There are many reasons why you’d want to watch new Paramount movie Roofman – the bonkers true story of convincted criminal Jeffrey Manchester, the nostalgia of Toys R Us, the extended scene of Channing Tatum naked. But have you considered that it’s actually a Christmas movie?
It’s a perspective that totally passed me by when I first watched it, but speaking to director Derek Cianfrance after its London Film Festival premiere has changed my mind. The festive season is staring us in the face the entire time, and is also essential to telling Manchester’s story.
To me, it therefore makes sense that Roofman viewers might have the same debate amongst themselves, and that reminds me of the age old “is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” feud we refuse to agree on. For Cianfrance, the comparison makes total sense… and yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
There’s ‘no mistaking’ that Roofman is a Christmas movie, so don’t fight it
Watch On
“That would be the dream, wouldn’t it? I think it could happen,” Cianfrance replies when I ask him about Roofman following in Die Hard‘s footsteps.
“I don’t think there’s any mistaking that this is a Christmas movie. Christmas movies are very nostalgic and are often about a return home. They take place in small towns where a big event comes to bring everyone together and have great Christmas music.”
“I was able to put in some of my favorite Christmas music in this in this movie. We’ll see, if it stands the test of time… let’s have this chat again in two, three years.”
Personally, I think there’s no doubting Roofman will stand the test of time, just like Die Hard. Its retelling of Manchester’s story ticks all the boxes for every family member, being PG enough for the kids while intriguing and complex enough for adults. No arguments or people pleading to change the channel makes for a happy festive season, and that’s the peace we’re all looking for.
Speaking to Kirsten Dunst at the premiere, she tells me another ideal reason why we’ll want to watch Roofman this December. “It’s a human story that’s done in a way that isn’t sappy. It makes you feel good that I think that’s refreshing… we need a little bit of that.”
While we’re waiting for Roofman to hit digital purchase and Paramount Plus, you can watch Die Hard on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video in the US, and Disney+ in the UK and Australia.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.
