Though it tells the story of a man hiding in a toy store, Roofman isn’t playing around.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Roofman tells the story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), an Army veteran who is struggling to pay the bills. Recently divorced, Manchester wants desperately to support his three kids but can’t hold down a job. With nothing left, he turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by carving a section out of the roof to get inside, earning him the nickname ‘Roofman’. After he gets caught, he escapes from prison and is forced to hide away in a Toys ‘R’ Us so he can survive undetected.
Frankly, this is a story that seems almost unbelievable. After all, a film about a convict escaping prison, hiding in a Toys R Us and falling in love with the local church lady is the stuff of the old school Hollywood romcom. And, frankly, it’s that lighthearted charm that makes Roofman feel so delightfully heartwarming.
Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst star in Paramount Pictures’ “ROOFMAN.”
Even so, Cianfrance reminds us that Manchester’s story is fueled by absurd truth. As such, the most fascinating portion of the film may be the end credits. (While that sounds like a dig at the film’s quality, it absolutely is not.) After all, it’s here that the reality of the story really hits home. By highlighting the actual events that took place, Cianfrance reminds us that the film’s strangest moments actually took place. That allows Roofman to feel more grounded and, potentially, even adds a sense of relevancy to the film.
And Roofman benefits from a truly wonderful performance by Tatum. (In fact, it might be the best work of his career.) Known for his comedic abilities and handsome physique, Tatum has made himself a massive celebrity by often taking simple, light-hearted roles. (And, certainly, Roofman does play to his strengths.) Frequently, his natural charm takes centre stage. He playfully tries to help people around them without their knowledge and attends Sunday Services, hoping to make new friends. Even in his darker moments, Tatum brings an affability to his convicted felon that makes him lovable.
Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst star in Paramount Pictures’ “ROOFMAN.”
What’s more, it’s also worth pointing out that his chemistry with Kirsten Dunst is absolutely palpable. With her ability to bring an authenticity and gravitas to her comedy, Dunst may be one of Hollywood’s most underrated performers. And, when sharing the screen with Tatum, she manages to bring that same honesty into their intimate moments. As such, Dunst and Tatum prove to be one of the year’s best pairings. Their love feels genuine and their trust feels real.
Even so, Manchester’s story is more complicated than it first appears. Though the packaging of the film may be light and breezy, Cianfrance allows reminds us of what’s at stake. While he may appear to be having a blast by hiding out in a Toys R Us, Tatum never lets us forget the shame that burdens his character. Every stolen M&Ms package and altered camera feed is done out of necessity to keep up the façade of stability. Manchester may be delightfully charming and likable but he’s also very much a man who is struggling to get by. (In fact, the irony of a man living in a toy store who cannot afford to buy his daughter the things she wants most is not lost here.)
Channing Tatum stars in Paramount Pictures’ “ROOFMAN.”
And yet, he’s also fascinating in that he truly wants to be a good man. Many of his criminal acts are marred by a sense of compassion. The same man who commits endless robberies is the same man who also tries to keep his victims safe from harm. The same felon who breaks out of prison is also the father who throws birthday parties for his daughter. He may be on the run from the police but he’s also attending church, looking for some form of redemption.
We’re meant to see the warmth in his wrongdoing.
But neither is Manchester entirely a man of sunshine and lollipops. Although his intentions seem good, this Roofman causes moments when things get… real. Without giving any spoilers, Manchester’s actions have consequences (and some are darker than others). Moments such as driving lessons or an inevitable ‘last job’ quickly spiral out of control in ways that reveal the potential devil inside Manchester’s broken soul. There’s a conflict within him that shows man’s desire to do good but his battle with temptation.
Channing Tatum, left, and Ben Mendelsohn star in Paramount Pictures’ “ROOFMAN.”
Generally, though, Roofman tackles this inner conflict with a light touch. Built around the romcom structure, Roofman is one of those films that feels accessible to anyone. It’s funny, earnest and fueled by charisma. Yet, despite its charm, Roofman also knows that life isn’t a fairytale. Cianfrance makes use of the opportunity to slow down the tempo for the sake of character development. It’s in these moments of stillness—even sadness—that Tatum makes Manchester feel most human. It’s also why Roofman will steal your heart.
Roofman is available in theatres on Friday, October 10th, 2025.
