Roofman Reviews And Rotten Tomatoes Agree: This Soulful Crowd-Pleaser Is A Must-See
Channing Tatum steals the spotlight in Derek Cianfrance’s true-crime dramedy Roofman, with early reviews hailing a sharp blend of humor, suspense, and heart alongside Kirsten Dunst. Critics praise Tatum’s soulful turn as an unlikely thief, positioning the film as a crowd-pleasing redemption story.
Channing Tatum has a new one called 'Roofman,' and the early word is: it works. Director Derek Cianfrance turns a true-crime dramedy about an unlikely thief into something warm, funny, and tense, with Tatum and Kirsten Dunst front and center. If you were wondering whether this is a serious awards play or a charming crowd-pleaser, most critics say it somehow does both.
So, how are the reviews?
The short version: strong. A bunch of top outlets are into Tatum's performance and the movie's mix of heart and humor.
Variety's Peter Debruge says the movie rides on the 'through-the-roof chemistry between the two leads.'
The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney basically pegs it as a crowd-pleaser. Empire's Sophie Butcher says Cianfrance turns an extraordinary life into something empathetic and entertaining. Newsweek's Billie Melissa thinks it threads suspense, heart, and pure entertainment just right. The Guardian's Benjamin Lee also calls out the genuine chemistry between Tatum and Dunst.
Not everyone is sold. RogerEbert.com's Marya E. Gates thinks it's polished but not probing enough. IndieWire's Katie Rife argues the studio-friendly sentimentality makes it forgettable. The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson rolls his eyes at a romantic subplot he says leans sitcom. And Rolling Stone's David Fear notes Tatum's star power does a lot of the heavy lifting when the movie hits rough patches.
Where it stands on Rotten Tomatoes
As of October 9, 2025, 'Roofman' sits at 83% on the Tomatometer from 54 reviews. No audience score yet. Top critics are well-represented in that number, which puts the film among the sturdier fall releases.
The vibe
This is Cianfrance working in a more accessible gear than his heavier dramas, folding humor and suspense into a redemption story that actually feels human. Tatum is getting singled out across the board, with more than a few critics calling this one of the strongest turns of his career. Dunst matches him beat for beat, which is half the fun.
Release details and essentials
- Director: Derek Cianfrance
- Stars: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst
- Genre: True-crime dramedy about an unlikely thief
- Rating/Runtime: R; 2 hours, 6 minutes
- Producers: 51 Entertainment, Hunting Lane Films, Limelight
- Distributor: Miramax
- Theatrical release: October 10, 2025
If you want something with heart, a few laughs, and a little nail-biting, this looks like a solid bet. And if you're here for Movie Star Tatum, the consensus is he's in full command.