When I first saw the trailer for Roofman, I expected a lighthearted rom-com — after all, a man living in a Toys “R” Us with a giant teddy bear around his neck sounds like comedy gold. But the film quickly proves it is much more than a quirky premise: it’s based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former U.S. Army Reserve officer who committed over 45 McDonald’s robberies by entering through the rooftops.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance and starring Channing Tatum as Manchester, the film balances suspense, humor, and emotional depth. The story opens at his daughter’s birthday party, where the gift he gives her is met with visible disappointment — and we also glimpse the disapproval of his wife, who may be separated from him or at least very distant. This scene establishes a quiet tension in Manchester’s personal life and sets the stage for the contemplative period that leads to his audacious crimes. While we don’t see much of his personal history, his kindness and decency shine through: he ensures employees are warm before locking them in the freezer, even giving one of them his coat.
Still, I couldn’t help but wish the film included a bit more of Manchester’s backstory — perhaps an additional flashback that really nails who he was before all this. A glimpse into his formative experiences and early motivations might have made his choices, cleverness, and audacity even more compelling.
A particularly compelling part of the movie shows just how clever Manchester is in his day-to-day life while hiding in the Charlotte Toys “R” Us for six months. Every movement counts. Every choice could blow his cover. The tension? Palpable — I found myself leaning forward, wondering how long he could keep up the act — especially when he attempts to integrate into the church community – The ingenuity and the stakes of living in plain sight.
A key thread in the film is his romance with Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst). Manchester becomes familiar with her because she works at the Toys “R” Us, but they don’t actually meet until a church event. He adopts a false name and keeps his real identity hidden, creating tension and suspense while also showing his capacity for connection and care. It’s clear that he wants to be a good family man, making efforts to relate to and engage Leigh’s daughters, which adds layers of humanity and emotional resonance to his character.
The performances are remarkable. Channing Tatum delivers a nuanced portrayal — and I found myself genuinely rooting for him, even knowing the crimes he committed. Dunst brings warmth and authenticity to Leigh, making the romance believable without veering into cliché. LaKeith Stanfield’s Steve adds a grounded, observant counterpoint that illuminates Manchester’s personality. There’s already buzz about possible awards, and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
Don’t miss the closing credits
The closing credits are not to be missed: they include updates on the real people behind the story, with photographs, archival footage, and interviews that really deepen the emotional resonance and remind viewers that this incredible story really happened.
The Roofman is not to be missed. It starts as a story that looks like a rom-com on the surface, but it ends as a meditation on mistakes, resilience, and redemption — one rooftop at a time.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 out of 5 stars)
The syndicated edition of the article appears at Troy Media and 32 affiliated syndicated sites. Podcasts also appear at either Toastcaster.com or Toastmasters Podcast.com.
Greg Gazin, also known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communication, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.
