It’s unusual for me to say this, but Ben Affleck emerges as the most appealing aspect of this disappointing film version of JR Moehringer's autobiographical story about growing up. The movie portrays his childhood—seen through the perspective of a charming young Daniel Ranieri—before he goes on to Yale, played by Tye Sheridan. Perhaps the initial thirty minutes are somewhat enjoyable. This boy lives with his mother (his father is absent, leading a transient life as a late-night radio personality) and his gently odd grandfather (Christopher Lloyd), and their home provides a vibrant atmosphere where the young boy flourishes. A particularly memorable figure among them is his captivating, experienced uncle "Charlie" (Affleck), who manages a local bar frequented by a respectable working-class group who appreciate the boy’s evident academic abilities. However, that initial promise fades, and what follows is largely an uninspired narrative about a young man, his “first love,” and a youth searching for some kind of positive male influence. I didn't find Sheridan to be particularly engaging; he’s handsome, certainly, but his performances don't distinguish themselves. They all feel rather formulaic, and this one is no exception. He delivers lines intended to convey strong emotions, yet his acting doesn't effectively communicate those feelings. The music has to carry a lot of the emotional weight that the dialogue fails to provide, and the film feels longer than its stated 1¾-hour runtime. I’m pleased I saw it—in a large cinema in London with only one other person present—but I doubt I'd choose to watch it again.

Source on TMDB