'Roofman' Review: Doesn't Quite Stick The Landing [TIFF 25]
Channing tatum stars as prolific robber jeffrey manchester in this dramedy chronicling a toys “r” us hideout.
Beginning in 1998, Jeffrey Manchester, also known as “Roofman,” began robbing McDonald’s locations across the United States, drilling and sawing through the roofs of these building during the night and waiting for the morning shift employees to arrive. Once workers began opening the restaurant, Manchester would brandish a firearm, usher everyone into the walk-in refrigerator, and rob the cash registers. Although a violent crime on paper, many witnesses reported on Manchester’s politeness, with some stating he had suggested putting on their coats before entering the freezer. Before being arrested (for the first time), Manchester successfully robbed over 40 establishments.
Roofman, directed by Derek Cianfrance, follows Manchester (played by Channing Tatum) in these last moments of freedom. The previously down-on-his-luck army veteran celebrates his success, spoiling his family and buying his daughter the bicycle she’s always wanted – this high quickly comes to an end once he is apprehended in the middle of his daughter’s birthday party. In prison, Manchester struggles to keep contact with his children; his ex-wife quickly moves on and makes efforts to distance her daughter from him. Naturally, he devises an escape plan, and before long, he is on the run, with little choice but to find a place to lay low. He holes up in a Toys “R” Us, surviving off M&M’s and, after setting up his own baby monitor turned camera system, entertaining himself with store dynamics and drama. All he has to do is wait for Steve (played by Lakeith Stanfield), an old army friend, to return to town and help him with an identity change. Although this seems foolproof at first, Manchester begins to fall in love with Toys “R” Us employee Leigh Wainscott (played by Kirsten Dunst). As he learns more about her through his surveillance - watching her struggle with hilariously unsympathetic store manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage), maintain her job as a single mom, and stand up for her meek co-workers - he begins to fall in love with her. Soon enough, he finds himself balancing two lives – one as missing convict Manchester and one as John Zorn, a church-going nice guy and new love interest in Leigh’s life.
For Channing Tatum fans, this is definitely not a film to miss – as always, he is a standout. His natural charisma brings a lot of life to the screen, and he convinces the viewer (albeit maybe too well) of Jeffrey Manchester’s good qualities. Indeed, it’s almost hard to recognize his character as a convict – he’s funny, likeable, and he cares about the people around him. This is reinforced by Dunst’s performance; albeit not knowing his true identity, she and her children thrive with him in their lives. At times, this characterization feels unrealistic; despite claims that the real-life Jeffrey Manchester was a “nice guy,” the film seems to gloss over the grit that may have made this character a little more well-rounded.
Despite both leads’ acting chops, the film does struggle a bit to reach the emotional depths it appears to be aiming for. Fans of Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine, known for its all-consuming melancholy, may want to temper their expectations, as this film tends to avoid anything too dark. Indeed, although Jeffrey struggles with the loss of his family and the life he once knew, the film instead often keeps it light, focusing more on Jeffrey’s antics. Even in the moments where the characters are clearly suffering, as a viewer, it’s hard to connect and experience the emotion along with them. Moments between Jeffrey and Leigh are tender, but don’t quite tug at the heartstrings – their chemistry is hampered by the script. Throughout their relationship, much of Jeffrey’s affection is displayed purely through the material items he brings to her and her children, ranging from stolen toys for Leigh’s church toy drive and a new car for her teenage daughter. Although both Leigh and Jeffrey verbally reflect on and recognize this, there are unfortunately no real emotional moments to support this development.
Despite these limitations, the film is entertaining, and the pacing is steady, keeping the viewer engaged with Jeffrey’s story. Tatum and Dunst are well-supported by the rest of the cast, with both Dinklage and Stanfield bringing their own star power to their respective roles. It can be difficult to curate an entertaining film when sticking as close as possible to the real-world events being mirrored, but Jeffrey Manchester’s story is engaging enough to allow for a fun watch that remains quite authentic. There are, however, some pieces missing to this story. Notably, Manchester initially resorts to robberies because he is barely able to support his family - a veteran lacking employable skills with little support, he feels like he has no other choice. Exploring the reasons behind Manchester’s decisions may have added more of an emotioanl context, but skipping these beats and jumping right into his crimes, albeit fun for the audience and attention grabbing, feels a little shallow. Manchester’s veteran friend, Steve, has similarly resorted to criminal endeavors to support himself, but again, this is merely a plot device, although it could have been fodder to encourage the audience to think deeper.
Roofman will be in theatres come October, and for those who simply want a fun night at the movies, this is a definite recommendation. For those, however, who want a deeper, affecting story, this film may not make the mark.