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Is there a more overlooked “himbo” actor than Channing Tatum? Known for his breakout role in Step Up and his captivating performances in the Magic Mike trilogy, Tatum also brought charm to the 2022 road movie Dog. However, his role in Roofman might just be his most compelling yet. In this film, Tatum portrays Jeffrey Manchester, a charming career criminal with a penchant for grand escapades and a stash of stolen money. After a brush with law enforcement, Manchester ingeniously escapes from custody and finds refuge in the most unlikely of places: the rooftop of a local Toys ‘R’ Us.
Manchester’s audacious plan pays off as he constructs a hidden home within the store and slowly becomes part of the local community. His presence catches the attention of Leigh, played by Kirsten Dunst, a toy store employee who is drawn to him despite her suspicions about his true identity. The film cleverly dances around the question of how long Jeffrey can maintain his charade and keep Leigh from discovering who he really is.
The plot of Roofman might sound fantastical, yet it is remarkably based on true events with only minimal artistic license. Indeed, there was a real Jeffrey Manchester who managed to evade capture by hiding in a toy store. What makes the film resonate is its ability to spin an extraordinary narrative into a touching love story, directed by Derek Cianfrance. It explores the lives of two individuals striving to navigate their challenging circumstances, making for a grounded working-class tale. This unexpected blend of romance and intrigue positions Roofman as one of 2025’s most endearing cinematic surprises.