Channing Tatum and Kirsten Shine in Roofman

How much of a risk is too much when desperately trying to provide for your family?

Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) just returned from the Middle East, where he had served as a member of the Army’s 82nd airborne division, but, like many soldiers, came back a world he didn’t quite know how to fit into. Unable to provide for his family, when an army buddy (Lakeith Stanfield) suggests he apply the best of his abilities to pull his life together and provide for his family, Manchester breaks into dozens of McDonald’s® and other similar businesses. His signature technique quickly gained attention obtaining entry through roofs in the middle of the night, robbing the stores of their cash before opening at gunpoint, prior to its heading off to the bank, all in the name of providing for his family. Thus, “Roofman” was born.  That’s not even the best part! Once Manchester is nearly caught, he goes on the run and hides out in a Toys ‘r’ Us, falls in love with one of their employees (Kirsten Dunst) at a church function and makes plans to start a whole new life when he is finally apprehended and imprisoned.

Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Roofman is not just a tale about survival, risk and forgiveness, but a love story that never has a full chance to materialize.  Those who have served their country, never think they will return only to have themselves and their families struggle to keep a roof over your head or  food on the table. Their relatable circumstances of working hard will resonate with every audience member, as well as the lesson of learning that there are consequences for all actions, no matter how well intentioned they may be.

Exuding both strength and compassion, Tatum is perfectly cast as this most loveable of outlaws.  His prowess as a dancer only adds to to the grace whether moving through confined spaces of Toys “R” Us or escaping prison. Yet, he is cool enough to hang with the ladies church group as they ascertain whether or not he’s good enough for Leigh (Dunst). He is literally like the saddest Dad clown ever! Joined by the ethereal Kirsten Dunst, who despite her gut telling her something is just a little off with this dude, she leans into the fantasy of it all and breaks your heart all at once. Tatum and Dunst are joined by a dream team that includes Peter Dinklage, LaKeith Stanfield, Ben Mendelsohn.

Watching Ben Mendelsohn and Uzo Aduba exude the interracial Jim and Tammy Faye Baker is delightful to watch brought me immense joy and is a highlight of th film

Whether we are watching Tatum play like a kid in the store or running naked for his life in the intimate versus grand scheme of tableaus that play out,  Roofman will have you cheering for the criminal, knowing that, sometimes, justice lies outside the tidy boundaries of the law.