ROOFMAN (2025)
DRAMA | COMEDY | HISTORICAL
Roofman is based on the true story of affable stick-up artist Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), who hid out in a toy store after escaping from prison. Given the title, my logical assumption is that he gets exposed to toxic waste or cosmic rays or something, thus developing certain roof-based superpowers, like being really good at repelling rain and giving shelter to those who are most in need. No doubt his nemesis will be Floorwoman, or perhaps dry rot. Will Roofman come out on top, or cave in?
Our recent trip to Vietnam involved two fifteen hour flights, during which time we managed to squeeze in no less than 9 films. I don’t intend to review them all here, but we did see some really good stuff that I’d like to share with you. The first one we watched was Roofman, a fairly lowkey release from last year, but one whose trailer had grabbed my attention at the time. As a fan of Derek Cianfranc’s other work (he wrote and directed Blue Valentine (2010) and The Place Beyond the Pines (2012), and he has a story credit on Sound of Metal (2020)), I was expecting good things.
RAISING THE ROOF
+ Roofman is a charming real life story that manages to endear us to its criminal protagonist while also showing the consequences of his actions. Cianfrance steers clear of schmaltz and highlights that, nice guy or not, Jeffrey can’t seem to stop himself from making bad decisions.
+ Tatum is perfectly cast as he has the comedy chops and the vulnerability to make us root for Jeffery even at his worst. Though we can sympathise with his motivations, the film doesn’t shy away from the fact that he endangers or outright hurts a number of innocent people.
+ The supporting cast create a sense of a real world community around Jeffery. Kirsten Dunst brings a sense of pathos to Leigh, LaKeith Stanfield is no-nonsense and world-weary as Jeffrey’s friend, Steve, and Peter Dinklage is clearly having a blast as a$$hole Toys “R” Us boss, Mitch.
+ The film is a perfect balance of drama leavened with comedy. It has real heart, and it definitely brought a warm tear to my eye, which I don’t think was entirely down to AALS (Altitude-Adjusted Lachrymosity Syndrome).
THE ROOF IS ON FIRE
- There are a few scenes that felt contrived. There was nothing egregious, but I was distracted by the dramatic shorthand in a couple of places, and by one brief cinematic flourish towards the end that didn’t land for me.
- There isn’t a huge amount to fault here. It’s a solid piece of work that doesn't try to re-invent the roof, and why would it? It’s a good story that’s well told, and a really enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.
Wondering where to watch it? Check JustWatch for availability.
How do my ratings hold up? Is it more of a movie or is it a film? Let me know in the comments below! If you like what I’m trying to do here, please like, subscribe, restack, and share.