Roofman
review by Bobby Blakey
Director Derek Cianfrance has established a unique voice in cinema with his films Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines. His latest film Roofman is based on an unbelievable true story and stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang and Peter Dinklage. Could this film do justice to this crazy story, or should it have stayed hidden in the store?
Roofman Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurant by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname: Roofman. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh, a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.
This was a story that instantly pulled me in from the trailers just for the sheer quirky nature. It’s always amazing how out there some of these true stories actually are and when handled well make for some great filmmaking. This is one of those times where the story is handled well blending in the true elements and then fleshing it out to make for a film that has humor, heart and romance wrapped in a story that you have to see to believe.
IF this wasn’t true it would be one of those that most would find ridiculous, but thanks to the proper ending it showcases the truth of it all and it works. Tatum is great here getting to flex more than muscles and bring some simple charm and likability to the role of a guy who despite was committing so many robberies wasn’t a bad guy. His polite ways of doing the crimes almost make you want him to get away with it. His chemistry with Dunst is an important element to the overall tone and impact to the story and both shine together.
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The rest of the cast are good as well with the always great Peter Dinklage having some of the funniest reaction moments of the entire film. He is also a douche of a boss so makes it all the more reasonable to want him to get robbed even if it is wrong. The nostalgia aspect of the Toys R Us adds to the fun of this film for those of use that grew up with these versions of them and could only imagine the fun being set loose inside of the toy giant with no restrictions.
The film is straight forward in execution, but thanks to the great performances and crazy story it is elevated to something bigger than itself. I got exactly what I expected from this film and that was all I needed and hope that it finds more of the audience it deserves.
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Decide for yourself and check out Roofman on digital and streaming now on Paramount +.