Carl Roberts 
“Roofman is one of those rare movies that just hits all the right notes with ease, helped along by a wonderful performance from Channing Tatum.”
Every once in a while, a film will be released that takes you by surprise with how enjoyable it is. Roofman is one of them. Based on the true story of spree robber Jeffrey Manchester, the film is entertaining, moving and emotional from the start. Channing Tatum leads the cast as Manchester, and is ably supported by Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, and Peter Dinklage. The question is, can the film reach the heights it needs to? Or does it fall short of its potential?
SYNOPSIS
The film is a biopic of the fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, a former United States Army Reserve non-commissioned officer, known colloquially as Roofman due to his propensity to steal from branches of McDonald’s after entering their premises via the roof.
Most notably, after escaping prison by hiding underneath a prison bus, he evaded capture by police by hiding in the wall of a vacant Circuit City store that was located next to a then-active Toys “R” Us store.
THOUGHTS
Channing Tatum gives a wonderful and emotional performance as Manchester throughout. The actor easily handles the humour as well as the highly emotional scenes alongside the drama the film contains. Even though we know how the story ends (if you don’t, go in clean), the journey towards the climax is a rollercoaster of fun. Some of what we see is added for dramatic effect; that much is a given these days. But even these conjured-up parts cannot diminish the enjoyment on offer here. Tatum is at his most lovable, effortlessly leading the film with charm, humour and an emotional range that we may not have expected.
We hope that Manchester can get away with it, that he can remain free. We hope he does not return to jail to serve his sentence. Whether he does or doesn’t, you’ll have to see the movie for yourself. Suffice to say, the real persons portrayed in the film make appearances at the end in archive footage. Jeffrey Manchester himself plays a nice cameo towards the end of the film (keep your eyes peeled), adding a nice little twist in the tale as we head towards the end credits.
KIRSTEN DUNST
Kirsten Dunst portrays Kirsten Dunst as Leigh Wainscott, a Toys “R” Us employee, single mother and Jeffrey’s love interest. The actress easily holds her own with a performance that resonates with us all. The way the actress deals with her role, with grace, charm, and expert acting, is exemplary. We hope against hope that Leigh and Jeffrey (whom she knows as John) can actually have a future together after all is said and done. Alas, those who know the story will already know the answer to those hopes. But it never deviates from the brilliant combination of Kirsten Dunst and Channing Tatum.
SUPPORTING CAST
The supporting cast of Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, and Peter Dinklage all provide excellent character portrayals. Each fits in with the narrative of the story, playing their roles to perfection. Some of the actual characters they portray are revealed over the end credits, again using news footage and interviews. It comes as a surprise to discover just how close to real people their portrayals actually are. Of course, it is Peter Dinklage who gets his teeth into the meat of his role as Mitch, a Toys “R” Us general manager, the most. Dinklage delivers a slimy, uncaring performance throughout. However, he once again shows us his comedic side in a scene that will have the audience in fits of laughter (and the female Channing Tatum fans grinning from ear to ear!)
VERDICT
Roofman is one of those rare movies that just hits all the right notes with ease, helped along by a wonderful performance from Channing Tatum. The charming way the events are depicted leaves us with a warm feeling and plenty of smiles on our faces. By the same token, we know that this can’t end well for Jeffrey by the time the end credits roll. That doesn’t stop us from holding out hope, despite knowing how the story ends and the aftermath. Before we get there, however, we are given an enjoyable, funny, romantic drama that is a highlight of the film year. It proves again that with a cast committed to their roles and the storytelling, a movie doesn’t need to have a $100 million-plus budget to keep us entertained.
With a budget of between $17 and $19 million, the film looks like it cost a lot more to produce. The production design of a recreated Toys R Us store brings back fond memories of visits there to browse and buy the new toys that hit the shelves. It amazes us that the set fits within the confines of the budget. As does the cast list that contains some big names, who we would expect to cost more money. The cast has bought into the project, delivering some of their best works. With that in mind, and the fun the film contains, Roofman hits the heights and hardly comes down.
Roofman opens in UK cinemas on Friday, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
