Un buen ladrón

Trailers can show too much and sometimes show too little. The trailer for this film shows you just the right amount. It is a true story, so people can cheat and look up the story of Roofman aka Jeffrey Manchester. But I do not suggest this if you intend to see the movie. I went in clueless, except for the very entertaining, neat and tidy trailer. I am glad I took this approach. I enjoyed letting the story unfold. I enjoyed the tension not knowing what will happen to Jeffrey. I enjoyed this film very, very much.

My enjoyment of the film begins with a fantastic performance from Channing Tatum as Manchester. Jefferey Manchester is a family man at heart, a man who is on the outs with that family. He has been unsuccessful at keeping a job. He is an ex-soldier, and veterans sometimes have difficult assimilating back into society. His friend Steve (LaKeith Stanfield) is not helpful. He is, let's just say, a bit shady. The advice he gives Jeffrey is equally shady. Will Jeffrey listen to Steve?

If you see the trailer, you know that Jeffrey aka Roofman ends up spending some time in a Toys R Us (the last store went out of business in 2017, but the film is set between 1998 and 2004 - which is why we also see Blockbuster Video stores). You also know from the trailer that Peter Dinklage is in it (as store manager Mitch), and that the movie also features Kirsten Dunst (as Toys R Us employee Leigh Wainscott). Adding to this strong veteran cast is Ben Mendelsohn as Pastor Ron, and Uzo Aduba as his wife and co-pastor Eileen. Throw in Juno Temple for good measure as Steve's main squeeze and "business" partner, and you will look forward to seeing all these fine actors do some of their best work.

Full disclosure; do not expect the movie to be summarized by that trailer. Oh, it is entertaining enough, but it is also much more potent emotionally than I was prepared for by seeing that trailer. Which is good thing. This movie has a wonderful depth to it that was a surprise to me. A pleasant surprise. There is already some buzz about it slipping into The Golden Globe slate of nominations, and depending on what happens there it could have further representation in other award shows. This could provide yet one more surprise.

What I most admired about this film was the restraint. Small town America, a story told perfectly. No hyperbole, very little moralising and a great deal of fun, particularly showcasing the hero's gymnastic abilities. But he was a low key hero, just working to solve everyday problems, how to find food, where to sleep. Two believable children, Kirsten Dunst putting in a good performance. Somebody worked hard on this script, the pastor and his wife providing an excellent comedy routine, Ben Mendelssohn in particular was excellent. Even the accomplice spoke perfectly believable commonsense, saying to the hero (I am paraphrasing) your practical skills are good but you are weak on the emotional level.

7.0/10 (Recommend)

I have been looking forward to this one since I've seen the trailer, and honestly I was not disappointed. While the pacing is a little slow, and in the second half things seem to drag slightly, it's still an enjoyable story. Despite the slightly slow pacing it doesn't feel like you're watching a movie. The way scenes are captured it feels like you're part of the action, or at the very least a fly on the wall.

Channing Tatum is a lot of fun in the role of Jeffery Manchester, and the chemistry him and Kirsten Dunst have is satisfying. Sure he's a criminal and she's just an oblivious single mother, but they feel natural together and you can't help but cheer for a positive outcome.

The film isn't overly funny, but it has some funny bits where you can at least chuckle. The vibe is that this is a slightly more serious, "emotional" film than it is a comedy. And it may look like a family movie, but be mindful that there are a few n-words thrown around, a sex scene or two, and a brief nip slip. Oh no, not a nip slip, you say. Well, some may be concerned with the content they take in or what their kids or teens watch so I mention it.

Overall, this is definitely a film to see in theatres even. The true story and the Hollywood story may be overdramatized, but this story will definitely entertain. While the pacing is a little slow, the story pulls you in and makes you feel like you're part of the adventure. Channing is fun, Kirsten is loveable, and you just want to see the bad guy succeed because he lures you in perfectly.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!

Saw this during a sneak preview. Keeping in mind the movie is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester.

The first half of the movie was very entertaining and moved along well with quite a few laughs.

The second half seemed to slow down a lot. I was also wanting to look at my phone to see how much time was left at that point. It does seem it could have been made a much shorter film.

Was nice seeing Tatum in this type of movie. Dunst did good as well.

It was a good movie but was really hoping for a different ending for this guy!

Roofman is one of those movies that sneaks up on you, not just because it's about a real-life robber who literally lived inside the store, but because it balances crime, comedy, and unexpected tenderness with surprising ease. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), this offbeat crime dramedy tells the story of Jeffrey Manchester, the "Roofman Robber," who famously escaped from prison and hid out for months inside a North Carolina Toys "R" Us.

Channing Tatum takes on the role with an easygoing charm that fits the character's odd blend of charisma and delusion. His version of Manchester, now going by an alias and trying to build a new life is part dreamer, part screw-up, and somehow, still someone you root for. Tatum gives one of his more grounded performances in years, toning down his usual bravado for something more human, and it works.

The surprise standout here is Kirsten Dunst as Leigh, who becomes entangled in Jeffrey's double life. I've never been much of a fan of Dunst, but here she doesn't elicit an eye roll every time she speaks and instead delivers a sincere performance. The chemistry between her and Tatum gives the movie its emotional spark, and their scenes together bring warmth and humor to a story that could have easily gone too dark or too silly.

The movie's pacing is steady and deliberate, maybe too much at times, but the story is well told and surprisingly heartfelt. It finds humor in human desperation and beauty in redemption without ever preaching about it.

Is it worth running to the theater for? Probably not. Roofman feels more like the kind of film you stumble upon one night while flipping channels or scrolling through streaming-and end up watching all the way through because it's oddly charming.

Roofman isn't a high-octane heist movie-it's a quirky, character-driven story about second chances, unexpected love, and the strange places people hide when they're running from their past. Tatum and Dunst make it worth the watch, and while it might not demand a big-screen experience, it's the kind of film that'll quietly grow on you once you've seen it.