Discover the Magic of ‘Roofman’: A Heartwarming Fantasy Adventure with Real-World Touches | InSession Film Review

Director: Derek Cianfrance
Writers: Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn
Stars: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield

Synopsis: A clever criminal, hiding from the law, takes refuge in a toy store. There, he adopts a new identity and begins an unexpected romance with one of the employees.

Director Derek Cianfrance has a knack for serious themes. His previous films like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines set high expectations. With Roofman, he takes a different route but still weaves in elements of life’s harsh realities.

Channing Tatum plays Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army reservist struggling with financial issues. Desperate to support his family, he resorts to robbing McDonald’s restaurants through their roofs. As he evades capture, he ends up hiding in a Toys “R” Us. Six months pass before he can contact his friend Steve (LaKeith Stanfield) for help.

During this time, Jeff meets Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a store employee. Posing as a government agent, Jeff integrates into the community while secretly stealing from the store. As he grows closer to Leigh, he faces a tough decision: stay in this new life or escape before Steve returns.

Jeff is surprisingly likable. Even though he commits crimes, he maintains a polite demeanor and avoids causing harm. This juxtaposition makes the audience root for him. When a news report labels him dangerous, Jeff feels insulted—how could anyone see him that way? Cianfrance cleverly uses this to build sympathy for Jeff.

While this film has a lighter tone, it still reflects on deeper themes. As Jeff starts to build a life, the audience is forced to consider the realities of his situation. An escaped convict won’t just fade into happiness. There’s always a price to pay, and this tension is palpable.

Cianfrance’s touch is evident as he explores the consequences of crime. Jeff might aim to be good, but his actions affect those around him. The film manages to highlight this contradiction—how do we care for one person while fearing for others?

Tatum shines in his role as Jeff. Balancing charm and naivety, he portrays a man grappling with adulthood. Kirsten Dunst brings a natural ease to her character, making Leigh relatable and grounded. There’s beauty in her simplicity, a reminder that everyday life doesn’t need embellishment to be compelling.

Peter Dinklage plays Mitch, the store manager who represents the law and order Jeff tries to undermine. His character walks a fine line, being both serious and somewhat arrogant. Uzo Aduba and Ben Mendelsohn provide comic relief as church leaders, enhancing the film’s light-hearted moments alongside darker themes.

Interestingly, this film is based on real events, which adds an element of intrigue. According to a recent survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, most escapes from prison are non-violent, yet the fear surrounding them often boils over into societal concerns about safety and crime.

Overall, while Roofman is lighter than Cianfrance’s past work, it offers a fresh perspective. Despite its playful premise of a man hiding in a toy store, it’s more profound than one might expect.

Grade: B

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