[Things Fall Apart screened at this year's Atlanta Film Festival.]

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson can’t act.  It’s not a slam against his character; it’s just something he can’t do.  But his lack of acting ability is an absolute killer in the Mario Van Peebles drama Things Fall Apart where Jackson takes on the role of a football player who gets cancer.  Jackson seriously committed to making a full-on physical transformation for the role, but he apparently couldn’t be bothered to take an acting lesson, which makes all of his hard work seem like a waste.  Even if the film didn’t hinge on Jackson’s performance, it would still be beset by maudlin clichés, irritating supporting characters, and poor direction.

The trailer for the indie comedy Terri has gone online.  The film is a coming-of-age tale about an overweight and unpopular teen who dresses in pajamas but strikes up an unlikely friendship with his school’s vice principal (John C. Reilly).  Terri played at this year’s Sundance Film Festival as well as SXSW and the reaction was positive but unenthusiastic.  The general consensus seems to be that it’s enjoyable but slight and after seeing the trailer, I can understand that criticism.  However, I’m a big enough fan of Reilly and co-star Creed Bratton (who is the secret weapon of NBC’s The Office) to check out the film when it plays as the opening night feature at this year’s Atlanta Film Festival.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  Terri opens July 1st.