
When I first saw the trailer for rooferI was expecting a light-hearted romantic comedy; After all, a man living in a Toys “R” Us with a giant teddy bear around his neck sounds like comedy gold. But the film quickly proves that it’s much more than a quirky premise: It’s based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former U.S. Army Reserve officer who committed more than 45 McDonald’s robberies by breaking into rooftops.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance and starring Channing Tatum as Manchester, the film balances suspense, humor and emotional depth. The story begins at his daughter’s birthday party, where the gift he gives her causes visible disappointment, and we also glimpse the disapproval of his wife, who may be separated from him or at least very distant. This scene establishes a quiet tension in Manchester’s personal life and sets the stage for the contemplative period that leads to his daring crimes. While we don’t see much of his personal history, his kindness and decency shines: He makes sure the employees are warm before locking them in the freezer, even giving one of them his coat.

Still, I couldn’t help but wish the film included a little more of Manchester’s history, perhaps an additional flashback that really defines who he was before all this. A look at his formative experiences and early motivations might have made his choices, his intelligence, and his boldness even more compelling.
A particularly compelling part of the film shows how smart Manchester is in his everyday life as he hides out at Charlotte Toys “R” Us for six months. Every move counts. Every choice could blow your cover. The tension? Palpable: I found myself leaning forward, wondering how long I could keep acting, especially when trying to integrate into the church community. Ingenuity and the stakes of life in plain sight.
A common thread of the film is his romance with Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst). Manchester becomes familiar with her because she works at Toys “R” Us, but they don’t actually meet until a church event. He adopts a false name and keeps his true identity hidden, creating tension and suspense while showing his capacity for connection and caring. It’s clear that he wants to be a good family man and makes an effort to relate to and involve Leigh’s daughters, which adds layers of humanity and emotional resonance to his character.

The performances are remarkable. Channing Tatum gives a nuanced performance, and I found myself really rooting for him, even knowing the crimes he committed. Dunst brings warmth and authenticity to Leigh, making the romance believable without falling into clichés. LaKeith Stanfield’s Steve adds an observant, grounded counterpoint that illuminates Manchester’s personality. There are already rumors about possible awards and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least.
Don’t miss the end credits
The closing credits are not to be missed – they include updates on the real people behind the story, with photographs, archival footage and interviews that really deepen the emotional resonance and remind viewers that this incredible story really happened.
The roofer you can’t miss it. It begins as a story that seems like a romantic comedy on the surface, but ends as a meditation on mistakes, resilience and redemption, one roof at a time.
Classification: ★★★★½ (4.5 out of 5 stars)
The syndicated edition of the article appears in Middle Troy and 32 affiliated syndicated sites. Podcasts also appear on Toastcaster.com either Toastmasters Podcast.com.
Greg Gazinalso known as Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated Veteran technology columnist, communication, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, podcaster and author. reach it @gadgetgreg or in GadgetGuy.com.
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