Channing Tatum Delivers a Standout Turn in the Surreal True Story Roofman

Some real-life stories are almost too strange to believe, and Roofman joins that rank. The film’s use of archival news footage in the credits reinforces just how incredible the true events are, which helps sell the movie’s oddball premise. At the center of the picture is Channing Tatum, who balances comedy and pathos to strong effect. His portrayal of Jeffrey Manchester is both sympathetic and magnetic, and could attract awards attention even if the film is not flawless. Directed by Derek Cianfrance and debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival, Roofman follows Jeff Manchester, a down-on-his-luck father who resorts to robbing fast-food and retail chains to support his family. Manchester prefers entering buildings via the roof, a habit that earns him his nickname and brief notoriety. The opening sequence—Jeff’s crimes, capture and prison sentence—unfolds briskly, but the story soon becomes stranger. After escaping custody, Jeff goes on the run and hides for months inside a Toys “R” Us, an episode that actually occurred in real life and is recreated in meticulous detail. Cianfrance and co-writer Kirt Gunn treat the material like a character study, lingering on Jeff’s in...