We went into Roofman with a certain kind of expectation. Based on its poster and Channing Tatum’s past works, we assumed it would lean into goofy comedy. Instead, what we got was a grounded crime drama loosely inspired by true events. And honestly, that misalignment worked in the film’s favor. Roofman turns out to be a compelling character-driven story that showcases its lead in a very different but impressive light.
Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) is a divorced Army veteran struggling to provide for his three young children. Desperate to make ends meet, he begins robbing fast food restaurants by breaking in through the roof. While his scheme initially works, he’s eventually caught and imprisoned. But Jeffrey is resourceful, and he manages to escape custody and hides out inside a Toys “R” Us store while evading authorities and plotting his next move.
One of the film’s central dilemmas is the perspective it feeds you as the viewer: you’ll find yourself rooting for a thief and a conman. Roofman often paints its lead character Jeffrey in a sympathetic light which can feel morally uncomfortable at times. Still, beyond that tension, the film remains consistently engaging. Its narrative may have a few rough edges, but at its core is a deeply human story about desperation, love, and the consequences of the choices we make.
The chemistry between Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst is an unexpected highlight for us and in fact, their relationship adds emotional texture and complexity that the film benefits from. Tatum, in particular, is a revelation here stepping away from his usual roles to deliver a grounded and sincere performance as a struggling thief with a heart. Honestly, the film could have benefited from tighter pacing and a slightly shorter runtime. The second half in particular had moments begin to drag. But these issues are relatively minor compared to what the film does right. In the end, Roofman is full of surprises. It’s deeper, more emotional, and more character-driven than its premise or poster might suggest.
Roofman (2025) Movie Review: Through the Roof
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