The Baxter
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Movie Reviews of The Baxter
Movie Review: Michael Showalter gets dumped in The Baxter
Summary: 3 Stars
The brilliant Michael Showalter (Stella) stars as Elliot Sherman, who tells the story about how he became "The Baxter". He met a woman named Caroline, played by the ever so lovely Elizabeth Banks (Daltry Calhoun, The 40 Year Old Virgin) and how he fell in love with her. He also proposed to her. The scene stealer in the movie would have to go to Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain, Dawson's Creek) playing Cecil Mills....she was the best in this. Elliot hears about Caroline's old boyfriend named Bradley, played by Justin Theroux (Mulholland Dr., Charlies Angels: Full Throttle) and who comes back into town and is also getting married but Elliot thinks that Bradley wants to steal Caroline away from her. He even gets advice from his friend played by awesome Michael Ian Black (Tv's ED, Partner(s) )...this guy rocks. Showalter even has the 3rd member of Stella, David Wain (Along Came Polly) who plays Elliot soon to be brother in law. It's extremely low key funniness...someone pointed out Napoleon Dynamnite and I agree but Elliot is no Dynamite, he's just Elliot. Peter Dinklage (Elf, The Station Agent) has an extremely funny small (whiched it was a bigger part) role as the wedding planner Hedges. Of course Paul Rudd (Anchorman, The Oject of My Affections) shows up as Cecil's boyfriend...Pauly Rudd and Zak Orth (Prime)....mostly a lot of the cast from Wet Hot American Summer is in this...which was directed by David Wain. Now all Michael Ian Black needs to do is make a movie and all 3 Stella members have directed movies each. Also starring Ken Marino (Hoodwinked, Reno 911) and Catherine Llyod Burns (Keeping The Faith, Malcolm in the Middle). Baxter is a groomsman who is left at the alter.Movie Review: A bit flat
Summary: 3 Stars
This movie has its moments, you may laugh a few times, but it never quite reels you in. Michael Showalter, playing the baxter, is not a convincing leading man, never endearing us to him. He's very stiff and over-the-top-geek. You never really root for him to get the girl.
There are some great performances from Michelle Williams, who plays the adorable, sweet, smart love interest. And Michael Ian Black is hilarious as the baxter's underwear-clad friend. Sadly, their performances are not enough to save this movie and make you care whether or not "the baxter" will always be a bachelor.
Movie Review: Funny and sweet
Summary: 3 Stars
The Baxter is funny and sweet. It's not as good as the Stella shorts, but everyone is there. An enjoyable comedic indie movie.Movie Review: Nice Guys Finish Last--A Romantic Comedy So Slight, It's Almost Non-Existant
Summary: 2 Stars
I went into "The Baxter" with lots of good will and moderate expectations. I believe Michael Showalter is a talented writer and performer with a distinct sense of comic absurdity. "Stella," with all it's zany irreverence, is one of the more unique programs in recent years. And "Wet Hot American Summer" is absolute genius--one of the most underappreciated, robust, and take-no-prisoner's satire in memory. Many who accuse "Wet Hot American Summer" of being "dumb" comedy are missing just how astute this film is--it's as successful in many ways as "Airplane!" was (but without the audience).
I knew "The Baxter" would represent the kinder, gentler side of Showalter--and playing the agreeable loser, he is genial and pleasant. He smartly surrounds himself with an able and attractive cast including Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux, and his partner in crime--Thomas Ian Black. An appealing bunch, this film has all the earmarks for success. It's pleasant and nice.
It's a pretty conventional romantic comedy setup. "The Baxter" is a nice, shy guy chasing a woman who he can never have while ignoring his real soulmate. Done well, this tried and true formula has worked hundreds of time. It's a moderate success here--it just flows smoothly along all the expected pathways. It's pleasant and nice.
The comedy is less about "jokes" than oddball quirkiness, but really nothing here is that "quirky" or fresh (certainly not if you watch a lot of movies and TV--quirky is getting harder to do because everyone's quirky). Because I liked the performers, I generally smiled at their antics. I can't say I laughed out loud but I watched the movie in a mild state of amusement. It's pleasant and nice.
Ultimately, "The Baxter" just didn't work for me. It's so slight, so unassuming, so moderate--it just never really connects. Not funny enough to be a great comedy, not original enough to be an involving romance--the film just sits there. It's pleasant and nice. But like the Baxter knows--nice isn't always enough. KGHarris, 10/06.