USA 2025
Opening November 27, 2025
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Writing credits: Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn
Principal actors: Channing Tatum, Tony Revolori, Kirana Kuic, Kirsten Dunst
It’s Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, where Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), solves his financial needs by robbing forty-five McDonald's. Eventually, he is arrested and sent to prison for forty-five years. He communicates by telephone, calling his six-year-old daughter Becky, as well as his former military buddy Steve (LaKeith Stanfield), who gives him advice. Soon, he escapes, hiding in a truck. Being separated from his wife Talena, daughter Becky and his twin sons, he moves in under the roof of a Toys “R” Us store, where he hides all day and then appears for action during the night. Life changes when he goes to the Charity Drive at the local Presbyterian Church and donates a big bag of toys, that he has stolen from Toys “R” Us. He now has blond hair and pretends to be John Zorn, a government worker from New York. He begins dating Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), who works at Toys “R” Us, has two daughters, Dee and Lindsay, and sings in the church choir. He manages to get a car, in which they all ride; Lindsay drives to practice for her driver’s license. His situation becomes more complicated, including a difficult relationship with his dentist. Steve arranges for him to receive a new passport and identity, i.e., a step into another new life, away from North Carolina. Before his departure, he stops one last time to say goodbye to Leigh.
Der Hochstapler - Roofman is based on the true life of Jeffrey Manchester born December 31, 1971. He picked up the title “Roofman” due to having cut huge holes into the roofs of McDonald's in order to enter and steal. Channing Tatum excellently carries the whole film as Jeffrey Manchester, an imposter (Hochstapler), but also as a helpful father to the children in both families, even presenting Becky with her birthday wish: a bicycle. He revolves around different identities: Jeffrey Manchester, John Zorn, Oliver, and, once, as a policeman. One of my favorite actors, Peter Dinklage, is the manager of Toys “R” Us, where he unexpectedly surprises Jeffrey. Filmed in Gastonia, North Carolina, USA, the 126 minutes are never overlong, keeping our attention throughout. I hope to see the film more often; I’ll bring my M&M’s to eat along with the cast. Supported by eighteen songs including Christmas music. Premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, September 6, 2025. (Becky T.)