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The Baxter

Play trailer Poster for The Baxter PG-13 Released Aug 26, 2005 1h 31m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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32% Tomatometer 75 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 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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The Baxter

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Bob Grimm Sacramento News & Review Rated: 4/5 May 12, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member Not for everyone perhaps, but brilliant, subtle , and hilarious. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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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