Based on a true story, Channing Tatum stars as fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, a former United States Army Reserve officer, known as Roofman due to his propensity to steal from branches of McDonald’s after entering their premises via the roof. He was also notable for being nice to the people he holds up. After he gets caught, he escapes prison and, whilst hiding out in a Toys R Us store, he falls for one of the employees, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst).
This is one of those stories that would seem fanciful, if it wasn’t true. From being able to survive for some time hidden in a toy store with just M&Ms to eat, to when Jeffrey emerges and no one seems to recognise the notorious fugitive, it all seems unbelievable.
The first half of Derek Cianfrance’s movie zips along nicely, but the second half feels more baggy and the story could have been wrapped up more efficiently. However, Tatum and Dunst have terrific, sweet, chemistry so that keeps it involving. In fact, the cast is particularly strong with Peter Dinklage, Juno Temple, Ben Mendlesohn, LaKeith Stanfield and Lily Colias all impressing in supporting roles.
Stanfield’s character, Steve, an old army buddy, sums up Jeffrey when saying that for a smart guy, he is stupid, and that is what ultimately gets him caught. Cianfrance, in his first film for a decade, does a decent enough job, with the fine performances indicating that, but his screenplay, co-written with Kirt Gunn is a bit lacking in pacing.
Rating: 7 out of 10