Perhaps it's only fitting that a movie about a loser should be a loser itself. Written, directed by, and starring Michael Showalter—a gawky fellow with a hangdog face—The Baxter is about an uptight accountant named Elliot Sherman, who is acutely conscious of being what his grandmother called a “Baxter”—i.e., a guy whose life is filled with embarrassment, especially in the romantic department. As the film begins, Elliot meets his new temp secretary (Michelle Williams), a Midwestern transplant quirky enough to be his soul mate, but he's instead bowled over by a gorgeous client (Elizabeth Banks) who goes unaccountably gaga over him, leading to an engagement. When the reappearance of his fiancée's ex-boyfriend feeds Elliot's insecurity and exacerbates his natural “Baxterism,” Elliot turns to his temp for comfort, and there's no doubt about the outcome of this game of romantic musical chairs. Though it has its moments—the best scenes feature Peter Dinklage as a nonplused wedding planner named Benson Hedges—The Baxter is, like its protagonist, generally more irritating than endearing. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a blooper reel. Bottom line: a paltry extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)
The Baxter
MGM, 91 min., PG-13, DVD: $24.95, Dec. 13 Volume 21, Issue 1
The Baxter
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