I always enjoy a movie based on a true story or person; in this case, a down-on-his-luck divorced US Army veteran, Jeffery Manchester, began stealing toys for his kids at his local Toys R Us store in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1989. Nicknamed the ‘Roofman’ for entering through the roof tiles and robbing the store at night, the local police were definitely baffled.
What I also enjoy is watching Channing Tatum acting, as I met him in Chicago on behalf of his first major film, “Magic Mike.” He’s a fantastic actor to view on screen as he has a charisma about him as he totally takes on any role he plays. He’s able to instill an empathetic perspective on this character. Here, in one compelling scene, archival footage from 1989 entails a worker saying, “Well, he came into our McDonald’s and told us we had to go into the freezer and that we needed to wear our coats. I didn’t have a coat, so he took off his and gave it to me.” The Roofman then took the money bag, having been watching where they placed the money.
Even though the ‘Roofman’ is a criminal, at times you can’t help but root for him as he’s trying to provide for his young daughter and twin boys. This is the Best movie I’ve seen this year! I also enjoyed watching Kirsten Durst; she plays an employee of Toys R Us and is the love interest of the Roofman. She’s a church going person who sings in the choir, and has two young daughters. The Roofman, who is infatuated with her, starts attending church with her as he watches her movements on the remote camera that he has control of in the upper level.
Yes, I know this sounds creepy, and the guy is really messed up, although he does fall for her and helps her with her daughters which is very endearing. As not to give the ending away, it’s a twist that will leave you utterly shocked. It’s common knowledge that he’s in jail for 45 years as he did use a gun in some of the robberies. You’ll also see the real Roofman on video as Channing did speak with him about his situation. Channing is quoted as saying, “The real-life Roofman robber Jeffrey Manchester is a ‘warm and optimistic’ person. He wants a second chance and to live a good life as a father.
“The Roofman” playing in theaters now.
Sarah Knight Adamson© October 14, 2025