In his Roofman film review, SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne says Channing Tatum “arguably delivers his best performance yet.”
One of the highly anticipated films from the Toronto International Film Festival was Roofman. Starring Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Blink Twice), Oscar nominee Kirsten Dunst (Civil War, Spiderman), and LaKeith Stanfield (The Book of Clarence, Judas and the Black Messiah), Roofman is based on the outrageous true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum), also known as the “Rooftop Robber,” a former soldier and father who uses his exceptional talents to turn to a life of crime in order to provide for his wife and daughter. His seemingly perfect family life is turned upside down when he choices catch up to him. After breaking out of prison, he falls for a Leigh (Dunst), a single mom and Toys “R” Us worker, and her children, giving him a second chance at family life.
On the surface, it’s easy to assume this will be some drama with cheesy romantic comedy elements sprinkled throughout, but writer and Oscar-nominated director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) has found a way to tell one of the more memorable stories of the year. Shot in North Carolina where the actual events took place, the film almost feel like an ode to small town America, where faith and community are king. It’s this setting that provides the perfect place for Manchester to hide in plain sight.
Adding to the writing and directing are the performances of Dunst and Tatum, who shows exceptional range in the film and arguably delivers his best performance yet.
The onscreen chemistry between the two is believable and palpable as they depict two strangers who quickly start a whirlwind romance. Despite his crimes, Manchester is a nice guy criminal with a heart that you actually want to root for, which adds to the humor, absurdity, and contradiction of the story. Tatum and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones, Wicked), who plays the power tripping and emotionless Toys “R” Us manager, execute the humor to perfection as Manchester makes his home in his store over the course of a few months.
The term “must-see” is often overused when we talk about film, but Roofman lives up to it. It has love, humor, disguises, feel good moments, and enough thrills and deceit to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 340 international voters for the Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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