The Baxter
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Movie Reviews of The Baxter
Movie Review: A story about what happens to the man left dumped at his own wedding...
Summary: 4 Stars
Elliot Wilbur Sherman (Michael Showalter) is a dorky and dull, but kindhearted tax accountant. Elliot has everything he could ever want, including a good job, and a nice apartment in New Jersey, but his life really becomes complete when he falls for the vivacious magazine editor, Caroline Swann (Elizabeth Banks). Although Caroline should be way out of his league, miraculously, she falls for him, too.
Eliot can't believe that he's scored such a gorgeous woman, yet there's also something that draws him to bedraggled bookish office temp Cecil Mills (Michelle Williams). Maybe it's the fact that they are currently reading the dictionary for enjoyment and are both up to the same letter. Swept away by Caroline's gorgeousness, Eliot quickly proposes marriage to her, but he remains terribly nervous, apparently several past loves were swept away by dashing ex-boyfriends, and he fears the same will happen again.
His darkest fears are realized when Bradley (Justin Theroux), Caroline's annoyingly perfect ex-boyfriend, and childhood sweetheart shows up by surprise at her engagement party, Elliot must watch as his best chance at happiness is stolen from under his nose. Can Elliot actually stay the course and win and marry the beautiful Caroline before Bradley reclaims his prize? Or will he end up with the quietly good-natured Cecil?
The Baxter is one of those movies that will probably be instantly forgettable to most viewers, and it is agreeably silly, but it's also fun to watch and has an offbeat sense of humor that is quite touching. The real strength of the film is that the four leads - Showalter, Williams, Banks, and Theroux imbue the film with a simple, inoffensive charm. Showalter is particularly good as Elliot; he's an endearing oddball, just a little out of rhythm with New York City, a "baxter" who is also out of step with the rules of dating. He is fussy and talks haltingly, has a bad haircut, and is funny without being condescending.
Theroux is suitably gorgeous as Bradley. A scientist who is wealthy, successful, and handsome, Bradley can break-dance, quote Keats and even weep on cue. Mr. Theroux manages to regulate the character so precisely that Bradley remains a real human being behind the smarminess.
The real reason, however, to watch The Baxter is the knockout performances by its two female leads: Elizabeth Banks proves she's one of the most versatile actresses working at the moment, and her comedic range is unsurpassed. Although Banks is a sensation, the adorable Michelle Williams may have upstaged her. Ms. Williams has been lost in the shuffle a bit with all the accolades currently heaped on the boys of Brokeback Mountain, so it's wonderful to see her here, in a really strong central performance.
The Baxter is subtle offbeat comedy; it's mannered, idiosyncratic, and guileless and perhaps a bit out-of-fashion, or at least decidedly non-mainstream. There's a sort of comedic irony at work here, a type of good-natured fun that is charming, but also rather naughty and irreverent. The laughs mostly stem from situational clumsiness and stupidity, and are always perfectly balanced between huge dollops of good-natured earnestness. Part of the reason The Baxter works, is that you can't help but empathize and fall in love with all of the characters.
I guess the point of The Baxter is that it's wryly observing the quirky ironies of life. For all we allow others to dictate about our own self-perception and, in many cases, worth, we are still the controllers of our own destiny. Elliot must try to come to terms with his shortcomings, his life as a Baxter, it is only then that he is able to stop lying to himself and for the first time really see who truly loves him. Mike Leonard January 06.
Movie Review: nice movie (not a classic) but still good
Summary: 4 Stars
The Baxter or the "wrong guy" in other words (slang). This is a romantic comedy tending towards being an off-beat movie. The film is about the dynamic two weeks prior to the wedding of Elliot Sherman (Michael Showalter), an introvert, repressive accountant who is aware of his drawbacks and loves reading the dictionary. Elliot is the Baxter here - a guy who meets quite a few girls but never has the courage to move forward. This essentially turns him in being passed over so many times that he starts in believing the fact that he is destined never to end up with the girl of his dreams.
Elliot can hardly believe his good fortune of having a relationship with Caroline (Elizabeth Banks), who is beautiful, sophisticated. This girl seems to be beyond his reach but still he reaches out and gets frustrated. In the mean time he meets Cecil who is mirror image of him in the other sex. As wedding preparations reaches the height of frenzy, out of the blue appears Bradley (Justin Theroux), fresh from adventures in exotic places, once Caroline's great love, thought to be lost and now found!
Thrown into a state of turmoil, Elliot turns to his eccentric new office temp, Cecil (Michelle Williams), for some solid female advice. The movie settles around this and is quite entertaining. I will not call it a classic but definitely fun to watch.
Movie Review: I Do Like His Hat
Summary: 4 Stars
It really helps if you can relate to the main character. You see, The Baxter is less of a romantic comedy that it is a romantic indie with some dry humor. But for what it lacks in a somewhat lackluster original story, the film makes up for with some great characters, some great scenes, and a splendid cast. The movie isn't overtly funny, but the humor derives from the characters, which makes it all the more funny when they do come around. For example, and spoiler warning, when Elliot finally conquers his 'Baxter' status and declares his love for his love, an old college friend of hers comes up to them at that very moment, knowing that this type of incident is what has messed him up before, Elliot runs after the guy chasing him away. Trust me, it's funnier when you actually see it.
Overall, being a fan of Michael Showalter, I was pleased with what I found in a movie directed, written, and starring him. It's a good debut, and while I sadly don't expect we'll see another project like this from him again, it certainly speaks to his talents, both in playing the funny, and the serious emotional sides of the character. the movie may feel long at times, but it is worth a watch, especially if you're a fan of Showalter's.
Movie Review: "Napoleon Dynamite" meets "Something About Mary": recommendable even for people allergic to chick flics
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been running away from chick flics for a while. They persecute me! It's like inevitable. I thought "The Baxter" was one of them. Well, I was wrong. Comedy Channel legend Michael Showalter wrote, directed, produced and starred this clever flic, along with co-stars Michelle Williams ("Dawson's Creek") and Elizabeth Banks. While the movie has moments when it reminds of "Something About Mary", it has sufficient weight to almost get to a level comparable to now-cult movie "Napoleon Dynamite", in a sense, meeting the two half way. A lot of fun to watch and highly recommendable (even if you are allergic to chick flics).Movie Review: If you love dry humor this is a great movie for you.
Summary: 4 Stars
Nothing fancy, nothing being blown up, but a great movie for people who love dry humor. If you get the humor you will love the movie if you are totally lost with dry humor I seriously doubt you will enjoy this film. Worth the price.