JR to become a lawyer so he can chase his father for child support. JR wants to be a writer.

He also falls for a girl called Sydney who uses JR for sex a few times and then casually drops him.

The trouble with the movie is that the first part featuring the young JR is more interesting than the second part.

The older JR played by Tye Sheridan travels a well worn path as he heads for college. It also has too many cliches especially the drunk deadbeat dad with a violent temper.

Affleck's performance has been praised. He plays it in a style Clooney would had done, if he had played Uncle Charlie.