Roofman Review: Channing Tatum Charms in Derek Cianfrance’s Nostalgic Crime Drama

A Wild but True Story

Some true stories are so unbelievable they feel destined for the screen. Roofman, directed by Derek Cianfrance, tells the story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), an Army veteran and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s by cutting holes in their roofs. After a prison escape, he secretly lives in a Toys “R” Us for six months, creating one of the strangest crime sagas of the early 2000s. Set in North Carolina, the film balances suspense with unexpected warmth, asking whether one man’s poor decisions should erase his humanity.

Channing Tatum’s Most Natural Role in Years

Tatum delivers one of his best performances in recent memory, embodying Jeffrey with effortless charisma. Because Roofman isn’t a widely known figure, Tatum isn’t burdened by audience expectations. Instead, he plays the character with a mix of charm, humor, and desperation that feels authentic. His ability to shift between likable rogue and reckless dreamer makes him easy to root for, even when you know his choices are doomed. Whether it’s disguising himself in a parade of wigs, cracking jokes mid-heist, or clumsily navigating family dynamics, Tatum grounds the film with natural magnetism.

Nostalgia, Humor, and the Early 2000s Setting

One of the film’s pleasures is how deeply it leans into early 2000s nostalgia. From the glow of old-school McDonald’s to the aisles of Toys “R” Us, the film drops audiences back into a pre-social media era defined by Blockbuster rentals, M&Ms, and even a cameo from Windows XP. These touches add both humor and charm, particularly in moments like Jeffrey’s surveillance on grainy CCTV footage or his awkward encounters with Tickle Me Elmo. It’s an era that feels recent but distant, and the film captures it with detail and affection.

A Theme of Good People, Bad Mistakes

Beneath the humor and absurdity lies the heart of Roofman. At its core, the film argues that good people can make bad mistakes — and that those mistakes shouldn’t automatically define their entire lives. Jeffrey’s desire for family is his ultimate motivation, even as it makes him reckless. His refusal to let go of the family he’s lost, and his attempt to create a new one with Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) and her daughter Lindsay (Lily Collias), drives the film’s emotional tension. You cheer for his humanity even as you dread the consequences.

Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield, and a Strong Ensemble

The ensemble cast adds texture and balance to Tatum’s performance. Kirsten Dunst is radiant as Leigh, bringing sweetness and grounded vulnerability to her role. Her dynamic with Tatum feels both wholesome and complicated, while her scenes with Collias as her skeptical daughter are among the film’s most tender.

LaKeith Stanfield, though used sparingly, proves once again that he can say more with a glance than many actors do with entire monologues. Even in a limited role, his presence lingers. Peter Dinklage makes the most of his brief screen time, while Ben Mendelsohn, Juno Temple, Uzo Aduba, and others round out a cast that elevates the material with gravitas and personality.

Tension and Inevitability

For all its humor and charm, Roofman is also deeply suspenseful. Cianfrance stages the story like a slow-burning tragedy, where every moment of levity is shadowed by the inevitability of Jeffrey’s downfall. As the film progresses, the tension mounts, and you can’t escape the feeling that his luck will eventually run out. The closer he gets to building a new family, the more heartbreaking it becomes when reality intrudes.

A Heartbreaking Ending and Lasting Impression

While audiences may hope for a miracle, Roofman doesn’t shy away from its tragic truth. The ending is as heartbreaking as it is inevitable, leaving you wishing for a different outcome even as you know there can’t be one. The credits provide both closure and levity, with side-by-side comparisons of actors and their real-life counterparts, archival footage, and interviews with people who crossed paths with the real Roofman. It’s a reminder that as wild as the film seems, it’s rooted in reality.

Final Verdict: Entertaining, Suspenseful, and Human

Roofman blends absurd true-crime spectacle with heartfelt character drama. Channing Tatum shines in one of his most natural performances, supported by a strong ensemble and Derek Cianfrance’s stylish direction. The nostalgia is fun, the humor lands, and the suspense keeps you on edge. But it’s the film’s heart — the story of a man whose desire for family makes him both sympathetic and doomed — that lingers. Funny, heartbreaking, and unforgettable, Roofman is a crime drama with soul.