Roofman

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.

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.

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.

The feeling is that of having watched something genuine and comforting. A film that entertains, but also moves; that talks about escapes and lies, but above all, about the desire to start over.

The Good Bandit may not explore all the themes it presents, but what it delivers is done with such care and balance that it is impossible not to be captivated.

With inspired direction and Channing Tatum at his best, the film confirms that the best films of the year are not always the most grandiose-sometimes they are simply those that know how to tell a good story with heart.