Roofman Review: Not Over the Roof, Yet Surprisingly Sentimental

Roofman is a crime drama directed by Derek Cianfrance. It stars Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst in the lead roles. Did our full review below (Movie Talkies).

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Sameer Ahire
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Roofman Review

Roofman Review

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 3/5*

Roofman Review Movie Talkies:

I never thought a robber’s film could make me feel sentimental—but here I am. Witnessing Roofman unfold as a moving, emotionally grounded tale was both surprising and genuinely pleasant. The film is based on a true story, so it largely avoids exaggerated drama. Instead, it opts for a lighter, more fun tonal shift for a biopic, which works in its favour. It deals with a serious subject, yet that heaviness is never overwhelming. In fact, the absence of constant seriousness is the film’s real beauty. More than a biopic about a robber, Roofman often feels like a family drama—and yes, you read that right.

Roofman

Roofman Story:

The story revolves around Jeffery (Channing Tatum), an ex–army man who turns to theft to survive. He robs McDonald’s restaurants by entering through their roofs, earning himself the infamous tag of the “Roofman.” Struggling to make ends meet and keep his children happy, Jeffery is eventually arrested. Later, he assumes a new identity as John, posing as an undercover official. He falls in love with Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) and gradually becomes attached to her and her daughters. While continuing his robberies, he hides his true identity and quietly plots his escape from the authorities.

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Roofman

Clocking in at just over two hours, the film remains largely engaging throughout. The beginning is a bit slow, but it finds its rhythm once the character development takes centre stage. The romantic angle and the evolving family bond keep the narrative steady; without them, the film might have suffered pacing issues. Roofman clearly aims to tell the story through the protagonist’s eyes, and it succeeds in making that perspective compelling. The ending carries genuine emotional weight. One decision changes Jeffery’s life—and how. We aren’t supposed to empathise with a robber, yet the film manages to make us do exactly that, largely due to its affecting climax.

Roofman

Roofman Cast:

Channing Tatum delivers a fantastic performance in the lead role. He brings sincerity and vulnerability to Jeffery, even while portraying a morally flawed character. Kirsten Dunst is equally impressive, offering a solid and heartfelt performance. LaKeith Stanfield and Juno Temple are effective in their roles, while Peter Dinklage shines throughout his screen time, making a strong impression. Ben Mendelsohn, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, and Jimmy O. Yang appear in supporting roles and do well within the scope of their characters.

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Roofman

Roofman Movie Review:

On the technical front, the film is a fairly polished outing. The cinematography looks good, and the editing and background score keep the narrative cinematically stable. The production design is decent, though the action sequences could have been sharper and more impactful. The director can be faulted for occasionally losing momentum and emotional grip, but these lapses don’t significantly hurt the overall experience. Derek Cianfrance does a commendable job at the helm, keeping the storytelling smooth and accessible. While the ending may feel predictable, it still lands emotionally. You feel for the character, no matter how wrong his choices were. Overall, Roofman may not soar over the roof, but it leaves a lasting, unexpectedly warm impression—a good attempt that stays with you longer than expected.

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Juno Temple Derek Cianfrance Peter Dinklage Channing Tatum Kirsten Dunst Roofman