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The Baxter

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The Baxter

PG-13

Released Aug 26, 2005

1h 31m

Romance

Comedy

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32%

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75 Reviews

75%

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5,000+ Ratings

Elliot Sherman (Michael Showalter) has had terrible luck with women during his life, losing three of them to ex-boyfriends in outlandish situations. Now, a week before he is to marry Caroline (Elizabeth Banks), she mentions an old high-school boyfriend, Bradley (Justin Theroux), and Elliot worries that the curse is about to strike again. A co-worker named Cecil (Michelle Williams) attempts to reassure him, but trying not to give in to anxiety only makes things worse.

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Critics Consensus

The Baxter is good-natured, but there are simply not enough laughs to fuel this comedy.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

The performers are fresh and offbeat, with the diminutive Peter Dinklage (Elf, The Station Agent) especially funny as a gay wedding planner named Benson Hedges.

Apr 6, 2010

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Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Showalter tackles his mission with energy and an upbeat attitude that makes him a winner as a lovable loser.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 29, 2005

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Wesley Morris

Boston Globe

Only when Williams is around does the movie seem human, true, and funny: Even in her slapstick there's pain. She's almost too good: It's not until she's left a scene that you realize the movie isn't working.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 24, 2005

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Jason Adams

My New Plaid Pants

His hipster doofus is a complete character he's created to win over girls, and there's not really anything sincere or real about it. His sad sack loser in The Baxter is so annoyingly emasculated that it didn't feel honest, ever

Jul 2, 2021

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Kam Williams

Upstage Magazine

A droll romantic comedy that relies on a self-deprecating brand of humor which must be a bit of an acquired taste. The film's utter predictably sinks this exercise in obviousms, making its few funny moments not worth waiting for.

Rated: 1/4

Jul 19, 2007

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Bob Grimm

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 4/5

May 12, 2006

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KB B

I thought it was pretty entertaining. It's worth the watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/24/24

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Audience Member

Really good movie! I haven't seent it in years but it's got that good indie hipster vibe of the 00's that just makes you feel good and nostalgic.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Audience Member

Somebody at Rotten Tomatoes must have hit their head. This movie is so endearing with subtle and slapstick belly laughs. It's told from a unique perspective of an often forgotten character in most Romantic Comedies. The acting is extremely well done and the cast is Perfection. Michelle Williams in one of her most adorable performances. This movie needs to be a Rom-com Classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Audience Member

Not for everyone perhaps, but brilliant, subtle , and hilarious.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

Short on laughs from a good cast; I expected a lot more. Thin story, as well. Williams is excellent. Showalter didn't do a thing for me, and neither did his script.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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Audience Member

I love this movie. Maybe you have to be a Baxter to enjoy it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

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Michael Showalter

Director

Michael Showalter

Elliot Sherman

Elizabeth Banks

Caroline Swann

Michelle Williams

Cecil Mills

Justin Theroux

Bradley Lake

Zak Orth

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Synopsis

Elliot Sherman (Michael Showalter) has had terrible luck with women during his life, losing three of them to ex-boyfriends in outlandish situations. Now, a week before he is to marry Caroline (Elizabeth Banks), she mentions an old high-school boyfriend, Bradley (Justin Theroux), and Elliot worries that the curse is about to strike again. A co-worker named Cecil (Michelle Williams) attempts to reassure him, but trying not to give in to anxiety only makes things worse.

Director: Michael Showalter
Producer: Galt Neiderhoffer, Daniela Taplin Lundberg
Screenwriter: Michael Showalter
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: The Real Baxter
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Sexual Humor|Some Drug References)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 26, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 2, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $181.9K
Runtime: 1h 31m

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