The Baxter

This film wasn't exactly life-altering for me, but it definitely got me thinking about ex- boyfriends, and how things may have been different - or how things turned out for them. It's upbeat in that"there are no losers - there's somebody for everybody," but it might take one hell of a journey to find your other half. This movie explores the kind of people that never get discussed in film or media - because they're not cool enough, or sexy, or too neurotic, etc.. But in this movie, you fall in love with the characters who seem a bit out of step, and it makes you want to bitch-slap the pretty people. I give Showalter major props for actually achieving a unique crowd-pleaser. Oh, and it's absolutely hilarious. He has a long career ahead of him.

Saw this at the Maine International Film Festival. It shares some characteristics with prime Woody Allen -- an affection for New York (warmly shot) and a sure sense of casting supporting actors.

Is it a ground-breaking comedy? No. But it is thoroughly charming and entertaining and had the audience laughing at all the moments it intended. The truth is, most people identify not with the pretty leads in glossy romantic comedies but with the zhlubs, and this is a film that gives us permission to identify with the zhlubs (without demonizing the pretty people). There aren't a lot of uncynical comedies out there, and this is a welcome one.

It's also valuable for people casting in the New York area -- there are enough engaging performers in here to cast three or four movies.

A quirky premise and some delightful performances made this film refreshingly true to its stated goal. Showalter is charmingly awkward and perplexed throughout, as a "baxter," one of the guys who are always left alone at the altar when their brides' true loves return to abduct them. Michelle Williams is exceptional in her role, and Jon DeVries and Peter Dinklage both contribute some great comedic moments.

A few sour notes rang out, including Elizabeth Banks' performance as Caroline Swann, which seemed confused and inconsistent. But The Baxter's power is in its non-standard take on old romance stereotypes. The impassioned speeches of each reformed lover to his girl are wonderfully recast from the perspective of the safe, nice guy who is our protagonist here. True love for him is not in being a daredevil or a risk-taker, but simply being himself and taking the opportunity that presents itself. As a new kind of romantic comedy that doesn't necessarily play by the rules, The Baxter succeeds in many ways.

The Baxter (2005) written and directed by Michael Showalter, is a very predictable--but enjoyable--movie.

Director Showalter has cast himself as Elliot Wendall Sherman, "The Baxter." "The Baxter" is the man who, although perfectly decent, gets left behind at the wedding altar when the romantic hero appears at the last possible moment.

Elizabeth Banks plays the elegant Caroline Swann, who falls in love--sort of--with Elliot. Michelle Williams is Cecil Mills, a girl-next-door type who has newly arrived in NYC.

The question, of course, is not what will happen--obvious--but how it will happen. The plot is weakened by unlikely premise that someone like Caroline would consider marrying Elliot.

Michelle Williams is delightful as the innocent young thing, and it would be quibbling to demand cinema verite from this film.

Just enjoy it for what it is--not memorable or ambitious, just pleasant and enjoyable.

The wonderful thing about browsing video stores is coming across films that never came to your local theater - because they were filled with garbage such as "Fever Pitch" and "Be Cool" - and finding out these small films are actually pretty good.

"The Baxter" is certainly one of those films. It's surprisingly sweet without getting maudlin. The characters' neuroses are all charming without ever seeming to be unnatural. And the film's also awfully funny.

It's helped immensely by a superbly deadpan performance by Michael Showalter. He plays his character completely straight and the laughs come naturally. And the always wonderful Michelle Williams again proves why she's quite possibly one of the most under-rated actresses today. She's so good at playing slightly quirky people without ever seeming odd. Just take a look at turn in "The Station Agent" (2003).

The film gets wonderful supporting work from Elizabeth Banks, Justin Theroux - his entrance is priceless - and a genuinely funny cameo from Peter Dinklage.

"The Baxter" isn't the greatest comedy, but it's certainly better than most of the fare that's in theaters right now. It has a certain honesty. You can't help but feel for the title character and his predicaments. Most of us have been there and it's hard not to like this chap. He also surrounds himself with oddballs who never take away anything from the film. Of course, they're movie people but they add something unique to this special little film.