True tales that get became motion pictures usually appear unbelievable — therefore why they make such good motion pictures — however the story behind Roofman is actually one thing that sounds so absurd, I personally won’t have believed all of it had the credit not featured precise information footage from the true occasion. The ridiculousness of the story is not less than 50% of why this film works.
The remaining lies with its main man, Channing Tatum, who will get to indicate off each his comedy chops and his dramatic facet right here. This function actually highlights his strengths as an actor, and it might even end in some awards consideration within the coming months. Nonetheless, Roofman’s barely bloated nature might hinder some efforts.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, and not too long ago premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film follows Tatum’s Jeffrey Manchester, a down-on-his-luck father who will get so determined to offer for his household, he turns to robbing McDonald’s and different main chains. His most well-liked entry level of the roof earns him the eponymous nickname, and he quickly turns into infamous for his exploits — and his surprisingly type demeanor.
This stretch alone might gasoline a film all by itself, but it surely’s solely the primary ten-ish minutes or so. Jeff will get caught and goes to jail, however he isn’t there for too lengthy earlier than he breaks out, decided to get again to his children when he feels they’re slipping away from him. When a manhunt ensues, he finds himself hiding in a shocking location: A Toys “R” Us.
Roofman Tells Each Element Of Its Story – For Higher Or Worse
It’s true: the true Jeffrey Manchester lived inside a Toys “R” Us for a number of months to evade seize, and that’s nonetheless solely part of his story. Cianfrance’s Roofman takes nice care to put out each element of this twisty story, which is each a energy and weak point right here. On one hand, we get to actually know Jeff and revel within the intelligent little methods he builds a house in a retailer. It offers ample comedy and a few strong character beats.
On the opposite, it pushes the general runtime to simply over two hours, and inevitably drags at just a few factors. Along with the broader story of his unlawful exploits, Roofman covers Jeff’s romance with Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a newly divorced worker on the Toys “R” Us that Jeff first glimpses from the security of his little nest.
Jeff’s first assembly with Leigh might play as creepy, however Cianfrance manages to keep away from that, and their love story begins to blossom. It is a candy arc, and Tatum and Dunst have chemistry, but it surely’s additionally sadly the supply of the film’s slowdown. Jeff will get to know Leigh’s daughters and turns into very invested of their lives.
Roofman Is Channing Tatum’s Present, And He Makes The Most Of It
Including to the stuffed sensation is the general Roofman ensemble, which is stuffed with unimaginable actors given little or no to do. LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, and Uzo Aduba all fill in supporting roles that add fantastic texture to the story, however nonetheless left me eager to see extra of them.
And but, that is Jeffrey’s story, and Tatum makes essentially the most of this very meaty half. He is a robust presence from the second he seems onscreen, however I used to be actually offered on him early on when pure heartbreak spreads throughout his face as Jeff absorbs the complete extent of his jail sentence. He is devastating and charming in equal measure. It should absolutely go down as considered one of his strongest performances but, and for that purpose alone, Roofman could possibly be deemed successful.
However even with its flaws, it’s largely an entertaining movie with loads of humor and a narrative that actually have to be seen to be believed. Curiously, it’s at its most compelling when Jeff is contained in the Toys “R” Us, making himself at dwelling among the many stuffed animals and Spider-Man merchandise.
The film, which was written by Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, is a good character examine, one which takes its time with its topic and exhibits all of his strengths and flaws in nice element. It’s the type of story that folks can’t assist however be entertained by, and even when it lags, you’ll need to stick round to see the way it ends.
Roofman premiered on the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant and can launch in theaters on October 10.
Roofman
8/10
- Launch Date
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October 10, 2025
- Director
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Derek Cianfrance
- Writers
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Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn
- Producers
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Alex Orlovsky, Dylan Sellers, Duncan Montgomery, Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor
- Channing Tatum offers considered one of his finest performances but.
- The unbelievable true story is ideal for the flicks, and it is enjoyable to see all of it play out.
- The script is a robust character examine that basically digs into who Jeffrey Manchester is.
- Some elements of the film drag, and never everybody within the forged will get a correct showcase.
