Chapter 27 (J.P. Schaefer, 2007)

[John Cope]

Described succinctly this way in the press material:

Chapter 27, director-writer Jarrett Schaefer's exploration of the deranged mind of Mark David Chapman and his obsession with "The Catcher in the Rye," leading up to the murder of John Lennon. Jared Leto gained 55 pounds to play the leading role, and Lindsay Lohan has a small part.

I stumbled across this one the other day while doing some research on Jared Leto (don't ask). Evidently, it premiered at Sundance but I heard nothing about it, though I was less attentive to press this year than usual. Anyone seen this yet? I have to admit I am fascinated by what has leaked out on it so far, including these early, and predictably negative Fox pieces, and this bizarre boycott site.

The Variety review is lousy but that doesn't mean much.

[flyonthewall2983]

As strange as it sounds, this might be the last thing Chapman wants if he ever wants to get released. It's my understanding that the parole boards take into account his own safety if released, considering the numerous death threats against him. The possible hoopla of the movie adaptation about the worst thing he ever did would intensify said threats.

All in all, I'd probably boycott the movie too if I didn't think boycotting a work of art was an asinine endeavor in and of itself.

[John Cope]

OMG, they're actually going to release this after all! And the film's website is pretty funny as it features a scary, huge and glowering pic of Leto doing his thing on one side and then in a box on the upper right hand corner an invite to meet him live in NY and LA, accompanied of course by a proper sexy pic just in case you were afraid the world had really gone off its wheels.

Jeff Wells, meanwhile, has some fun dissecting the horrifying poster.

[Derek Estes]

I hated this movie. I saw it at Sundance last year. Jared Leto as a fat Forrest Gump playing Travis Bickle. I guess someone told him that acting is all in gaining and losing weight. The movie has nothing to offer other than cashing in on a famous tragedy in an attempt to be noticed. Watch at your own risk. I want my $15 back.