Never really been into Ben Affleck if I'm honest, he always seemed to overact but he does a damn fine job in this heart-warming movie along with the rest of the cast, even Clooney has matured as a director making sure there's a nice tempo and rhythm to the whole storytelling. Of course, it's not for everyone but you know what? Sometimes it's nice to see real acting done the old way instead of seeing superhero's prancing around on CGI .

Really nice, feel good movie. Great acting all round, especially from Ben Affleck as Uncle Charlie. (This was a bit of a surprise to me as I’m not a huge fan of his). The first half of the movie was spell binding with the relationship between Uncle Charlie and the young JR taking center stage. The second half dragged on a little too long, but it was worth hanging in there. The movie did a very good job of character building and making sure you stayed invested in the outcome for JR.

As for the one and two star reviews. The movie was a bit slow at times, so if you like movies that move at a faster pace, this probably isn’t the one for you.

On the other hand, if you like music from the 70’s and ‘80’s the soundtrack is brilliant. (That’s what got me through the slow bits).

First, Ben Affleck brings it home with his acting. This film was filled with wisdom from uncle Charlie. The thing that was most striking was how uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck) was a father figure and a mentor to JR. The reality is that every young boy needs a good adult male role model. This film puts a story to that truth and does it with raw heart. What a great film. Bravo to all who worked on the film.

I loved the kid actor and everyone's acting in this movie. Because much of the movie revolves around college and intellectual pursuit, I can see how some may find it boring. If class differences, introspection, and giftedness are not your thing, you might find it slow. I thought it was a real gem. Memorable.

Loved it. Great characters, great actors portaying them! Ben Affleck was really charming in this role, the kid was awesome. Loved the family and friends. I wish we could see more movies like this.

Loved the music, but I couldn't get into the story from the start with the F-bombs and the violent scene (punching, kicking) between the uncle and former brother-in-law. In this film it's hard to separate Ben Affleck the actor from the Uncle Charlie character, perhaps due in part to all of the high-profile media coverage he's been receiving over his rekindled romance with Jennifer Lopez as well as the infamous Howard Stern remarks about his failed marriage. It's uncomfortable watching someone who in real life battles addictions parsing out the science of men values to his young nephew in The Dickens bar. Maybe it gets better, but I switched to "The Last Picture Show" because classic films, like the classic oldies in "The Tender Bar" appeal more.

From the music, cars, clothing, hair, and social norms, the feel of the seventies as a youth, and the eighties as a coming of age is spot on. Fabulous flow of storyline and no overly dramatized scenes; it has a cadence and rhythm which is natural and a delight.

It was great until the inevitable Hollywood woke-ness creeped into the storyline. What a shame. Usually love Ben Affleck and George Clooney, but it feels like George's wife directed the second half of the movie. It could also lose about 30-40 minutes of run time; as it turns into a snooze-fest.