‘Roofman’ Review — a Criminal Tale with Heart
I walked into Roofman expecting a wild, kitchen‑sink crime romp—and for a while, that’s exactly what it is. But then it takes these emotional turns I didn’t quite see coming, and by the end, I left the theater feeling kinda weird, although in a good way. This Channing Tatum-led film from Paramount Pictures is a far departure from many of his previous films, although it proves itself as a strong contender for the upcoming award season and perfectly showcases just how talented this actor is. Roofman allows audiences to live and breathe with these real people and explores the heart and lightness that come with the dark side of tragedy; however, is this film worth a trip to the cinema?
[Warning: Spoilers from Roofman are below!]
An extraordinary story from a real-life man in Roofman
This Paramount film is based on the real (yes, real) story of Jeffrey Manchester—aka “Roofman”—a man who, after a stint in the army and deep financial troubles, starts robbing McDonald’s by cutting through their roofs. His method is audacious, his posture polite (he apparently locks employees in freezers gently?), and his moral compass… messy.
His gift for observation is unlike any other, but as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. While locked in prison, Jeffrey decides to use it unconventionally, finding a way out without setting off any alarms —a move that ultimately leads him to live in a Toys “R” Us for six months while he waits for a way out of the country. However, when he becomes emotionally embroiled with one of the toy stores, he’s pulled between the reality of safety and the fantasy of a picture-perfect life he so deeply desires. Is it possible for Jeffrey to find his happy ending, or will his past actions finally catch up with him? A dilemma that fuels Roofman until the closing moments of the film.
Channing Tatum plays Jeff with that perfect blend of charm, guilt, and “I know I messed up” energy. He leans into the mess: he wants to be seen, to be taken seriously, but his life is crumbling under all the lies. He gives you scenes where you want to side with him, and others where you shake your head and think, “Dude, what are you doing?” His arc is messy, but he sells it.
Opposite him, Kirsten Dunst as Leigh Wainscott is quietly terrific. She’s not a damsel, she’s a real, stressed, working mom with skepticism built in. Their chemistry isn’t fireworks—it’s more like two people cautiously trying to build something fragile in a house that may already be standing on weak foundations. Ultimately, both of these characters (and in truth, most of the characters in the film) are deeply flawed; however, that just adds to their realness. Most people are not completely good or bad, but fall on a spectrum of moral gray, which is perhaps one of the most interesting parts of this film.
Quirks, and a lot of toy store hiding in this Paramount film
This is a movie that pretends to be breezy, then gut-punches you right in the feels. It toggles between crime thriller, romance, family drama, and “how does someone become this messed up?” introspection. Sometimes it’s a little awkward—those tonal swings aren’t always seamless. Some moments are quick-paced, such as the scene where Jeffrey is initially busted, while others, like Thanksgiving on the run, drag on too long. The middle slows down almost to a crawl, especially during the more “domestic life” stretches that audiences sit with Jeff and Leigh. There were even some scenes when I glanced at my watch, which is not exactly my proudest moment.
But when Roofman leans into its strengths—Jeff sneaking through a toy store, hiding in crevices, listening for footsteps, trying to be normal while living a lie—it hits. The contrast between crime and the child’s toy aisles is weird and kind of beautiful, and I leaned forward.
Pros:
- Tatum’s performance is deeply watchable; he carries a lot.
- Dunst grounds the romance in realism.
- The “hiding in a toy store” premise is bonkers in the best way—so many visual and emotional possibilities, with a nostalgic pull for those who grew up in the 90’s and early 0ughts.
- The film doesn’t shy away from showing consequences and moral ambiguity.
Cons:
- Tone whiplash can be jarring.
- The center (romantic/daily life) parts sometimes drag.
- We don’t always get enough insight into why Jeff chose this path. The motivations sometimes feel assumed rather than earned.
- A few scenes feel overlong or overly sentimental.
Final thoughts about Roofman
One thing I’ll credit Roofman for: I left thinking about it. I googled the real guy on the way home. When a film hangs with you, even with flaws, that’s a win.
Roofman is ambitious. It doesn’t always land clean, but when it does, it gets under your skin. It’s a heist movie, a love story, a study in shame, and a weird fairy tale all rolled into one. It asks: Can someone who lied so much ever be real? Can love or faith undo a life built on deception?
If you like stories that leave you talking (or googling) after the credits, this is your kind of flick. Go in with no expectations beyond “be surprised,” and Roofman might surprise you.
Roofman is currently in theaters! Have you checked out this film yet? Let us know on social media @BoxSeatBabes!
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