Fans of true crime stories should get a kick out of Roofman. It’s not just inspired by a true story. It is a true story, far-fetched as it may seem. Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Hail, Caesar!, White House Down) plays Jeffrey Manchester, a former Ranger who robbed 45 McDonalds restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs (thus the nickname, Roofman). Manchester is a smart, resourceful, charming guy who makes some really, really bad decisions. The film follows Manchester’s exploits as he goes from struggling Dad, to serial robber, to prisoner, to escaped convict, to life on the lam at a Toys R Us store. He falls in love with a divorced mom named Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), becomes involved with her Church, endears himself to her two daughters, and tries to keep one step ahead of the law. As I said, it’s a true story. So you can ask Google what happens next, or watch the movie.
The film has a bit of a Catch Me If You Can vibe. Tatum is very watchable as a good liar with a good heart whose world is always on the verge of imploding. And Dunst is solid as the virtuous love interest whose heart is gonna get broken one way or another. It’s just a matter of time.
Roofman has some laughs, some feels, and some suspense as authorities close in. It’s a decent flick that should have fairly broad appeal. It’s not too dark, not too light. An easy, interesting watch that is not too good to be true!
Roofman opens exclusively in theaters October 10. It runs a bit over two hours if you stay through the credits, which you should, to see pictures and soundbites relating to the real Jeffrey Manchester, his crime spree, and double life.