[Rating: Solid Rock Fist Up]
I often forget that Channing Tatum is much more than Magic Mike. Honestly, one of my favorite performances of his is in 21 Jump Street that provided plenty of laughs. I often forget too that when given the right material, he can be an absolutely fantastic actor that commits to his roles and can make audiences feel pure emotion. That’s just what he does in his latest film, Roofman (directed by Derek Cianfrance), a wild true story that feels more myth than real life and one that makes a troubled man an unlikely folk hero.
In the early 2000s, former Army Reserve Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum) robs various McDonald’s in his local town. He is known by many as Roofman, because of his method of entering business through the roof and proceeding with his crimes. He only wants the best for his young children and his family, and uses what money he takes to try his best. Roofman is also empathetic to those who he holds hostage, often apologizing for his crimes and not harming anybody involved. When he is caught, he plots his escape in prison and soon sets out for his new life.
While entering a Toys “R” Us, he decides to make this his new home. He learns the ins and outs of the store from manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage) and soon discovers how to turn off the recordings on all of the security footage. From his makeshift home in a part of the store nobody ever checks, he gets to know employee Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst) and her own struggles as a newly divorced mom. Soon, Jeff begins changing Leigh’s schedule to help her be with her daughters more, pawns videogames for some extra cash and takes toys to Leigh’s church as part of a toy drive. Jeff soon strikes it up with Leigh, faking his name and true identity from her, making sure in the process to not get too attached.
Jeff, now with the alias of John, soon falls for Leigh and her daughters. He starts getting so involved, that when his friend Steve (LaKeith Stanfield) can promise him a new life in a new country, Jeff must now choose between running away from his past or staying behind and risking whatever could happen to him.
Surprisingly, I thought this was going to be more of a comedy situation, not knowing it was a true story. Instead, Cianfrance’s film is a lighthearted dramedy (unlike his prior outings like Blue Valentine) that explores what Manchester would go through to make his life better. Tatum is very likeable in this role, and makes Manchester out as a hero to Leigh and all of those he meets, including Pastor Ron (Ben Mendelsohn) and his wife Eileen (Uzo Aduba) who bring Jeff into their church.
I love when a story has me rooting for an antihero. Stay for the mid-credits to learn about the real Roofman. I bet like me and so many before, the charm of Manchester will get you right in the feels!
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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