Roofman (2025) Film Review: Surprisingly heartfelt comedy crime drama is less laughs and more feels

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Loosely based on the real-life spree robber Jeffrey Manchester, Roofman (2025) stars Hollywood heartthrob Channing Tatum in the leading role as the charismatic criminal who gains his title by breaking in through the roofs of forty McDonald's, eventually getting captured by the police.

He manages to plot a clever escape from prison and makes camp in a Toys "R" Us without being detected for a few months. There, he adopts a new identity and begins a risky relationship with an employee and single mother, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst).

Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, 2010; Sound of Metal, 2019), who co-wrote the screenplay with Kirt Gunn, the film has been heavily marketed as a crime/comedy; however, it has ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the year, subverting expectations to deliver a more poignant, grounded biographical drama.

Charming Channing Tatum stars as real-life robber, Jeffrey Manchester, who became known as 'Roofman' due to his consistent infiltration of many McDonald's stores through the roof hatches

The fascinating narrative concept is one of the main compelling components of the film, proving that sometimes everyday circumstances affecting your ordinary everyman can make for the most remarkable stories rivalling fiction. Manchester is presented as a down-on-his-luck, deadbeat dad who has good intentions, but struggles to provide for his daughter and twin baby boys, leading him to forge a life of crime.

He stuns many by proving to actually be a kind, considerate man who treats the people caught in his robberies well, even offering his coat to a McDonald's employee when he shuts a small group of them in the freezer. Channing Tatum's endless bouts of charm are on full display here, effortlessly settling into the role with ease and projecting a likeable, goofy quality which effectively grounds the character and makes him very identifiable.

The entire film relies on his natural charisma and attractive screen presence, endearing viewers with his solid comedic timing, as well as his genuine ability to display raw, human emotion as Manchester experiences great loneliness when he is separated from his children and begins to form a healthy relationship with Leigh and her daughters.

Despite his criminal lifestyle, Manchester is depicted as a quick-witted, resourceful and creative individual who is able to think outside the box and see things in the world that others often overlook. It is through this that he manages to evade the law for so long and invents fun ways to hide in plain sight.

Kids and parents of the 2000s will find plenty of nostalgic, recognisable visuals when Manchester is forced to hide out in a Toys "R" Us store for a few months

The film is coated in real drama as his true heart of gold ultimately costs him his temporary freedom when Leigh eventually discovers his true identity, breaking both of their hearts when she is forced to inform the police of his whereabouts.

Cianfrance directs with an empathetic lens, highlighting Manchester's love for his children and newfound companionship in Leigh, with both Tatum and Dunst sharing a lovely romantic chemistry throughout. Dunst's emotive, expressionistic features and steady presence further emphasise the tangible authenticity, lived-in quality of the narrative.

Sequences showcasing Manchester's initial prison escape and infiltration of the toy store are captured in a thoroughly engaging, compelling manner, utilising smooth tracking shots and close-ups which draw attention to the thief's natural quick thinking and initiative. These set pieces are ripe with electric momentum and suspense as we are coaxed into rooting for his evasive activities.

The film greatly benefits from a captivating, emotive score from Past Lives (2023) composer Christopher Bear, who provides his signature light, floaty compositions which complement the drama very well, with more energetic pieces serving for action-oriented sequences.

There is also an inviting, nostalgic element to the movie's visual aesthetic, exhibiting excellent attention to detail for the early noughties time period, featuring great callback props and displays to immerse audiences in this recent historic setting efficiently. Toys "R" Us is a particularly cosy, warm environment, and some nice Halloween and Christmas iconography indicates the passage of time as Manchester begins to integrate himself into the lives of Leigh and her kids.

The art department definitely deserves recognition for its inspired efforts!

Tatum and Dunst share a lovely onscreen chemistry as their characters bond and begin a romantic relationship, with Leigh witnessing the kind-natured Jeffrey Manchester

One of the only notable drawbacks of the film is some uneven pacing towards the final act, with some scenes perhaps lasting longer than needed and a couple which could have been left out of the final edit. These by no means distract from the overall enjoyment factor of the movie, but they may have resulted in a tighter screenplay if ten or fifteen minutes were trimmed down.

Overall, Roofman offers cinemagoers a thoroughly entertaining experience by drawing awareness to a truly fascinating real-life story, whilst effectively balancing crowd-pleasing comedy with touching family-oriented drama. The nostalgic 2000s setting is very well realised, the lead performances are radiating with heart and identifiable human qualities, making for layered, three-dimensional, investable characters.

Although there are some minor flaws, the film surprises with tasteful humour which is outshined by plenty of heartfelt drama. You may even shed a tear or two! This is definitely a must-watch for Channing Tatum fans!

Check out the trailer for Roofman (2025) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!