Roofman Movie Review

Roofman has heart. And with this cast, this will be a new favorite, trust me on that.

This is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, an Army reserve soldier who, after being discharged, begins making terrible decisions. The story is told very well. Jeffrey felt he was only good at what he learned in the military. Using his training, he attempted to take the easy route to better himself by breaking the law rather than adhering to it, in order to help himself and his family succeed. He had the intelligence to do whatever he wanted, but what he wanted needed to come quickly; more training or schooling wasn’t an option.

It’s easy to root for him as the film delves deeper and deeper into what he does and why he does it. You’ll analyze his motivations for days after watching. He’s flawed, but aren’t we all? There’s a lot of humor used to tell us Jeffrey’s tale and show us what he went through over the years. He lived inside stores, completely alone. That isn’t good for anyone, mentally or physically. Still, he found ways to make the time pass, such as listening to conversations employees would have with one another, even finding ways to directly or indirectly help them out with the grumpy boss, Mitch (Dinklage). Dinklage presents ill-natured Mitch quite ably.

Bored, Jeffrey takes trips outside the store and forms attachments to people that he can’t run away from, which becomes his ultimate undoing. He never sees how he’s hurting others, even while trying to help them. He’s too blinded by his desire to please and impress, getting their approval. It’s very sad to watch, as he leaves several young girls in tears due to his selfishness, not that he’d see it that way. He doesn’t reasonably consider their feelings, just his own.

The movie is touching at its core. Jeffrey falls in love with Leigh (Dunst), a Toys R’ Us employee, and drops everything, all reason, to impress her and her children. They have a nice relationship, but she becomes suspicious when she notices something is off. He’s just too good to be true. He tries way too hard to leave a mark on their lives.

Don’t look this up ahead of time. Be surprised. The movie isn’t all laughter and good times as the trailer suggests. I’ll leave it at that. Stay during the credits. A lot more is revealed during them. This will not disappoint, and if nothing has given you a reason to go to the theater lately, let this be the one.