“Roofman” is so loopy it should be primarily based on precise occasions.
Phew … it’s.
That offers this participating movie an edge and a few obligatory construction. Few would purchase a kindhearted thief who spent months residing in a toy retailer whereas wooing a comely Christian. The movie’s actual roots nonetheless pose an issue, however it’s one star Channing Tatum makes us principally overlook along with his successful efficiency.
Tatum stars as Jeffrey Manchester, a army veteran struggling to make ends meet. He can’t even afford a motorbike for his cute daughter.
So he faucets into his curious ability set – he’s useful with instruments and notices issues few others can spot. That results in a lifetime of crime, particularly breaking into fast-food joints by way of the ceiling to seize their money.
He’s unfailingly well mannered whereas robbing excellent strangers, even giving one employee the coat off his again earlier than locking him within the restaurant’s cooler. Awwww. The press dubs him Roofman for his most popular level of entry, however earlier than lengthy police crack his felony code.
He makes use of those self same abilities to flee jail, discovering a brief dwelling inside the bowels of a Toys ‘R Us retailer. He ultimately meets a candy divorcee named Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), primarily beginning a second household within the course of.
Awww. Ewww?
Channing Tatum locked himself inside a Toys R Us for a complete night time and livestreamed to advertise ‘Roofman’ pic.twitter.com/yetLWPK37o
— Tradition Crave (@CultureCrave) October 5, 2025
“Roofman” is so invested in Jeffrey’s candy nature that it doesn’t totally come to grips along with his trickery. It helps that Tatum is at his most charming right here, flashing kindness to everybody he meets.
That’s truly an issue.
Absolutely the true Manchester had a demon or two to slay, or on the very least compartmentalized his actions in a manner that hid their cruelty. We see little of the sort right here, save a driving sequence the place Jeffrey pushes issues too far.
But director Derek Cianfrance (“Blue Valentine”) retains the temper mild and limber, even extending grace to a Christian subplot. Jeffrey connects with each Leigh and her church neighborhood, a uncommon mainstream instance of religion given a mild close-up.
That features the nice Ben Mendelsohn as a church chief, however “Rooftop” doesn’t give the “Bloodline” alum a lot to do. Inconceivable!
Peter Dinklage will get extra mileage from his character, an unctuous Toys ‘R Us boss who provides his scenes a obligatory snap.
Tatum and Dunst share candy chemistry, with the latter flashing a stunning naivety about her beau’s tics. His excuses for his curious life-style (a mysterious job and way more) ought to set off her Spidey senses, however she’s hungry for companionship and kindness.
Who can’t relate?
“Roofman” is about redemption in addition to a crazed actuality worthy of the large display. The story in query can solely ship a lot cinematic heat, however the movie and the true world overlap simply sufficient to supply hope in darkish instances.
HiT or Miss: “Roofman” is a candy, sentimental yarn primarily based on occasions so loopy even the very best screenwriter couldn’t make them up.