Movie Review: Channing Tatum Shines in True-Crime Drama Roofman : Channing Tatum ROOFMAN Tailer (2025) continues to explore the role of the down-on-his-luck, divorced father who resorts to crime. In his latest film, Roofman, he steps into the shoes of Jeffrey Manchester, a real-life figure whose audacious escapades include robbing fast-food restaurants and secretly living inside a Toys “R” Us. Unlike Tatum’s previous capers, such as Logan Lucky, this story is rooted in real events, adding layers of intrigue and moral complexity.
Plot Overview ROOFMAN Tailer (2025
Roofman follows Manchester, a U.S. Army veteran serving a 45-year sentence primarily for kidnapping, who escapes from prison and hides inside a Charlotte Toys “R” Us. To survive, he eats baby food and sleeps behind a bike display, decorating his makeshift bed with Spider-Man sheets. Despite his criminal life, Manchester maintains a sense of morality—he secretly helps employees and donates stolen toys to a church.
The story begins with a minor humiliation: Manchester’s young daughter asks for a bike for her 6th birthday, which he cannot afford. This moment triggers his decision to commit crimes, leading to a series of heists at over 40 McDonald’s locations nationwide. Along the way, he develops a relationship with Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a single mother who is unaware of his criminal activities.
Performances
Channing Tatum delivers a heartfelt and empathetic performance, making Manchester’s struggles immediately relatable. His portrayal captures a man who is fundamentally good but trapped by circumstance. Tatum balances charm, desperation, and ingenuity, creating a protagonist that audiences can root for despite his questionable choices.
Kirsten Dunst, as Leigh, provides a nuanced performance as a weary, working mother cautiously navigating new love. While her role is somewhat limited, she brings warmth and realism to the film. Peter Dinklage also stands out as the tyrannical store manager, adding tension and contrast to Manchester’s moral compass.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, who co-wrote the script with Kirt Gunn, Roofman captures the gritty and humorous aspects of Manchester’s story. Shot on 35mm film, the movie has a grainy, vintage aesthetic that evokes the early 2000s setting. Cianfrance’s direction highlights both the charm and the desperation of Manchester’s journey, balancing comedy, romance, and drama.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film succeeds in portraying the human side of Manchester, focusing on his cleverness, kindness, and devotion to his family. However, the movie selectively omits darker aspects of his life, which makes it feel somewhat sanitized compared to the real-life story. This creative choice raises questions about authenticity but allows the film to remain light enough for general audiences.
Roofman excels as a character-driven drama and low-stakes caper. Tatum and Dunst’s performances carry the story through its rougher parts, while the film’s humor and warmth keep viewers engaged. However, audiences familiar with Manchester’s full story may find the omissions of his less savory actions troubling.
Final Verdict
Roofman is a charming, character-focused drama that blends humor, romance, and true crime. Channing Tatum delivers a standout performance, while Kirsten Dunst adds depth to the story’s emotional core. Though it sacrifices some historical accuracy, the film offers an entertaining, humane portrayal of a man navigating extraordinary circumstances.
Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars
Runtime: 126 minutes
Rating: R (brief sexuality, nudity, and language)
In Theaters: Friday, Paramount Pictures