- Channing Tatum stars as Jeffrey Manchester, a real-life spree-robber who famously hid in a Toys ‘R’ Us after a prison break.
- The film is being criticized for its tonal imbalance, struggling to decide whether to portray its protagonist as a charming rogue or a criminal deserving of justice.
- While Tatum’s charismatic performance is a highlight, the movie’s focus on a fictionalized romance is seen as a major weakness that slows the pace.
- Critics point to the film’s indecisiveness as its central flaw, leaving it caught between a fun caper and a serious morality tale.
‘Roofman’ Stumbles Despite Tatum’s Charm
Derek Cianfrance’s new true-crime film, “Roofman,” has hit theaters, but reviews suggest the movie suffers from a critical identity crisis. The film, which dramatizes the bizarre story of McDonald’s spree-robber Jeffrey Manchester, is being called out for its inability to pick a side, leaving audiences with a tonally wobbly experience.
A Charismatic Criminal Carries the Film
Channing Tatum takes on the lead role of Manchester, an Army veteran turned robber who, after stealing from 45 McDonald’s locations, escapes prison and takes up residence in a Toys ‘R’ Us. Critics agree that Tatum’s performance is the film’s saving grace, imbuing the “smart dumb guy” with enough roguish charm to hold the audience’s attention through his various crimes and misdemeanors. The film’s opening and a brilliantly staged prison escape sequence are highlighted as engaging and fast-paced moments.
An Unfocused Narrative
Despite a strong start and a compelling lead, “Roofman” reportedly falters by shifting its focus to a “pedestrian” and “liberally fictionalized” romance between Manchester and a Toys ‘R’ Us employee, played by Kirsten Dunst. This structural choice bloats the film’s runtime to over two hours and grinds the momentum to a halt, creating what is described as a “tiresome” and “mushy middle.” Supporting actors Ben Mendelsohn, Uzo Aduba, and Peter Dinklage add moments of “zest,” but they can’t save the unfocused plot.
A Film Divided
Ultimately, “Roofman” struggles with the question at its core: Is Jeffrey Manchester a good guy or a bad one? The film initially presents a compelling case for his charm but then attempts to pivot, positioning those who turn him in as heroes. This indecisiveness leaves the story in a narrative limbo, failing to commit to being either a “fun-loving caper” or a “finger-wagging morality tale.” The result is a movie that, while featuring a standout performance from Tatum, can’t quite decide what it wants to be.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/movies/roofman-review.html