One of the prerequisites of being an A-lister in Hollywood is having a name that is recognised globally, and Channing Tatum has just that.

He is more than just a pretty face – and bod – although his Magic Mike franchise could argue otherwise, and yet you get the feeling he’s still yet to fulfil his potential on screen.

American director Derek Cianfrance has seen enough to give him the lead in this quirky crime/romance tale, which is based on an even quirkier true story.

Since leaving the 82nd Airborne Division, Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum) has struggled to provide for his three children, now in the custody of his ex-wife. It gets so dire it forces him into a life of crime, so he can be seen to be a good father by his children.

He decides to rob a McDonalds, and get away with it. And as they follow a similar structure, he does it again. And again. And again...

Until he gets caught, and is prosecuted for armed robbery and kidnapping, which comes with a 45 years sentence.

He keeps his head down in prison, doing as he’s told and getting on with everyone around him. But he’s secretly planning an escape, which he pulls off.

He’s smart enough to stay away from his family, who he dearly misses, and contacts an old army colleague, Steve (LaKeith Stanfield), who is also on the wrong side of the law, who tells him not to contact him for a month, and to keep out of trouble until then.

This leads to Jeffrey going inside a ToysRus to avoid the police, only to discover a cool place to hide.

He spends so much time there, keeping out of sight by day, that he takes a new name, and soon finds himself attracted to someone who works in the store, Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) - divorced with two daughters, and somehow manages to develop a relationship with her, whilst still being a wanted man.

But can Jeffrey, AKA John Zorin, remain a fugitive and manage to create a new life for himself without getting caught?

It was acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz who said that there’s nothing stranger than truth, and Cianfrance’s film supports that statement.

In real life Jeffrey managed to steal from over 40 stores, before being caught. He got sent to prison and decides to break out, successfully. He then finds himself calling ToysRus as home, for over a month, without getting caught. It’s the type of story that many would claim you just couldn’t make up.

It would be enough of a premise for a film, but it’s not enough for this director, who is keen to explore the romance that blossomed from this outrageous tale. And its charming marriage of crime and love, made even more delightful by Tatum’s performance.

Being a heavy-hitter has alluded Tatum for most of his career; whilst others have landed on their feet with a prime part in a superhero franchise, the Alabama actor has mainly been overlooked for such meaty roles, despite a cameo as Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, and playing Superman – in The Lego Movie. He certainly has the look for it, and the physique, and yet he hasn’t been stereotyped as an action hero, with a wide range of roles throughout his career, and this one is right up there for him.

Cianfrance’s direction is beautifully subtle, simply letting the absurdity of the plot do a lot of the heavy lifting, as Tatum pulls out all of the stops effectively playing a romantic lead.

He’s also ably supported by a terrific cast, that also includes Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, Juno Temple and Jimmy O. Yang, who all help to add credibility and colour with the time they have on screen.

There’s no doubting that Tatum is famous, and yet his career has yet to propel him to the next level. The fact is, this is unlikely to do that, although it deserves to, which is another crime, as Tatum displays his leading man credentials, with the essence of old school leading man qualities a la Cary Grant.

In Cianfrance’s hands Roofman is a perfectly nuanced tale told brilliantly, as he juggles crime, comedy and romance in an assured and accomplished fashion.

And yes, Tatum will no doubt steal your heart in proceedings – who says crime doesn’t pay? - proving that there is more to him than meets the eye candy.