Having seen so many films and shows throughout my life, it seems there are no bounds to the ideas screenwriters can come up with. Practically any thought, if deemed fantastic enough, can be jotted down on paper, and some studio will turn those pages into a reality. However, every once in a while, real life comes to remind us that it can be vastly more wild — and much more epic — than whatever film is in the cinema or series is on television, and sometimes those stories make the transition from the real world to the silver screen. The latest crime comedy film from Paramount Pictures, Roofman, is one of those stories that is almost impossible to believe, until you see it happen in front of your eyes.
Telling the story of real-life robber turned prison escapee, Jeffrey Machester, Roofman explores how he lived in a toy store for six months while on the run from authorities. Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines) sits in the director’s chair for this Channing Tatum-led film that feels more like a documentary rather than a dark comedy. With a talented ensemble cast that embodies both the story and its characters, Roofman offers a hefty dose of realism that brings heart, soul, and humanity. While there are some pacing issues, as the film is a slow burn, Roofman is still an enjoyable film that emphasizes the characters and their relationships, which is ultimately the right choice for a story like this.
[Warning: Slight spoilers from Roofman are below!]
Roofman highlights the lengths a father will go to provide for his family
All Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum) wants to do with his life is give his family the life that he has always pictured for them. Ever since leaving the military, he’s struggled to find his place in the world, resulting in a divorce from his wife, Talana (Melonie Diaz), and three children. No real job, living in a dump, unable to give his daughter the bike she’s been dreaming about for her birthday, Jeff’s hit rock bottom. However, his friend Steve (LaKeith Stanfield), who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, reminds Jeff that he has a talent that few others do: he notices everything.
His mind is sharper than most, picking up on details and patterns that others miss, which can come in handy across a wide range of careers. However, Jeff doesn’t use his powers for good; instead, he builds a life for himself by stealing from companies, such as McDonald’s. Gaining the nickname Roofman, Jeff manages to conduct 40 robberies before getting caught and sent to prison. Now, some may think that the story ends with jail time, but Manchester has something else up his sleeve.
Who could even imagine a jailbreak in modern times? It seems incredible, given the development of technology such as cameras and alarms, that someone can get out of prison. However, if there’s a will, there’s a way, and Jeff’s will is stronger than most, so a plan is hatched. So what is a person to do who has just broken out of jail and is being hunted down by authorities? Go and live in a Toys “R” Us, of course!
Jeff has six months to kill before he can get the documentation to leave the country, meaning he has to survive inside the toy store for that long. How exactly can he do that? It is something that needs to be seen to be believed, though the desire for human connection definitely complicates matters. Does Jeff make it out of the country with his freedom, or is he destined to end up back in the slammer?
Impressive performances carry this Universal film
Roofman isn’t going to be a film for everyone, which I think is important to note and accept. The film is just about two hours and feels longer than that, as it allows audiences to sit with these characters in both the exciting moments and the breath in between. It reads like a documentary, sans the interviews, which makes sense for the material. We’re seeing a true story play out in front of our eyes, and ultimately, that means that not every moment is filled with action and drama.
It was the in-between moments that spoke to me the most. These beats where we got to sit with the characters and understand the humanity within them all. The creatives could have easily painted Jeff as a villain, refusing to comply with societal rules, but instead, you get to see a side of him that craves human connection and finds partnership in Kirsten Dunst’s Leigh, which, in turn, brings him peace. He’s finding a life outside of crime, turning towards a stable household and the family he’s always craved.
That’s not to say that he isn’t flawed, but what Roofman does well is show that most, if not all, of the people involved are flawed in some way or another. However, that’s the beauty within the story. It reminds audiences that things are not always black and white; people exist in gray areas, and it’s within these boundaries that most people dance. This film also shows that even people with the strongest devotion waver at times.
These moments of humanity are what make this film what it is, in large part thanks to the cast. Channing Tatum gives a career-defining performance as Manchester, infusing the character with humor, heart, and a speck of wickedness. It’s a far departure from past roles, such as in 21 Jump Street or Deadpool and Wolverine, as his comedy is more nuanced and graceful. He brings a soft side to a character who could have been seen as one-dimensional.
The standout of Roofman is Kirsten Dunst, who blew me away with her portrayal of Leigh. At first, it appears as if Leigh will just be a typical love interest, but as her love and suspicion grow, there’s a struggle that develops in her. Dunst continues to prove she’s one of the greatest actresses out there, and she’s one of the reasons to check out this film.
Roofman is worth the time invested
There’s no doubt this film is a commitment—it feels long and at times bloated—but for those who enjoy human-centered pieces, there is much to enjoy here. There’s also a bit of a timeline problem: the story takes place in the late 90s/early 00s, but the costumes and props don’t fit that era. Depending on which scene you watch, it could feel anywhere between the 1980s to the 2010s, although if you are able to suspend that piece of the puzzle, the story is entertaining enough to keep you locked in.
Roofman is currently in theaters! Are you going to check this film out? Let us know!