Roofman
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
Whenever a movie begins with 'This is a true story,' the mind starts to wonder how much of this screenplay is real and when artistic license takes over. Roofman is one of those tales that is true but has all the markers of a story that is 'too bizarre to be true.' Yet, for director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Light Between Oceans) to take this project on has to lend some believability to the madness that ensues as the life of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) unfolds on screen.
Before being labelled the Rooftop Robber, Jeff had served in the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He was married and had three children, but struggled to make ends meet to provide for his family. This led him to use his military training to begin a theft spree at McDonald's across the country, entering through the roof before robbing the restaurant. Eventually, he was caught and imprisoned for 45 years after being convicted of over 40+ robberies. Yet, he escaped from prison and, as he waited to get the paperwork for fleeing the country, the convicted thief hid in a Toys 'R' Us for months, living off of baby food and children's snacks. One day, he attended Crossroads Presbyterian Church, where he met and dated Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst). Until things began to unravel and Jeff had to determine how he would live as a man on the run.
To have Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, and Peter Dinklage, this has the vibe of a blockbuster romantic comedy. Yet, in the hands of the artistic Derek Cianfrance, Roofman has an independent-film style that is less polished, more human and heartfelt than the typical Hollywood production. As the story unfolds, Jeffrey Manchester becomes less of an escaped prisoner and more of a man yearning for love and acceptance. All the while harbouring the notion that he will eventually break everyone's heart if the truth about his history were to come out. Each cast member adds to this comedic drama as each chapter is opened and the lies begin to grow in severity for all involved. Still, this script only works because Channing Tatum embodies this charismatic fugitive trying to make a life for himself.
Roofman proves to be less about the fascinating aspects of prison breaks and robberies and more about humanity's need for connection and acceptance. Thankfully, Jeffrey Manchester's deeds are neither glorified nor dismissed; instead, they reveal the division of the heart that may be willing to do evil but hopes to show the world that good can be found. For every sugary-sweet aspect, there is a bittersweetness added in to balance out this tragically funny story that can only be believed when seen.
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Reel Dialogue: We are never alone
Jeffrey Manchester's story delves into humanity's need for others. As this escaped convict tries to survive alone in a Toys 'R' Us, he quickly shows how he needs and yearns for human connection. Interestingly, the Roofman is not the only person who is willing to look beyond flaws and warnings to do all they can to find themselves in a relationship or community.
Isolation can be a physical reality, but for many, it is truly a state of mind. We can seek solace in personal relationships or through technology, but these things eventually offer only limited satisfaction. This profoundly philosophical question can be answered by saying that God is always with us. The answer for mankind is to merely turn around and acknowledge His presence. During times of joy or loneliness, God is there for us and provides a relationship unlike any other.
Where do you start? Begin with the first book of the New Testament - Matthew 28:20 - ‘behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ and then go back to the beginning of the story and introduce yourself to the person of Jesus. Matthew
