This film is about a man who is unlucky in love due to his rigid ways. He learns to break his bad luck by breaking his behavioural pattern."The Baxter" is actually an interesting look at this accountant who is rather unlucky with ladies. His character is interesting, as he is not particularly likable, but he radiates a mischievous charm. "The Baxter" is an unconventional romantic comedy, it is a little dark but it is quite funny at the same time. I particularly found the argument in flat scene and the date in hamburger joint scene funny.For some unknown reason, I find "The Baxter" having an ability to stretch time. I thought I have watched at least an hour when in fact I watched only 30 minutes. Maybe it's the dialog heavy script, or the lack of spacing scenes, or the lack of lighthearted bubbly scenes to sooth the atmosphere. I am not saying it is boring or bad, because it is not.

Does for the romantic comedy what "Wet Hot American Summer" did for the summer camp movie.You know how in romantic comedies there's always the guy standing next to the girl as her true love makes a dramatic speech and whisks her away, that poor s...(read more)ad sap, is what is called a Baxter.Elliot Sherman has always lost girls in this manner, and he'a all set to get married until the viscous cycle begins anew with the return of his fiancés long time old flame Bradley. Elliot then does his best to avoid falling into Baxterdom, and seeks advice from Michelle Williams, a quirky temp, which only complicates things.The absurdity is toned down a lot here from the "Wet Hot" days, but all of the actors(many from the previous film, Micheal Ian Black, Paul Rudd, etc), all give great comedic performances. The Baxter at it's heart is a parody, but it's one with a unique one with some heart, similar to recent break-up comedy success "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", but more cute this time around than crude.

The perspective is new. I mean, the main character is really a dope, a geek, the type of guy that even romantic comedies make fun of. And this one does too, a little, however, he meets the girl of his dream in the end just like in any other romcom.This movie has a lot of potential. A dorky character surrounded by nasty, egocentric people like in the real world is a great setup for real comedy, with real humour, one that you can relate to. But no. The setup is totally misused. The only way this film could have been a success would have been to be made by Brits. Or Jackie Chan.Bottom line: it was a nice try to escape the pathetic and ridiculous stereotype of romantic comedies, but it ultimately failed, being an unromantic, long, humourless, boring movie.

BAXTER: (bax'-ter) n. A compromise to "true love." The epitome of "settling." Shorthand for a bachelor with lots of exes, who's kind of a loser.Quote from the movie, The Baxter.A little indie film that is on the dry side. Just like Elliot Sherman. He is a sweet, nice guy. The kind of guy who is a safe, boring type. Never ventures out of his safe little world. Even thou he ends up alone.(because the other guy always gets his girl) He some how always has faith that maybe he will get lucky next time.This story is about the guy that always seems to loose the girl. This is the story about them. Someone that doesn't always live happy ever after. But in some ways have learn to live with it. I guess the closes to this type of movie would be the 40 year Old Virgin. (Side note: Paul Rudd is in both movies) But not raunchy. I think I only noted two or three cuss words in the whole movie.It is a silly little film. Not always funny. But worth checking out just the same. Donna A.