“Instead of a ‘Can you believe this?!?’ slapstick comedy you are left with a lovely romance with a dash of bitter-sweetness and a compassion for those who are hurt along the way.”
Con Nats
4 M&Ms
There are some stories that are so unbelievable, that if there wasn’t a screen telling you it was a true story, you would flatly reject them. Such is the story of Jeffrey Manchester, a gentleman robber who was known as Roofman, after breaking into 45 McDonalds while being very polite to the staff.
Jeffrey (Channing Tatum) was an intelligent thief, but not smart enough to avoid a 45 year sentence. But he was smart enough to escape prison without cutting a wire, threatening anyone and hiding out in a Toys R Us store for six months. He wasn’t just hiding in a dark cupboard. He set up a little room with a bed, monitor screens, alarm clock, lived off M&Ms and was able to come and go without detection.
He falls for one of the employees, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) and drops off returned toys to her church for their funding drive. He is dragged in to meet Leigh and soon ingratiates himself into her and her daughters’ lives and showers them with gifts. How long can this subterfuge last?
Director Dereck Cianfrance who co-wrote this is mainly known for deep dramas. Here has taken a light approach and a warm touch to this romantic comedy. It doesn’t delve into the broader issues of war veterans struggling to adjust to normal life. It doesn’t ridicule the authorities but through the store manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage) it does mock the unfeeling world Jeffrey cannot adjust to. We’ve eulogised bush rangers here, even though they killed. Jeffrey kills people with his charm, so the moral challenge of feeling for a criminal isn’t a challenge.
A story this preposterous still needs convincing performances and Channing Tatum as Jeffrey/John gives a great one. He’s an empathetic actor who can turn a scene with a look or raised eyebrow. Kirsten Dunst is also very warm, and natural as Leigh. She has really matured as an actor and is a great match for Tatum. There’s great chemistry between these two and you cannot help but feel the empathy for both of them.
There are lots of recognisable actors in the supporting cast. Look out for a great support role from our Ben Mendelsohn as Ron, the parish priest, Hawaiian shirts and all. Dinklage is spot on as Mitch, as are Gabriella Cila and Lily Collias as the daughters. But too many of these support roles are undeveloped caricatures, as the focus is squarely on Tatum and Dunst.
At two hours this feels a tad long and should have been trimmed. The second act makes its point quite early and gets stuck. Thankfully, it moves towards its ending just in time and before boredom hits. Make sure you stay for the credits which provide laughs.
Instead of a ‘Can you believe this?!?’ slapstick comedy you are left with a lovely romance with a dash of bitter-sweetness and a compassion for those who are hurt along the way.
4 M&Ms
Con Nats, On The Screen
