By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
While Dwayne Johnson’s performance in “The Smashing Machine” last week may have been more transformative, Channing Tatum brings more comedic entertainment that will ultimately yield better box office numbers. “Roofman” is based on a wild true story that is humorous, romantic, and even dramatic, and will appeal to all audiences. An extremely well-rounded cast and quality filmmaking bring this biographical story to life.
Army veteran Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) struggles to make ends meet, unable to afford birthday gifts for his children. Using his unique gifts of observation, he turns to a life of crime, entering fast food chains and other retail stores through the roof and robbing them blind. He’s eventually caught and sent to prison for a long time, that is until he craftily finds a way to escape.
Holing up in a nearby Toys “R” Us, Manchester sets up a hidden space where he can monitor the employees while sustaining himself on peanut M&Ms. As time goes by and interest fades in his escape and whereabouts, he ventures out, ingratiating himself with the locals and getting romantically involved with Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), who also happens to work at the famous toy chain. Unable to resist his criminal tendencies, he takes risks that put his double life in jeopardy and could harm the people he cares about most.
Derek Cianfrance is a quality writer/director best known for 2010’s “Blue Valentine,” but he also received an Oscar nomination in 2021 for his screenplay of “Sound of Metal.” Directing and co-writing “Roofman,” he achieves a terrific balance of comedy, romance, and drama that make this true story a compelling and fun ride. He upholds the integrity of this true story, incorporating many of the events as they actually happened in the early 2000s. The authenticity is further enhanced by the decision to use 35mm film to better capture the look and feel of that decade. Along with well-choreographed continuous shots and meaningful angles and closeups, the film successfully transports viewers to that time and place.
Cianfrance masterfully evokes the charm of the main character and story without overly romanticizing the criminal acts, allowing the audience to care about this person but not idolize him. There are multiple details he seems to overlook, however, like showing merchandise that didn’t really exist at that time or having a door locked by a chain from the inside without anyone actually in the apartment. While the pacing is good, he also incorporates too many redundant scenes that should have been cut in the editing room to make for a quicker runtime.
Channing Tatum does not consider himself a very talented actor, but he’s always been steadfastly committed to outworking everyone else, and he certainly puts forth his best effort for this role. He lost nearly 70 pounds in preparation for “Roofman” to achieve that wiry look of the real Jeffrey Manchester. One of the biggest knocks throughout his career is an inability to achieve on-screen chemistry with his romantic counterpart but he puts those criticisms to rest as his interactions with Kirsten Dunst feel real and natural. This, coupled with his undeniable charm and comedic timing, make his performance a treat to watch.
Then there’s Kirsten Dunst, whose career resurgence has been remarkable, earning an Oscar nomination for 2021’s “The Power of the Dog,” and flexing her leading lady muscles in last year’s “Civil War.” She continues this trend with a raw, easy-going portrayal of a divorced, single mother looking for love while remaining protective of her daughters. Her down-to-earth likability invests the audience in her character.
The other supporting cast members provide notable performances as well with LaKeith Stanfield leading the way. He has a quiet intensity to his line delivery, even during comedic moments, that makes viewers sit up in their seat to take notice. Peter Dinklage ups the level of humor as the cold, unsympathetic Toys “R” Us manager whose reactions in various scenes, especially towards the end are priceless.
It’s not perfect, but it’s entertaining, interesting, and has a lot of spirit that makes it a worthwhile trip to the theater. “Roofman” is a true story you have to see to believe with captivating acting performances that give it a human touch. It may not beat “Tron: Ares” at the box office this weekend but is sure to be a success that targets a much wider audience.
This movie earns:
