Channing Tatum Shines in New Capers Film ‘Roofman’

The new film Roofman, directed by Derek Cianfrance, tells an engaging true story of charm and misadventure. Starring Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester, the film runs for 125 minutes and explores the life of a man whose series of heists at McDonald’s locations turned him into an unlikely folk hero.

The film opens with Manchester’s struggles in California, where he faced personal and financial challenges. After a failed marriage and difficulties as a weekend father, he found himself working at a McDonald’s in 1999. In a desperate bid to improve his situation, Manchester devised a plan to rob the very restaurant where he worked. His method involved cutting through the roof and waiting for employees to arrive, at which point he would demand access to the safe while keeping the staff unthreatened.

Over a period of two years, Manchester managed to execute at least 40 such robberies across nine states. His polite demeanor and unconventional methods garnered media attention, painting him as a sympathetic figure. Eventually caught and imprisoned in North Carolina, Manchester’s story took a turn when he escaped after 18 months. This escape marks the beginning of the film’s narrative.

Unexpected Life on the Run

Rather than fleeing, Manchester chose to stay in North Carolina. With no legitimate means of shelter, he took refuge in the ceiling of a Toys “R” Us store and later moved into an empty adjacent shop. As he adapted to this unusual lifestyle, he built connections within the community, attended church, and even began a romantic relationship with a local woman. Despite his criminal past, Manchester’s charm and relatability endeared him to those around him.

Tatum’s performance captures Manchester’s mix of charisma and vulnerability, although some viewers may find it hard to believe he could remain incognito in a close-knit community. Tatum’s natural charm shines through, making the character both likable and complex. He is joined by a talented cast, including Kirsten Dunst as the unsuspecting single mother who falls for him, and notable performances from LaKeith Stanfield, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, and Juno Temple.

A Shift in Directorial Style

Known for his serious storytelling in films such as Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, Cianfrance takes a lighter approach with Roofman. The film balances humor and heart, showcasing the absurdity of Manchester’s life choices without glorifying crime. It presents a world where no one truly gets hurt, allowing audiences to enjoy the ride.

Although Roofman may not possess the dramatic weight to attract major awards attention, it stands out as one of the most enjoyable films of the year. The engaging writing, strong performances, and vibrant visuals contribute to a delightful cinematic experience. As audiences seek lighter fare, Roofman offers an inviting escape.

Currently, Roofman is in cinemas, while previous works by Cianfrance, including Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, are available on platforms such as AroVision and Apple+.