True tales that get became films typically appear unbelievable — therefore why they make such good films — however the story behind Roofman is actually one thing that sounds so absurd, I actually won’t have believed all of it had the credit not featured precise information footage from the actual occasion. The ridiculousness of the story is a minimum of 50% of why this film works.
The remainder lies with its main man, Channing Tatum, who will get to indicate off each his comedy chops and his dramatic aspect right here. This position actually highlights his strengths as an actor, and it may even lead to some awards consideration within the coming months. Nevertheless, Roofman’s barely bloated nature may hinder some efforts.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, and lately 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 supply for his household, he turns to robbing McDonald’s and different main chains. His most popular 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 may gas a film all by itself, however it’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 youngsters when he feels they’re slipping away from him. When a manhunt ensues, he finds himself hiding in a stunning location: A Toys “R” Us.
Roofman Tells Each Element Of Its Story – For Higher Or Worse
It’s true: the actual 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 supplies ample comedy and a few stable character beats.
On the opposite, it pushes the general runtime to only over two hours, and inevitably drags at a couple of 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 may 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, however it’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 great texture to the story, however nonetheless left me eager to see extra of them.
And but, that is Jeffrey’s story, and Tatum makes probably the most of this very meaty half. He is a powerful presence from the second he seems onscreen, however I used to be actually bought on him early on when pure heartbreak spreads throughout his face as Jeff absorbs the total extent of his jail sentence. He is devastating and charming in equal measure. It’ll certainly go down as one in all his strongest performances but, and for that cause alone, Roofman might be deemed a hit.
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. Apparently, it’s at its most compelling when Jeff is contained in the Toys “R” Us, making himself at house 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 form of story that individuals can’t assist however be entertained by, and even when it lags, you’ll wish 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 one in all 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 powerful character examine that actually digs into who Jeffrey Manchester is.
- Some components of the film drag, and never everybody within the solid will get a correct showcase.
