Roofman tells the unbelievable true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), an Army veteran who was down on his luck after being discharged, and unable to buy his kids the things they wanted/needed. So in 2004, he decided armed robbery was the solution. He ended up robbing 45 McDonald’s locations, each time entering the building by cutting a hole in the roof (hence the nickname “Roofman”). He holds the employees at gunpoint before locking them in the freezer while he robs the store safe. His victims remarked at how kind and courteous he was throughout the process—even ensuring they had a jacket to wear while waiting in the freezer for the police to arrive. However, Jeff’s luck finally runs out, and he is caught red-handed and sentenced to 45 years in a North Carolina prison. After his (soon to be ex) wife Talena (Melonie Diaz) tells him to move on from her and the children, Jeff once again utilizes his keen observational skills and devises a way to escape prison.

Now he’s on the run, and police Sgt. Scheimreif (Molly Price) is determined to catch him, no matter how long it takes. Jeff’s army buddy Steve (LaKeith Stanfield) suggests that he lay low for at least a month before attempting to flee the country. So Jeff finds a hiding place inside a nearby Toys “R” Us store. During the day he hides in his makeshift bunker, but at night he has free run of the store, taking clothes and supplies he needs, feasting on Peanut M&Ms, and cleaning himself in the bathroom sinks. He also sets up baby monitors to keep watch on what’s happening in the store, and to spy on the employee drama like it’s his own private soap opera. Store Manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage) isn’t the friendliest of bosses, and Jeff doesn’t like the way he treats divorced single mother Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst) and her coworkers, so he starts manipulating things during off hours.

While Jeff only planned to hide out for 4 weeks, the situation changes and now it looks as though he’s going to have to stay hidden for 6 months. He can’t stay cooped up for that long—he’ll go stir crazy—and so he decides to venture out of the building. This takes him to a local church, run by Pastor Ron (Ben Mendelsohn) and his wife Eileen (Uzo Aduba). Leigh is also a volunteer there, and the two become formally introduced and quickly fall for one another. Jeff likes his new alter ego of John Zorin, a government spy from New York—he’s a good guy and people like him, unlike “Jeffrey”. However, the longer this relationship with Leigh goes on, the more he starts to let his guard down, letting love cloud the seriousness of his situation. And it’s only a matter of time before he makes a mistake that is going to get him caught.

It’s hard to explain the tone of Roofman—the film is a blend of crime/caper movie, love story, and comedy, and it works on all levels. Jeffrey may be an armed robber, but he’s such a charming and seemingly-nice guy, that it’s difficult to dislike him. He’s also a soldier who put his life on the line for the country, and only started his crime spree as a way to provide for his children—though the thrill of it all ultimately took over. At first Jeff escaped so that he could see his daughter, but now he’s found love again and wants to explore that. Jeff is extremely observant and resourceful, but for a genius, he also makes some really stupid decisions. These have ultimate led him to where he is now, secretly hiding in a Toys “R” Us store for 6 months. The film tells the story primarily from Jeff’s point of view/perspective, so this also helps make him more of a likeable guy—we don’t necessarily see how his actions are hurting others. Also, this is a “true story” told by someone who’s incredibly good at lying, so whether or not Jeff is a reliable narrator is up for debate.

Channing Tatum is perfectly cast in this role. He’s not only believable as this intelligent thief, but he is also quite charming and likeable. Jeff instantly wins over Leigh and her church group, and at night when the store is closed, he just runs about the store having fun like a little kid again. You can tell that Tatum is also having fun in these moments, just letting loose and playing around. The actor also has great chemistry with co-star Kirsten Dunst. Jeff and Leigh are in similar places in life, newly-divorced parents looking to find love again. Jeff not only wins over Leigh, but also her children Lindsay (Lily Collias) & Dee (Kennedy Maeve Moyer). They feel like they could be a happy family together…if only Jeff wasn’t lying about who he is and that he’s on the run from the law! The supporting cast is also great, including folks like Peter Dinklage as the mean boss Mitch you love to hate, LaKeith Stanfield as Jeff’s resourceful friend Steve, Juno Temple as his girlfriend Michelle, and Ben Mendelsohn & Uzo Aduba as the ever-chipper Pastor Ron and his wife.

Paramount has released Roofman on 4K UHD/Blu-ray, DVD & Digital. We were sent the 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo release for review. The 4K presentation looks and sounds great. The picture generally looks clean and crisp. There is some semblance of grain but this helps to give the film more of a feeling of the era it is set in. Speaking of period look, the filmmakers have done an excellent job of recreating a Toys “R” Us and giving viewers a bit of nostalgia . The Dolby TrueHD audio track provides clear dialogue, and an immersive viewing experience, which is particularly noticeable during some of the chaos in the final act.

The 4K and Blu-ray discs are packed on either side of a standard 4K keepcase along with a glossy cardboard slipcover and an insert with instructions on how to redeem an 4K digital copy of the movie. The discs also contain about 40 minutes of interesting behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast/filmmakers, and over 8 minutes of deleted/alternate scenes.

What’s Included:

Film: (2:05:47)

4K UHD:
• 2160p / Widescreen 2.39:1
• Dolby Vision / HDR10
• Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, English Audio Description, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French

Blu-ray:

• 1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
• Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, English Audio Description, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital:

• 4K Digital Copy redeemable via Apple TV or Fandango at Home. This is not Movies Anywhere compatible.
• Code subject to expiration, may not be valid after 1/20/2028

Extras :

• Based on Actual Events and Terrible Decisions (13:49)
  The cast and crew discuss the real events the film is based on, how the film came about, talking to the real people involved, casting the movie, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director/co-screenwriter Derek Cianfrance, co-screenwriter Kirt Gunn, producers Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor & Alex Orlovsky, and stars Peter Dinklage (“Mitch”), Channing Tatum (“Jeffrey Manchester”) & Kirsten Dunst (“Leigh Wainscott”).
• Chasing the Ghosts: The Director’s Methods (11:36)
  The cast and crew talk about what it’s like working with director Derek Cianfrance, how he blends his documentary background when making narrative features, putting the real people from the story into the movie, the use of improvisation and tricks on the actors to catch them off-guard and add realism, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director of photography Andrij Parekh, director/co-screenwriter Derek Cianfrance, producers Lynette Howell Taylor, Jamie Patricof & Alex Orlovsky, co-screenwriter Kirt Gunn, truck driver Charles Cummings, and stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn (“Pastor Ron”) & Lily Collias (“Lindsay”).
• A Good Place to Hide (9:22)
  The cast and crew talk about resurrecting an actual Toys “R” Us store into a fully-immersive period-correct toy store. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with production designer Inbal Weinberg, director/co-screenwriter Derek Cianfrance, producer Lynette Howell Taylor, and stars Kirsten Dunst, Channing Tatum & Peter Dinklage.
• Driving Lesson (2:59)
  Director/Co-screenwriter Derek Cianfrance and stars Channing Tatum & Kirsten Dunst provide an introduction to this footage of Kirsten Dunst giving her on-screen teenage daughter, Lily Collias, an actual driving lesson. Dunst was unaware that Collias already knew how to drive, and that the director had set this up as stunt to get some authentic mother-daughter footage.
• Choir Practice (1:20)
  Behind-the-scenes footage of actress Uzo Aduba (“Eileen”) leading a church choir rehearsal.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes (8:27)
  Collection of 7 deleted/alternate scenes. Play All, or select from:
  • Duane Interview (Deleted) (1:25)
    A news reporter interviews Duane (Tony Revolori) about this interactions with the Roofman.
  • Long Timers and Lifers (Deleted) (2:01)
    Jeff and the other inmates attend a support meeting.
  • Jeff Tries on his Costume (Deleted) (:48)
    Jeff tries on the costume he’s going to use for his prison escape.
  • Jump (Deleted) (:21)
    Jeff tries to jump over a mountain of toys on a scooter.
  • Punch the Turkey (Deleted) (1:19)
    The Toys “R” Us workers struggle with a large inflatable turkey. Leigh tells her coworker to pretend it’s their boss Mitch and punch it.
  • John Agrees to Cut Dee’s Bangs (Deleted) (:33)
    John offers to cut Dee’s hair.
  • Leigh Calls John (Alternate) (2:27)
    A tearful Leigh calls John to confirm their Christmas gettogether, as the cops watch and listen in.

Final Thoughts:

Roofman is fun mix of action/crime drama, love story and comedy all rolled into one as it tells this unbelievable true story. Channing Tatum is a lot of fun in this role, and has great chemistry with co-star Kirsten Dunst. This is a very re=watchable film—I originally saw it in the theater and enjoyed it just as much the second time around. Paramount’s 4K release looks and sounds great, and includes some nice behind-the-scenes materail—it was fascinating to hear about the director’s unique documentary-style approach to filming. This film comes recommended for fans of the cast or anyone looking for a fun movie that spans genres. For those on the fence before a blind buy, the film is currently streaming on Paramount+ and MGM+.