There are unique crime stories, and then the premise of Derek Cianfrance’s upcoming “Roofman.” His first directorial effort for the big screen since 2016’s well-received but hardly-seen “The Light Between Oceans.” His newest is based on the true story of a former U.S. Army Reserve named Jeffrey Manchester, who used to rob McDonald’s restaurants by entering through the roofs. He was caught, sent to prison, escaped, and then evaded capture by hiding in the wall of a Toys “R” Us. Cianfrance is widely known for his heavy dramas. “Blue Valentine,” “The Place Beyond the Pines,” and HBO’s “I Know This Much Is True” had few laughs. Based on the borderline absurd storyline of “Roofman,” one might anticipate a few laughs. How serious could a movie like this be? We’ll have to wait and see.
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“Roofman” stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, Peter Dinklage, Uzo Aduba, Juno Temple, LaKeith Stanfield, Melonie Diaz, Lily Collias, Emory Cohen, Tony Revolori, and Jimmy O. Yang. Derek Cianfrance serves as director/writer. Kirt Gunn is co-writer. Executive producers are Cianfrance, Charles M. Barsamian, Rick Covert, Jonathan Glickman, Cedar Miller, Jonathan Montepare, Chris Parker, Sam Romano, Jack Selby, Becky Sloviter, Tyler Zacharia, Matt von Waaden, Mark von Waaden, and Thom Zadra. Additional producers are Alex Orlovsky, Dylan Sellers, Jamie Patricof, and Lynette Howell Taylor, with Rachel Halilej as co-producer.
Based on a true story, Tatum stars as former Army Ranger Jeffrey Manchester, who turns to robbing McDonald’s via cutting holes in their roofs to support his family. After getting arrested, he escapes from prison and hides out in a Toys “R” Us store. Evading authorities while falling in love with a single mom and her two daughters. But it all may come crashing down with one final heist.
Synopsis:
The film is a biopic of the fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, a former United States Army Reserve officer, known colloquially as Roofman due to his propensity to steal from branches of Mcdonald’s after entering their premises via the roof and evaded capture from police by hiding in the wall of a Toys “R” Us store.
Paramount Pictures will release “Roofman” in theaters on October 10. Watch the first trailer below.
