Critic Reviews

Roofman has heart, energy and personality fit to burst. If the cinema gods decided that it was finally time for Channing Tatum to have a chance at an Oscar nomination, they could hardly have equipped him better than with this role.

With a career-best Tatum at the center and an ensemble that fills in every corner with warmth and wit, Roofman is one of this year's most pleasant surprises.

In the end, it’s the through-the-roof chemistry between the two leads that makes the film worthy of repeat viewing.

Roofman is another standout film from Cianfrance who continues to pull us in with fascinating character studies and explorations of humanity. Tatum delivers on every level, giving one of his very best performances thus far in his career, and Dunst gives so much through her subtle, emotional work.

This is the kind of disarming crowd-pleaser for which cringe-inducing clichés like “it will sneak up and steal your heart” were invented. What’s refreshing about Roofman is that it’s never too aggressive about it. It’s sentimental but sincere.

Even with its flaws, it’s largely an entertaining film with plenty of humor and a story that truly must be seen to be believed.

This is a surprisingly sad movie — just one that also happens to be funny.

Derek Cianfrance delivers a hugely empathetic, very entertaining depiction of an extraordinary life, featuring one of Channing Tatum’s best performances. Expect laughs, tears, and noughties nostalgia.

Roofman deftly blends genres to create a low-key crowd-pleaser—one that avoids merely reveling in what made Manchester notorious in the first place.

The tonal juggling act isn’t always seamless, but in a way, the contradictions are what give Roofman its life. It’s a sad movie, really, but it’s also a lot of fun. And if that doesn’t make sense, maybe it’s the whole point.