Diagonaldi Very well executed

ShangLuda Admirable film.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

napierslogs I'll go so far as to say "The Baxter" is a true romantic comedy. It's the type of romance that we want to believe in, and it's very funny.Written by, directed by, and starring Michael Showalter, he's a baxter. He's the type of man that women settle for, or leave, for their more handsome ex. He plays it with such awkwardness and quirky charm that it's impossible not to fall for him, and laugh with him along the way. The movie begins with him meeting two women, Michelle Williams who has the same awkwardness and quirky charm, and the beautiful Elizabeth Banks. He's captivated by Banks' beauty, but immediately wary of her "perfect" ex-boyfriend (Justin Theroux).It's a comedy of exes and trying to hold on to true love, whatever that may be. It's the classic romantic comedy tale, except told from a different angle - the point of view of "The Baxter". He's the hero that we can completely relate to, and not so much feel sorry for, but just laugh and enjoy our time with. The comedy is smart, fresh, and very, very funny. My recommendation is to watch it, and to watch all the way through to the end of the credits - they add another little twist which most romantic comedies aren't self-aware enough to include.

working98 Showalter does Stella all over again. If you don't know what Stella is, then you needn't concern yourself with this film. It's wasted on you. If you DO love Stella, then this is EXACTLY what you're hoping it is: awkward, wasp-ish and and well... awkward.If the idea of middle-class losers is inherently funny, then The Baxter will be a laugh extravaganza riot with pyrotechnics and flaming strippers. If you have discerning tastes about storytelling, humor, acting or plot, then this "film" will make you wish you had opted for an evening of anything mediocre on CBS instead.Interestingly Showalter gets Michelle Williams, Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks to completely waste themselves in this drudgery of white-collar ...well... how often can the word awkward be used in a review? But it's the only thing that applies to the entire ouvre of Showalter's career.Awkward and nebbish account manager Showalter woos Banks and for no reason whatsoever wins her heart, though she's obviously wrong for him as HE (get this!) has too much class for her. So he refuses to see the love in front of him that is in fact the (here it comes again) awkward dork played (rather well, thank you, since she's actually a capable actress) by Michelle Williams.One saving grace of the film is a bit of underwear clad Williams. If SKIN is the best this film has to offer, you might think twice, knowhumsayn? So, let's say obvious, strained, predictable and pointless. Thank you Showtime for rerunning this every 48 hours until I finally watched it in the (vain) hope that you'd eventually STOP! And yes. I know. I'm just TOO uncool to grasp the subtle comic genius of Michael Ian Black in a Speedo. Right. Look. He's funny as hell on VH-1. He has no business doing improv, let alone sketch comedy-cum-feature film experiment.If not for the fact that Showalter is a good drinking buddy to ACTUALLY talented people such as Rudd et.al., this film would never have even been picked up on bargain-bin for Showtime. Let's hope Showalter gets a gig writing for Conan O'Brien or someone so that he can be diluted in future by writers of actual vision, capability and perhaps talent.Ugh.

noahad 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.

sacto-da BAXTER: (bax'-ter) n. A compromise to "true love." The epitome of "settling." Shorthand for a bachelor with lots of exes, who's kind of a loser.Quote from the movie, The Baxter.A little indie film that is on the dry side. Just like Elliot Sherman. He is a sweet, nice guy. The kind of guy who is a safe, boring type. Never ventures out of his safe little world. Even thou he ends up alone.(because the other guy always gets his girl) He some how always has faith that maybe he will get lucky next time.This story is about the guy that always seems to loose the girl. This is the story about them. Someone that doesn't always live happy ever after. But in some ways have learn to live with it. I guess the closes to this type of movie would be the 40 year Old Virgin. (Side note: Paul Rudd is in both movies) But not raunchy. I think I only noted two or three cuss words in the whole movie.It is a silly little film. Not always funny. But worth checking out just the same. Donna A.