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The Baxter

Play trailer Poster for The Baxter PG-13 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

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 04/06/2010
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. Go to Full Review Jeff Strickler Minneapolis Star Tribune 09/29/2005
2.5/4
Showalter tackles his mission with energy and an upbeat attitude that makes him a winner as a lovable loser. Go to Full Review Wesley Morris Boston Globe 09/24/2005
2.5/4
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. Go to Full Review Jason Adams My New Plaid Pants 07/02/2021
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 Go to Full Review Kam Williams Upstage Magazine 07/19/2007
1/4
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. Go to Full Review Bob Grimm Sacramento News & Review 05/12/2006
4/5
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Audience Reviews

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KB B @Okbullard 04/23/2024 I thought it was pretty entertaining. It's worth the watch. See more 12/02/2020 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. See more 09/10/2020 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. See more 04/22/2015 Not for everyone perhaps, but brilliant, subtle , and hilarious. See more Michael B @BlackCloud13 05/09/2013 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. See more 03/08/2013 I love this movie. Maybe you have to be a Baxter to enjoy it. See more Read all reviews
The Baxter

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Cast & Crew

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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

Wendall Wimms

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The Baxter

The Baxter (2005) The Baxter (2005) A scene from the film "The Baxter." View more photos

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, Reagan Silber, Celine Rattray
Screenwriter
Michael Showalter, 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