Movie Review: ‘Roofman’

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Based on real events, Roofman tells the story of convicted felon Jeffrey Manchester, a man believed to have robbed 40-60, mostly McDonald’s, locations by breaking in through the roof who then escaped prison and lived in a Toys R Us store for six months. It is a fascinating story which I had never heard of, though I have since investigated. Some known details have been altered, probably for dramatic or comedic effect, but the way the story is presented is captivating, amusing, and mildly heartbreaking.

Channing Tatum stars as the title character, a down on his luck former US Army Reserve NCO who turns to a life of crime with his above-average observation skills to provide a better life for his family. While it works for a while, he is eventually caught and sent to prison. Being determined to get back to them, he escapes but quickly realizes he cannot return to his family and instead goes into hiding at a Toys R Us until his friend, also an army veteran, can get him out of the country. While waiting roughly six months, Jeffrey creates a new life for himself in the nearby community with a new love interest, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), who works at the Toys R Us and has kids of her own.

The movie covers a lot of ground in just over two hours, and the pacing feels about right, not too fast and not too slow. Tatum is as likeable and charming as he usually is, even while playing a very smart (and kind) criminal who doesn’t quite understand what a family really needs (stuff is great, sure, but that isn’t necessarily a cure-all). The love story between Jeffrey (hiding as “John”) and Leigh is sweet and ultimately tragic (shouldn’t be a big spoiler since this movie is based on real life, which means he probably didn’t have a “Hollywood Ending”). The focus on criminal activity, of which there is a lot, is kept lighthearted and/or played for laughs. Jeffrey is presented as a good man who does some bad things for what he believes are for good reasons and does learn his lessons, though arguably too late.

The rest of the cast is great as well, including Ben Mendelsohn as a Pastor and Peter Dinklage as an overbearing Toys R Us store manager. I especially enjoyed seeing Molly Price in another law enforcement role (I still miss Third Watch). The credits include news footage and interviews from the real events and people behind the movie, which added to my interest after the movie. Overall, I enjoyed the movie and would highly recommend it.