Roofman

7.0/10 (Recommend)

I have been looking forward to this one since I've seen the trailer, and honestly I was not disappointed. While the pacing is a little slow, and in the second half things seem to drag slightly, it's still an enjoyable story. Despite the slightly slow pacing it doesn't feel like you're watching a movie. The way scenes are captured it feels like you're part of the action, or at the very least a fly on the wall.

Channing Tatum is a lot of fun in the role of Jeffery Manchester, and the chemistry him and Kirsten Dunst have is satisfying. Sure he's a criminal and she's just an oblivious single mother, but they feel natural together and you can't help but cheer for a positive outcome.

The film isn't overly funny, but it has some funny bits where you can at least chuckle. The vibe is that this is a slightly more serious, "emotional" film than it is a comedy. And it may look like a family movie, but be mindful that there are a few n-words thrown around, a sex scene or two, and a brief nip slip. Oh no, not a nip slip, you say. Well, some may be concerned with the content they take in or what their kids or teens watch so I mention it.

Overall, this is definitely a film to see in theatres even. The true story and the Hollywood story may be overdramatized, but this story will definitely entertain. While the pacing is a little slow, the story pulls you in and makes you feel like you're part of the adventure. Channing is fun, Kirsten is loveable, and you just want to see the bad guy succeed because he lures you in perfectly.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!

The feeling is that of having watched something genuine and comforting. A film that entertains, but also moves; that talks about escapes and lies, but above all, about the desire to start over.

The Good Bandit may not explore all the themes it presents, but what it delivers is done with such care and balance that it is impossible not to be captivated.

With inspired direction and Channing Tatum at his best, the film confirms that the best films of the year are not always the most grandiose-sometimes they are simply those that know how to tell a good story with heart.

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.

Saw this during a sneak preview. Keeping in mind the movie is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester.

The first half of the movie was very entertaining and moved along well with quite a few laughs.

The second half seemed to slow down a lot. I was also wanting to look at my phone to see how much time was left at that point. It does seem it could have been made a much shorter film.

Was nice seeing Tatum in this type of movie. Dunst did good as well.

It was a good movie but was really hoping for a different ending for this guy!

Roofman is one of those movies that sneaks up on you, not just because it's about a real-life robber who literally lived inside the store, but because it balances crime, comedy, and unexpected tenderness with surprising ease. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), this offbeat crime dramedy tells the story of Jeffrey Manchester, the "Roofman Robber," who famously escaped from prison and hid out for months inside a North Carolina Toys "R" Us.

Channing Tatum takes on the role with an easygoing charm that fits the character's odd blend of charisma and delusion. His version of Manchester, now going by an alias and trying to build a new life is part dreamer, part screw-up, and somehow, still someone you root for. Tatum gives one of his more grounded performances in years, toning down his usual bravado for something more human, and it works.

The surprise standout here is Kirsten Dunst as Leigh, who becomes entangled in Jeffrey's double life. I've never been much of a fan of Dunst, but here she doesn't elicit an eye roll every time she speaks and instead delivers a sincere performance. The chemistry between her and Tatum gives the movie its emotional spark, and their scenes together bring warmth and humor to a story that could have easily gone too dark or too silly.

The movie's pacing is steady and deliberate, maybe too much at times, but the story is well told and surprisingly heartfelt. It finds humor in human desperation and beauty in redemption without ever preaching about it.

Is it worth running to the theater for? Probably not. Roofman feels more like the kind of film you stumble upon one night while flipping channels or scrolling through streaming-and end up watching all the way through because it's oddly charming.

Roofman isn't a high-octane heist movie-it's a quirky, character-driven story about second chances, unexpected love, and the strange places people hide when they're running from their past. Tatum and Dunst make it worth the watch, and while it might not demand a big-screen experience, it's the kind of film that'll quietly grow on you once you've seen it.