Roofman

Roofman
Stars: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Scriptwriters: Derek Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn
Composer: Christopher Bear
Cinematography: Andrij Parakh
51 Entertainment/Paramount Pictures
Rating: R
Running Length: 126 Minutes

“Roofman” is actually based on a true incident of a prison escapee (Jeffrey Manchester) who finds refuge in a Toys “R” Us store for over six months. The name “Roofman” came about as the guy robbed McDonald’s restaurants by cutting through their roofs. Who is this clever person? Jeffrey Manchester, here played by Channing Tatum in a both humorous and serious (as can be under the circumstances) role. Kirsten Dunst is employed at the store, and Peter Dinklage, who steals every scene he is in, is the store manager who tries to figure things out. Director Derek Cianfrance and Cinemographer Andrij Parekh take the audience on a ride into the world of a man who wants money, but then can’t decide what to do.

As the film goes, Jeffrey figures out how to rob McDonald’s by going through the roof, hence the name “Roofman.” He turns out to be a “kind” robber as when placing employees in a freezer, has them put their jackets on. This is going well until he is almost caught in a Toys “R” Us store and has to quickly hide. Time goes by and he lives on candy and assorted other sugary foods, plus has the evening place to himself and he can ride bicycles, play with stuffed toys and in general. have fun. Eventually, though he is spotted by store manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage). There are times when Jeffrey is seen by the public and he manages the right words at the right time. However, Jeffrey has spotted a woman, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), who works at the store and has a child to care for. Is someone falling for Leigh? Hmm.

Acting is well done by both Channing Tatum and Peter Dinklage Their facial expressions are good; they play off each other well and there is enough physical comedy to go around. Kirsten Dunst, on the other hand has a more background role in all of this. What is fun to watch are the expressions of other store employees’ and customers as situations occur. Reminiscent of “Three Stooges” comedies where the audience doesn’t know what is going on, but goes along with it anyway.

Channing Tatum makes the most of it, whether by himself, or with Dinklage, they are quite the duo. You can see what ending the film is sliding toward. In the meantime, it is fun to watch how the inside of a Toys “R” Store can be used as a hiding place. Wonder what other large box stores in the world are being used this way? Check the ceiling when entering.

Three Tocks

Copyright 2025 Marie Asner