Roofman

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.

Derek Cianfrance offers us a simple film that captivates thanks to the inspired performance of its cast, a journey that travels between drama, comedy and a touch of thriller.

Starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage, this is the incredible true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum), a thief who robbed more than 60 McDonald's restaurants by breaking in through a hole he made in the roof at night. After being arrested, he escaped from prison and hid in a Toys "R" Us store for nearly six months.

Roofman succeeds in being a film you grow fond of thanks to the charisma of its protagonist, brilliantly portrayed by Tatum, who arguably delivers his best performance to date. It's a film that imbues its main character with nuance, making it easy to connect and sympathize with him. The story unfolds as we discover the protagonist's true background and the many layers he develops as he finds his new life.

The director deserves absolute credit for guiding the film through a human journey without judging its protagonist, even when the true motives of his life are questioned. It's a film that gradually wins you over, with a cast that skillfully explores the various nuances the story offers. It's a journey through several genres, achieving a balanced blend that never feels forced. Perhaps it's a bit too long, but it still manages to keep you engaged with the world it has created.

In conclusion...

A modest film that exudes charisma from beginning to end. A story that captivates you as you discover its protagonist in all her facets. Careful and effective direction that doesn't try to be more than it is, and what it offers is enough to provide a pleasant time in front of the screen with a good film to enjoy.

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.

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.

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.