Roofman Trailer, Fun Facts & Review
Roofman Synopsis:
Based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former Army Ranger who became known as "Roofman" for robbing McDonald's by entering through their roofs. After a daring prison escape, Manchester secretly lives in a Toys "R" Us for six months, planning his next moves. His hidden life becomes complicated when he falls for Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mother, leading to a suspenseful unraveling of his double life as his past threatens to expose him.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Release Date: In theaters October 10th, 2025
Roofman Fun Facts:
Star-Studded Supporting Cast:
Besides Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, the movie features a strong supporting cast, including Peter Dinklage, LaKeith Stanfield, Ben Mendelsohn, Juno Temple, Lily Collias, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, and Jimmy O. Yang.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance:
The movie is directed by Derek Cianfrance, well-known for his intense drama movies such as "Blue Valentine" and "The Place Beyond the Pines." However, Roofman is characterized as a crime comedy-drama, presenting a somewhat new tone for the director.
Shot on 35mm Film:
The movie was shot on 35mm film, which often provides a unique visual quality.
Polite Demeanor:
Although engaged in criminal activities, Jeffrey Manchester was known for his polite demeanor and rarely engaged in violence during his robberies, often ensuring employees had jackets before locking them inside the freezer.
A Unique Alias:
After a daring prison escape and while in hiding, Jeffrey Manchester used the alias "John Zorn."
Authentic Filming Locations:
The production team made great efforts to ensure authenticity by shooting in numerous real-life locations connected to Jeffrey Manchester's storyline, including a church where he established an important relationship with the local community.
Real People in the Movie:
Some of the real-life people connected to Jeffrey Manchester's story, including the real preacher and the person who drove the truck he escaped in, are featured in the movie, adding another layer of authenticity.
Surviving on Baby Food:
The real Jeffrey Manchester survived on kids' snacks and baby food stolen from the store while hiding out in Toys "R" Us.
Roofman Review:
Based on the unbelievable true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum)—a former Army veteran who became infamous for robbing McDonald’s through their roofs before escaping prison and hiding in a Toys “R” Us for six months. The movie tries to mix a strange true-crime adventure with a heartfelt love story. The outcome is a funny, sweet, and unexpectedly realistic film.
Channing Tatum delivers a performance that is both naturally likable and deeply tragic. Playing Jeffrey Manchester, who goes by the name "John Zorn" while hiding from the law, Tatum embraces his natural, silly honesty, making his shift into a low-level robber and skilled fugitive appear rather harmless. The movie's most engaging moments showcase Jeffrey's intricate secret existence, as he sneaks through air ducts, snacks on peanut M&Ms and baby food, and uses baby monitors to keep an eye on the store.
The movie really comes to life when Jeffrey meets Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), she is a cautious yet caring single mom working at Toys "R" Us. The connection between Tatum and Dunst is wonderful, Dunst provides the emotional backbone of the story, playing Leigh with a tired depth, gradually allowing the charming "John" to enter her life, not realizing that their growing relationship is built on a deception.
Peter Dinklage shines with his comedic portrayal of the stressed-out store manager, Mitch, and LaKeith Stanfield offers important moral guidance as Jeffrey’s old Army friend. Roofman has trouble keeping a consistent tone, Cianfrance often appears conflicted between highlighting the ridiculousness of Manchester's story and exploring the deep-rooted problems that drive him to such desperate measures.
In the end, Roofman is an engaging film that features great performance and stands out in the true-crime category. It tells an interesting story about characters and is fully energized by Tatum’s finest dramatic performance to date. It is definitely a movie worth watching, particularly for those who enjoy dramas that focus on characters with a unique and interesting concept.