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THE BAXTER Send This Review to a Friend
A baxter, according to this odd, ineffective romantic comedy, is a nebbish of the sort who gets left behind, romantically or otherwise. Writer and director Michael Showalter plays the film’s example of the species, Elliot Sherman, who is supposed to marry Caroline (Elizabeth Banks) but is threatened when her high school boyfriend Bradley (Justin Theroux) turns up. Will Elliot be left at the altar again?
Meanwhile, there is Cecil Mills (Michelle Williams), a cute young newcomer in his life who can teach him a thing or two about getting confidence.
Despite the good supporting cast and an assortment of comic situations, there is a fatal flaw in “The Baxter”—the director’s decision to play the leading role himself. He lacks the charm and charisma needed at the film’s center. But probably getting a chance to play the part was what contributed to his decision to direct the film in the first place.
Peter Dinklage, so good in “The Station Agent,” is amusing as a wedding planner, but the part is a fraction of what he can do. An IFC Films release.
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