'Roofman' Review: Tatum and Dunst Take the Roof Off in a Crazy True Story
- Seb Jenkins
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
By Seb Jenkins - October 13, 2025
Roofman may sound like a B-side Marvel character, but Jeffrey Manchester might just be the craziest criminal you’ve never heard of.
Channing Tatum has enjoyed some iconic on-screen comedy moments over the last two decades, many of which have seeped their way into mainstream culture. From proudly declaring his name as Jeff to enduring a wild scene as Danny McBride’s gimp, Channing is bouttamakeanameforhimselfere once again alongside the talented Kirsten Dunst in Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman. Honestly, the tag line alone tells you everything you need to know: "He robbed 45 McDonald’s, escaped from Prison, lived in Toys “R” Us for six months, and that’s not even the craziest part". Welcome to the life of Roofman.
What is Roofman About?
Desperate to give his daughter a better life, former US Army Reserve non-commissioned officer Jeffrey Manchester turns to his one ‘superpower’ – the ability to notice little details that others overlook. Unfortunately, instead of using his powers for good, Manchester uses them to identify weak spots in McDonald’s restaurants. He soon discovers that by burrowing down through the roof and waiting until morning, he can catch the manager upon arrival and gain access to Ronald McDonald’s stash in the safe. However, this Hamburglar is not without human decency. Despite locking the employees in the walk-in freezer, he always insists they put on their coats first. And they said chivalry was dead.
After robbing a total of 45 McDonald’s, KFCs, and Burger Kings (clearly not for the chips), the walls finally closed in on Mr Manchester. Roofman became roofman as the cops tracked him down and threw him in a very large prison with a very large roof. Not to be deterred, Jeffrey thatches a plan (pardon the roof pun) and breaks free from the shackles of the law. And what do you do after breaking out of prison? Why, break into a Toys “R” Us and set up shop for six months, of course! Amidst a life of misdirection, misdeeds, and mistakes, Jeffrey Manchester somehow finds a fresh chance at love when he meets Toys “R” Us employee, Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst). But can Jeffrey maintain his secret life, or will it all come tumbling down around him? … like a poorly-built roof.
Roofman has to go down as one of the surprises of 2025 – not only for the true story element – but also the tone of the film itself. Despite seeming like nothing more than a wacky crime caper, Roofman’s expert pacing shifts effortlessly from laugh-out-loud insanity to a tale of desperation, betrayal, and heartbreak. At times, it even feels like a nice, warm hug. If comedy is the roof, then the very human stories of Jeffrey Manchester, Leigh Wainscott, and her two children, Lindsay and Dee, are the load-bearing foundations.
Channing Tatum, as always, is a worthy comedy lead and perfectly walks the protagonist tightrope, remaining likeable and funny despite so many questionable decisions. However, it is Kirstin Dunst who deserves even more plaudits for providing the film with extra layers of depth beyond the surface-level giggles. Roofman may have comedic elements, but it is also a story of how one man’s mistakes had very real and significant impacts on the innocent people around him. A special hats off to Peter Dinklage for playing the insufferable Toys “R” General Manager, Mitch, as well.
Is Roofman Worth Watching?
Roofman will make you laugh, make you gasp, and it just might make you cry, too. A must-see for anyone looking to have a good time as we wave goodbye to another superb summer of movies.
'Roofman' will be in selected cinemas October 17.
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