Audiences are in for a wild ride with Derek Cianfrance’s latest film, “Roofman.” Based on a true story, the film sees Channing Tatum portray on-the-run criminal Jeffrey Manchester, a robber forging a new life for himself after escaping prison.

Cianfrance and longtime cinematography partner Andrij Parekh come together again to create the action-filled film that highlights the film’s emotional and gritty narrative. Despite being a step out of Cianfrance’s retrospective nature, it is a more than welcome one.

From 1998 to 2000, Manchester committed between 40 and 60 robberies across the United States by breaking into buildings through the roof, earning him the nickname Roofman. Manchester was known for being kind to his victims, even making sure they all had coats before locking them in a freezer.

After finally being arrested in May of 2000, Manchester escaped four years later. He then hid out inside a Toys R Us store in Charlotte, North Carolina, living inside the space behind a false wall. He would sleep during the day and remain active at night. Manchester then robbed the store in December of 2004.

The film dives deep into Manchester’s story, describing how he embedded himself into the Charlotte community, eventually dating a local single mother named Leigh Wainscott, played by Kirsten Dunst (“Spider-Man”).

While not the best physical fit for the role, Tatum portrays the well-meaning but desperate Manchester incredibly well. His charisma is palpable through the screen and he is able to bring depth to the film’s more emotional moments. Meanwhile, Dunst provides a performance that not only grounds the film, but also Manchester himself.

The film effectively leverages the zaniness of its source material, resulting in no shortage of laughs. It makes the viewer sympathize with and even root for Manchester as one watches him find a place for himself in the community. It stays surprisingly true to its source material as well, even including some people who have interacted with Manchester in the past to act in the film.

The biggest pitfall of the film is its pacing. While maintaining the tension and lingering curiosity of whether and when Manchester will be caught, the film drags throughout the middle. Too much time is spent showing Manchester in hiding, creating a stagnant and long-drawn-out feel, as opposed to engaging watchers with sufficient action and showing more of his robberies.

Regardless of its weak pacing, “Roofman” is able to find the balance between Manchester’s unique approach to his criminal career and his personal life. Though action-packed, viewers are able to connect with the humane and personal aspect of Tatum’s Manchester, giving the film a different allure than typical criminal films.