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First off, I really wanted to give a 7.5, as I think a 7 is a bit too harsh, but an 8 too high. There are many things this movie gets right - the feel of the true story, the selling of Jeffrey's character, and the bizarre nature of the events. Channing Tatum manages to sell us on the polite, nice, smart, yet ultimately vexed character of Jeffrey Manchester.

Where it doesn't quite make it to an 8 for me is the pacing. The film starts strong, unfortunately meanders a bit in the middle but does eventually stick the ending, albeit in a slightly rushed fashion.

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!

I've been anticipating this film for a long time and I heard rumors it would be playing for the mystery movie and I knew I had to get my tickets immediately. This film is so emotional and i truly didn't expect this film to get me near tears at the end of the movie. I think the story here was absolutely brilliant and I couldn't believe this was based on a true story as it seemed too insane to be real but it's actually a true story which blew me away. The writing here is great and there's some beautiful chemistry between Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst in this film and they portray such an intriguing couple with the challenges Jeffrey has gone through and what he's hiding from her. Channing Tatum is phenomenal and honestly may have delivered one of his best performances I've ever seen. Kirsten Dunst also has an incredible performance and really portrays such an interesting character here and I just started to feel bad for her character in this movie. This couple dynamic gets so sad near the end of the film and it almost had me crying due to how emotional this films gets and the depressing thing that happens at the end. There's also a beautiful blend of comedy which had me absolutely dying and Tatum delivers some hilarious scenes especially one with him and Mitch played by Peter Dinklage. I don't have a whole lot of complaints for this movie but sometimes near the second half of the film it definitely does slow down quite a lot and some scenes drag on just a little longer than they should be. I just really enjoy this film and there's not a whole lot of complaints for it and I'm definitely recommending this film for sure to people and this is definitely worth checking out.

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.

Best film of Channing Tatums career. Charm and wit. Plays a true life criminal in this darkly comic tale. Love and loss. Heartache. Most vulnerable i have ever seen Channing Tatum play Hoping he make the Final Cut for best actor. He's that good. I was lucky to see and advanced screening of this gem. I hope more people get to see this. He owns this film. Peter Dinklage has a small (no pun intended) comedic role. Kirsten duntz as the love interest is amazingly good.

The movie has a lot to offer. Channing Tatum makes a fantastic and charming lead, and his acting his top-notch on several occassions. His reaction when he gets sentenced to 45-years in jail is impressive, with the tears welling up in his eyes ... The movie is based on a criminal who commits robberies. A common issue with these sort movies is that the protagonist doesn't come off as likable. But that's not the case at all here ... The most fun parts of the movie are clearly the opening and finale. Those parts focus on his criminal exploits, which are so paradoxly simple yet ingenious. If the movie weren't based on a true story, I would have called it unbelievable that someone could escape from prison and hide at a Toys R' Us in the manner depicted in the movie

The movie has a nice soundtrack. There's some elegant cinematography, such as one scene involving a Christmas balloon near the end. There is a late-1990s to mid-2000s vibe in the movie: you might nostaglia over seeing pay-phones, Toys R' Us, Blockbuster, and 1990s-style baggy pants.

The movie isn't perfect. The big flaw is that the blending of the genres isn't always done so smoothly . It's a crime movie at its core, but the movie also becomes part-comedy, part-romance, and part-family drama. Infact, the latter 2 - the romance and family drama - get so serious. Those parts become awkward contrast with the scattered comedy.

Related to that criticism, I have to admit that I didn't completely enjoy the middle portions, which focus on Tatum + Kirsten Dunst's romance as well as the domestic situation involving Kirsten Dunst's daughters. Though Tatum and Dunst have good chemistry, the movie basically becomes a straight Lifetime-ish romantic drama for a bit; and I found myself yawning

8.0/10.

If you're thinking you are about to watch a Channing Tatum comedy, think again. The source material for this movie would have made a great "inspired by a true story" rather than what I suspect was a "shot for shot" remake of the main characters actual life. The film is 100% a drama with a handful of scenes that produce a smile or giggle. If you're into family dramas, you'll probably enjoy it, if not, steer clear of this one.

I really enjoyed this movie, I'm a sucker for true stories so the movie interested me right away. Off the bat I thought Channing Tatum was excellent, Kirsten Dunst also did a solid job. The cast in general was good. I will say the ending was a bit predictable but overall I enjoyed myself. Highly recommend the theater experience.

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!

Directed by: Derek Cianfrance Written by: Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn

SUMMARY

After breaking out from prison, a convict hides out inside a Toy 'R Us store, surviving undetected for months. However, his secret life begins to unravel as he falls for a divorced mom. Ultimately, despite being given a chance to escape the country, he risks everything to say goodbye - and is caught in the act.

RATING

B

Roofman tells the true story of Jeff Manchester, who escaped prison and hid out inside a Toys 'R Us. The movie captures his ingenuity and resourcefulness with flair, but it falters emotionally, drifting into a middling family drama halfway through. Lacking a true moment of crisis, the story feels predictable and safe. In the end, Roofman is a very good film that never quite dares to be great.

Going into Roofman, I knew absolutely nothing about the true story, which made the film all the more surprising and engaging. The fact that it's based on the real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester, a man who robbed 45 McDonald's restaurants, escaped prison, and secretly lived in a Toys R Us, is wild enough, but that's just the beginning of what unfolds in this fascinating, character study.

Channing Tatum delivers one of his most emotionally grounded performances as Manchester, striking a perfect balance between charm, vulnerability, and humour. Opposite him, Kirsten Dunst shines as a Toys R Us employee who becomes emotionally entangled in Jeffrey's strange new life. Their chemistry is both believable and compelling, adding depth and heart to the story.

As a long-time fan of Derek Cianfrance's work, I was eager to see how he'd handle this material, and I wasn't disappointed. While Roofman still explores the emotional weight and consequences of its characters' choices, it also introduces more levity than Cianfrance's darker past work, offering a refreshing tonal shift that works in the film's favour.

Overall, Roofman is a grounded, emotional, and funny film that caught me off guard in the best ways. The cinematography and editing give it a realistic texture, and the character work, especially around Manchester, makes it more than just a stranger-than-fiction crime story. It's a simple film with complex layers and easily one of the standout releases of 2025 in my opinion. Highly recommended.

Few will likely take issue with the notion that "Crime doesn't pay." And that idea rings even more true if restated as "Crime doesn't pay if you're a nice guy." That's one of the truths that emerges loud and clear in this fact-based comedy-drama about soldier-turned-thief Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), who had trouble finding his way (and making ends meet) after leaving the military. Set in North Carolina in 2004, this young husband and father is greatly troubled by his inability to adequately provide for his family. His solution is to turn to a life of crime, specifically drawing on his uncanny knack for being able to spot details in opportunities and exploit them to his advantage. He specifically targets fast food restaurants, gaining access by breaking through the roofs of these businesses and dropping in to swipe whatever cash is on hand, generally just before they open for the day. He treats the skeleton crews typically on duty at that time with his signature polite, apologetic courtesy and kindness before stealthily making off with the loot. His stash adds up quickly and substantially - that is, until one time when he's caught, convicted and thrown into prison. But that proves to be a mere detour, promptly escaping and going on the run, skillfully taking refuge behind the scenes in a Toys 'R' Us store. However, his stay turns out to be longer than anticipated, and, with that kind of time on his hands and a natural inclination to want to be helpful to others in need, he unwittingly becomes distracted. This leaves him vulnerable to being discovered and recaptured, especially when his Samaritan side surfaces in doing right by others. That's especially true when he takes a liking to Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a genial but challenged single mother of two who works at the store and who falls hard for his charms, unaware of who he really is. Can Jeffrey keep up the ruse? Or will he fall victim to his naturally compassionate and generous tendencies? As endearing as this crowd-pleasing story might sound, though, it's somewhat uneven (and at times innocuous) in its execution. For instance, it's difficult to fathom how someone so allegedly nice could simultaneously be capable of such dubious behavior (especially when viewers never really get to find out how he got that way). Then there's the film's tendency to downplay the seriousness of the protagonist's actions in light of the picture's predominantly frothy narrative. And the love interest story thread - no matter how charming it might be at times - is given too much weight in the overall flow of the movie. With that said, though, there are definite strengths present here, too, particularly in this offering's depiction of a hardened criminal hiding out in the whimsical environment of a toy store, the aspect of the film that truly works best (and should have received greater focus). The wacky juxtaposition of these disparate elements evokes many hearty laughs, especially in the segments where the protagonist must inventively look for ways to keep from being found out, most notably by the facility's surly store manager, Mitch (Peter Dinklage). In all, though, while "Roofman" makes for a modestly entertaining diversion, it would have fared better by playing to its strengths more and scaling back the less engaging romantic subplot, sequences that tend to slow the pacing and detract from what actually works best. Indeed, try as writer-director Derek Cianfrance might, there's simply no getting away with that.

A working-class masterpiece.

Not a single false note. Not one wrong choice. Only does what only it can do. And does it to sheer perfection. Cianfrance & cast and crew have outdone themselves. This is something to really study, take serious look at. It looks like something that's easy. Couldn't be further from the truth. This is the real thing. Nothing is harder than doing something like this in a way that achieves this kind of breezy, unpretentious resonance. It will be appreciated in time. In my humble opinion, Roofman represents some of the fines filmmaking America has to offer. This is an instant classic, and represents the best of a country that is pretty much at its worst right now. I didn't think Cianfrance could impress me more than he did with his gobsmacking, sledgehammer to the jaw self-care epic "I Know This Much To Be True" (An HBO Limited Series starring Mark Ruffalo) But no, he goes and does a feel-good comedy, and does it at the same level of excellence Billy Wilder and Alexander Payne and Francois Truffaut did in their day. Not one thing I've read can convince me otherwise. It contains some of the greatest performances of the year. Channing Tatum has been underrated for a long time -- but this is a performance at the Redford/Newman in their prime level, and totally unique. Not one other human being on earth could do what he does in this part. Even the tiniest parts have such texture that the film breathes with extraordinary flexibility and life and represents the best of every single collaborator within the fold. Whether it's Kirsten Dunst, following up her career-best lead role in Civil War with the best co-lead she's ever done, or Dinklage, turning his part into something so specific that only he could do it, easily his best supporting role of that kind since the Station Agent, the great Ben Mendelson cameoing as a pastor (a genius idea that keeps getting more genius the more you think about it) LaKeith Stanfield turning his part into a small clinic in how tone can change subtly and affect everything, or Lily Collias (of the indie gem Good One from 2024) turning an angsty teen daughter character into someone real enough to be your own daughter, a sea of tiny micro-expression which never stop moving, it's script (which as presented in the final cut of the film, is a flawless piece of writing) the immaculately dialed period dressing, or the gorgeous 35mm 2-perf photography which feels EXACTLY like that time period, the tasteful shot selection, the montages which always tell a complete story, the needle drops which strike just the right note every time, or the dozens of tiny little wonderful performance beats -- a film like this is a masterclass in tone management to an almost intimidating degree, so much so that many will think its effortless or lazy when in reality, this is the kind of thing which is punishingly difficult to actually do, if you ever try directing something like this yourself. In these terrible, trying times, a film like this which is equally resilient and emotionally intelligent can really be an inspiring thing. One of the best films of 2025, easily, Cianfrance's best theatrically released feature, and one of the best of its kind, and a beacon of light for mid-budget American films made for general adult audiences.

Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst are fantastic in this film. While it leans more toward romantic comedy, the dramatic moments truly land, both actors handle those shifts beautifully. You can't help but root for Tatum, even though his character is technically a criminal. I'd absolutely recommend this movie. Hopefully, we'll see Tatum take on more dramatic roles in the future, he's genuinely great in them.

A down-on-his-luck veteran turns to a life of crime to support his family, adopting a method that earns him the nickname "Roofman." After his luck runs out and he spends some time in prison, he decides to escape and seek freedom. While on the run, he falls for a single mother and adopts her family as his own, risking it all for a sense of belonging.

This true crime comedy is a great way to share the story of Roofman. The story seems impossible, but Jeffrey Manchester managed to do it. There is a lot of comedy and fun throughout, with some drama mixed in to drive home the gravity of his actions. The two-hour and six-minute runtime is excessive, where parts of the movie feel stretched with no added benefit. The true story is entertaining and captivating enough for a stream when available.

Roofman is one of the crazier "stranger than fiction" stories put on the big screen. I was genuinely surprised not only to find out that it was based on a true story, but also at how good the movie was. I expected it to be fun and charming, but was happily caught off guard by how tense and emotional it got by the 3rd act - Derek Cianfrance hits us with another romance that builds lovingly, until hard truths hit hard in the end. Roofman is a solid character piece on a very bizarre, morally complex thief, held together by Channing Tatum's charming performance that plays perfectly to his strengths. He's just so effortlessly charming and fun to watch as a big kid in a toy store, he's got sky-high chemistry with everyone, and well conveys how much Jeffrey wants to do the right thing, even though sometimes he doesn't. This might be one of the best roles of his career. And Kirsten Dunst is excellent opposite him. There's just so much texture to her work. It's key to the movie's balance of entertainment, real stakes, and heart. The true story is pretty incredible and was prime for a big screen adaptation, but what really makes the movie soar is the style and tone Derek Cianfrance rolls with. There's a delightful playfulness to it, but also a powerful sensitivity. There's loads of fun to be had with the idea of a guy breaking out of prison and hiding out in Toys "R" Us (especially as someone who was very much a Toys "R" Us kid), but Roofman never lets Jeffrey off the hook for the wrong he's done and continues to do. Derek Cianfrance, always searching for the deeper emotions in a story and its characters, successfully finds the humanity in a quite bizarre story of crime, identity and straddling the lines between being a good man and a bad one. Roofman feels especially easy to recommend. You can't really go wrong with such a thoughtful and extremely well made crowdpleaser.

This movie was categorized as a "dark comedy". Did I miss the comedy somewhere? Yes there were some funny scenes (mostly shown in the trailer", but not really anything dark and definitely not enough to call this a comedy. Overall the movie was still decent, just not what I went into it expecting. I was surprised, just not pleasantly surprised.

LIKES: Great Music Cute Authentic Performances Funny Wholesome Not That Intense Nostalgic Great Lessons That Mostly Skip Preachiness Summary: I'll start my review by stating this movie is a very wholesome film. It manages to take the approachable watch of a Hallmark movie, but elevates with better writing, comedy, and pretty much every other measure to give you a down-to-earth film. Despite being about a criminal, the movie handles his heists and antics with a low-intensity vibe that portrays how charismatic Jeff's antics were, but never too much to watch. When the comedy kicks in, the movie becomes easier to watch, with Tatum's goofiness and adorable acting fitting comfortably in the theme of this movie, which makes the film that much more charming. Especially when he is in the stores, the movie finds that nice mix of ridiculous antics with believable events; something I find very enjoyable, given how many struggle with that natural feel. And the nostalgia is wonderful, not only with getting back to a Toys R Us store, but several other icons of the past getting front access to be a culture shock. Throw in a slamming soundtrack, and the movie accomplishes so much, doing so little.

As for the performances, again, I found this impressive as those authentic performances come out despite this film not being anything majestic or pushing the frontier. Stanfield has some of the more intense dialogue, words that are a slap in the face to wake you up, and delivered with an intensity that I felt accomplished a lot. Dunst is delightful, a performance that feels at home in her current wheelhouse of dramatic personas that I got with Civil War. She's intense, but also understanding, happy, but sad at what life throws at her, and all while keeping things very grounded and in check. It almost feels like her '90s acting (matured) and her modern-day approach merged into something stronger, and I felt that it accomplished a much better romantic-comedy role than a lot of things do these days. Tatum surprised me with how much I enjoyed this role. I've primarily seen him either try too hard or get forced into a role not meant for him, in which I have fun but also get annoyed/bored with. Not the case with this film. He still has elements that feel very Tatum, but the direction seems to shave some of the silliness back, and his talent has emerged to make a romantic comedy character that feels balanced, fun, and a character to stick with despite the past. I think that's a brilliant delivery on all fronts, especially with getting plenty of life lessons without feeling like I'm watching propaganda or a Sunday School lecture. These components stuck better with me, and I like seeing that kind of writing excel compared to what many streaming programs often lean away from.

DISLIKES: Predictable If You Know The Story There Is More That Could Have Been Told Slow/Tedious At Times A Tad Ridiculous In This Adaptation Summary: Roofman may be very approachable, cute, and somewhat balanced, but it does have some factors I wasn't a fan of in terms of a big-screen spectacle. The story is predictable due to many factors that often plague the rom-com genre, especially when you take a realistic approach. As this film is based on a real-life story, you'll know most of the surprise factor by reading up on the story or book based on Roofman's life. While that can't be blamed on the film, I also saw many of the predictable trends in this genre, and little was done to mix things up. Additionally, there is more that could have been revealed in this tale. While I didn't want full details on everything, Roofman's early life was something important to him, and I didn't feel they showed that part off as well as they could. Yes, there is logic behind that, but I think there could have been some asides to show his choices' impact on the family. If not that, then maybe some more adventures with Dunst, trying to give us a little more development, time, and planning with her instead of the montages they resorted to in this film. Given everything they were covering, it's good time management, but just a bit more of those details could have gone just a bit better to help with these side stories they were building. While I did not expect this to be guns blazing, bombs exploding, or kung-fu fighting, I had hoped the movie would have moved a bit more. The real-life aspect lacks a bit of the movie magic to spice things up, and I would have liked to see some things mix into the calmer romantic moments. Again, some activities, a bit more of the cop aspect, or something else to cut through some of the awkward relationship building we got, could have helped keep the pace moving a bit better for me. And despite their best attempts, the movie still treads into the ridiculous territory of slapstick suspense of disbelief that makes for a fun love story, but gets a bit annoying.

The VERDICT: To my surprise, Roofman is one of those unsung movies that is probably going to go unnoticed by most, given everything coming out this week. However, if you give it a chance, you'll find one of the more charming additions to the long list of films this year to give a try. A realistic relationship that holds charm, finesse, life lessons, and powerful performances, I think a large majority of those who like these quirky experiences that are humble, fun, and adorable. I primarily enjoyed the nostalgia bits as well, and feel that this movie has a lot more composure without being too "elevated" in its presentation. Yet, the movie needs a bit more wow factor to it, some movie magic fun to keep the pace going, add a little more completeness with the characters, and help break through some of that mundane trivia to boot. Those who like Hallmark movies should find some wonder in it, as I think this is a much higher quality version of it, but for those looking for a little more spectacle, or Tatum's usual goofy comedy... You might want to pass on this one until it gets to home. My scores are: Comedy/Biography/crime/Drama/History/Music/Romance: 7.5 Movie Overall: 7.0.