The Tender Bar

As a deeply personal tribute to father figures and fragile family bonds, The Tender Bar proves more cathartic for its author than for moviegoers.

In the latest directorial effort from George Clooney, committed performances bring depth and complexity to this heartfelt exploration of familiar themes that doesn’t add up to much in the end.

This cinematic adaptation of the coming-of-memoir by author J.R. Moehringer examines a quest for identity burdened by his initials — and nickname “Junior” — inextricably linking him to an absentee father from whom he’d rather distance himself.

Set mostly within a working-class neighborhood on Long Island, the film begins with preteen J.R. (Daniel Ranieri) moving with his overburdened mother (Lily Rabe) to live with J.R.’s irascible grandfather (Christopher Lloyd).

That enables him to spend more time with his quirky uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck), a bartender who eagerly takes the youngster under his wing, however unusual his methods. Meanwhile, J.R.’s mom has big dreams. “I have no idea how, but you are going to Harvard or Yale,” she declares.

The void his life is created by his father, a disc jockey (Max Martini) whose connections with J.R. come more through the radio than via his string of empty promises.

Later, we find J.R. as a college student (Tye Sheridan) and aspiring writer navigating internships and relationships, including a volatile romance to a classmate (Brianna Middleton) from a more affluent background. Still, he carries psychological scars and repressed hostility, while his crippling insecurity prevents him from rising above his circumstances.

In an expressive debut, Ranieri provides an emotional anchor amid the chaos around the young J.R. Meanwhile, between his deadpan quips and earnest pearls of wisdom, Affleck offers a richly textured portrayal of a mentor whose sympathy is hard-earned.

The film evokes a certain nostalgic charm with its vintage soundtrack and cool cars. And the soothing narration gives off a “Wonder Years” vibe, only less funny.

However, the eccentricities in the screenplay by William Monahan (The Departed) are amusing for a while, but eventually the sentimental tendencies detach the story from reality rather than conveying the desired emotional impact.

As the adult J.R. tries to prove to himself that his name doesn’t define him, The Tender Bar can’t channel its warmth and tenderness into a more profound resonance.

Rated R, 104 minutes.