Why ‘Roofman’ Is the Feel-Good Romantic Dramedy We All Need Right Now

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It often feels draining to live in today’s world. Even simple things, like enjoying movies, music, or sporting events, seem to spark arguments and division. While movies with political themes naturally invite debate, even things like a new Taylor Swift album or a Super Bowl performance can become contentious. Beyond political divides, our entertainment choices have become highly fragmented over the last two decades, broken down into very specific genres and fan groups. It’s been a long time since a universally appealing story, not tied to an existing franchise, has captured the attention of most people.

Hollywood used to consistently create heartwarming and well-made movies, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These films often featured relatable characters and stories, even when a bit exaggerated, and frequently starred actors like Tom Hanks. They were typically romantic or family-focused dramas that felt genuine. Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman fits right into this tradition. While it might not solve all your problems, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable and universally appealing film that has the potential to bring people together.

‘Roofman’ Is an Enjoyable Throwback, Literally and Figuratively


Miramax

If you long for simpler times, it’s no surprise the story behind Roofman is based on a lighthearted news story and largely takes place in a bustling Toys R Us in 1998. There’s a real comfort in revisiting such a specific and familiar place, and the filmmakers have brilliantly recreated the now-closed store. But the setting is more than just nostalgia for old toys. Roofman takes place in a world before 9/11 and the constant presence of smartphones and social media—a time when people connected in person and generally treated each other with respect.

Channing Tatum shines as Jeffrey Manchester, a former soldier who now robs houses – though even those he robs think he’s a good person at heart. The idea of rooting for a burglar might seem strange, but director Cianfrance and Tatum’s compelling performance make it work. It’s an unusual project for Cianfrance, whose previous films like Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines, and The Light Between Oceans are known for being emotionally intense and difficult. Roofman, however, is surprisingly lighthearted and enjoyable, yet still meaningful – it’s like a feel-good movie that’s actually good for you.

The film’s bright colors and playful use of candy create a fun atmosphere, but what truly makes Roofman special is how seamlessly the director and cast blend true crime, action, comedy, drama, and romance. Channing Tatum showcases his physical acting abilities, and his connection with Kirsten Dunst makes their real-life love story believable. While on the run, Tatum’s character, Jeff, meets Dunst’s Leigh Wainscott, a kind single mother who works at a toy store and volunteers at church, and sees the potential for good in him. Just like the pink inner tube on the poster, Roofman succeeds because Tatum captures the charm of the real-life man he portrays, and Dunst embodies the compassion of the real Wainscott.

The film Roofman isn’t simply set in the ’90s; it evokes the feeling of an ’80s or ’90s movie. The chemistry between Tatum and Dunst might remind audiences of classic pairings like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and the film itself shares similarities with Hanks’s early hit, Big. Both movies prominently feature toy stores and explore the theme of men struggling with adulthood, alongside complicated romances that seem destined to fail. Importantly, Big and Roofman both skillfully balance humor and heartfelt emotion—a quality that’s become rare in modern films. Cianfrance manages this balance by treating his characters with respect, even during the film’s most comedic moments.

It Doesn’t Let Its Characters Off the Hook, But It Remembers Their Humanity


Paramount Pictures

Jeffrey Manchester isn’t a typical villain – actually, there aren’t any villains at all in the movie Roofman. While that might usually be a weakness in a film, here it works perfectly. The movie, based on a true story, focuses on finding compassion and recognizing the humanity in everyone, even knowing we all have flaws. Jeff, the main character, is certainly more complicated than most heroes, but the film avoids simple good versus evil tropes.

The movie is advertised as being based on real-life bad choices, and it delivers on that promise with characters who feel realistically flawed. Even those involved in crime, like Jeff’s friends played by LaKeith Stanfield and Juno Temple, come across as relatable and supportive. Peter Dinklage’s character, Mitch, the store manager, can be a bit harsh at times, but he’s generally just trying to do his job.

What’s particularly compelling about the show Roofman is how it portrays religion and its place in everyday life. The character Leigh is deeply involved in her church, organizing events, singing in the choir, and encouraging others to attend. Despite being divorced, she lives openly without judgment and avoids strong political opinions. Her church community focuses on practical support – providing meals, social events, and even checking on those in prison – rather than taking sides on divisive issues like abortion or same-sex marriage. The show features wonderful performances by Ben Mendelsohn and Uzo Aduba as a married couple who are preachers, and their depiction of faith and people of faith is a refreshing change from the often critical or overly accommodating portrayals seen in other media.

It’s easy to become completely invested in Jeff’s story and his relationship with Leigh, and you might even forget the movie has to end – and that the ending won’t be happy. Even though the outcome of Jeff’s situation is well-known and the director didn’t have much freedom to change it, he still manages to make the final part of the film – and even the credits – really impactful. The movie leaves you understanding why people make bad choices, that there are consequences, but also that everyone deserves compassion – a message that feels particularly relevant today. And it’s great that a funny, heartwarming, and genuinely enjoyable film can deliver such a powerful message. Roofman is currently playing in theaters.

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2025-10-25 19:20