Roofman 4K UHD Review

A strong cast elevates “Roofman.”
Based on the life of Jeffrey Manchester, “Roofman” is a biographical crime film penned by Kirt Gunn and Derek Cianfrance (best known for “Blue Valentine” and the underrated “The Place Beyond The Pines”). Set in 1998, the story revolves around the aforementioned Jeffrey Manchester who is an observant, kind hearted, divorced father/Army vet who is having a tough time earning a living for him and his family. He turns to a life of crime where he robs McDonald’s restaurants and earns the nickname Roofman by authorities. Eventually, he is caught and imprisoned. He manages to escape and hide out/live in a Toys ‘R’ Us. As time passes, he becomes drawn to an employee (Leigh) whom he develops a relationship with, but will his past catch up with him?
The advertising and even the poster make “Roofman” seem more exciting and comedic than it really is. Yes, there are certainly more lighthearted elements, but it’s largely a much more dramatic film. It’s also strangely a bit sluggish in the pacing department. With that said, this is still a fascinating true life story that is well worth being told in cinematic form. Derek Cianfrance does a commendable job in grounding the story and making it an almost psychological tale as it explores the complex life of Jeffrey. Jeffrey is a likable guy, but he makes bad decisions, he’s regretful, and seems unable to stop running from his mistakes and crimes.
On the subject of Jeffrey, Channing Tatum is in top form here as the character. Tatum can be an uneven actor at times, but he’s locked in here. The role really plays to his strengths as an actor (i.e. charm and humor), but he also gets an opportunity to explore a deeper character than he usually gets. The supporting cast is perfect with Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, Lakeith Stanfield, and Juno Temple turning in notable performances. Dunst in particular gives a heartfelt and moving performance as a single mother and love interest of Jeffrey.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? maintains grain. has that Cianfrance indie style visual. don’t expect some super crystal clear looking film.
Audio Track: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is satisfactory.
Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* 6 deleted scenes and 1 alternate scene
* “Based On Actual Events And Terrible Decisions”- A featurette on the real story and making a feature film off of it. Interviews and film clips are included.
* “Chasing The Ghosts: The Director’s Method” is all about Derek Cianfrance’s directorial style.
* “A Good Place To Hide” is about the Toys ‘R’ Us set.
* “Driving Lesson”- A conversation with Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Derek Cianfrance.
* “Choir Practice”- The title says it all.
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