Released: 8/26/05

Viewed: 2:00pm 9/3/05

Starring: Michael Showalter, Michelle Williams, Elizabeth Banks, Justin Theroux

Directed by: Michael Showalter

The Baxter is a movie about the guy that's left at the alter. It follows him instead of the happy couple. A fantastic idea with huge appeal because, let's face it? the world is full of Baxter's. It's ok, just accept it.

Michael Showalter (of the State and Stella fame) makes a strong showing in his writing/directorial debut. The resulting movie is charming and pleasant, and buzzing with belly laughs and style. And like I said, everyone can relate to this story, because for most of the world, it's pretty close to home.

People in the real world don't live adventurous exotic lives. Not the ones going to movies anyway. People living those kinds of lives are too busy to go to the movies. That's cool. More for me. But it's nice because Showalter shines as an artist making this banner film for an entire awkward society.

Ok, I'll go on?.

It's a great looking movie. It's got this whole "old New York style" where you can tell the artists years in NY have paid off because he's found all these perfect little apartments and dive bars, and burger joints. It may sound like nothing, but it makes a huge difference to tone and atmosphere.

Casting was great all around. As with most of the projects Showalter is associated with, we see a lot of the same people. No shame in giving your friends a gig. Especially when they're funny as hell. So when I saw Michael Ian Black, Zak Orth, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks and the great David Wain (among many others) I had zero complaints, because these people have all proved themselves to me in the past. Rest the funny in their hands and let it roll.

The best addition to the gang is Justin Theroux as Bradley the ex-boyfriend. We've seen him here and there in a few roles. Unfortunately mostly frustrating Drew Barrymore movies like Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and Duplex. Thank god he's branching away from that stigma. But things look good. He was a jerk in the Baxter, but you still liked him. I guess you're supposed to. If Stella gets picked up, here's hoping he'll appear as an Ice Cream sales men that convinces the guys to watch his truck while he gets over the flu. (Ok, if you're not watching Stella, you got to!)

Also, I can't say enough good things about Michelle Williams who is sweet, and adorable, and the sort of girl that any upstanding Baxter would fall for. Can't believe she ended up with anti Baxter Heath Ledger. Just goes to show ya.

My only beef with The Baxter would be that it's predictable and frustrating at times. You know what's going to happen. Not just because they tell you, but? well, let's just say, in the scene where Paul Rudd shows up, you see how the pieces fit together, and you start hoping for a big surprise.

So you're watching it and the girlfriends a jerk, and her ex is a jerk, and you know the Baxter isn't going to end up with her, but you still just feel bad. It's plenty funny, but it becomes torturous watching this poor guy getting mistreated and disrespected.

6 out of 10 It's very sweet, and a great first film for Showalter. It's nice to see he can be funny and say something important at the same time. But this movie is not for everyone. Yeo and I saw it on a Saturday afternoon, and there were only 2 other people in the theater. And you could hear one of them say "That was the worst movie I've ever seen." as he got up and left. He was old and crotchety, and probably bitter because his love story didn't work out nearly as well.

Oh, and stay for the closing credits. There is an excellent nod after the first set of names. .

DVD worthy?:I don't know. There are some good laughs, and it's a sweet story. At the same time it's a little frustrating, and I think I'd more likely be getting it because of my respect for Showalter and his past work. That's really not fair. If a Stella DVD comes out though, I'll get that.

If you liked this movie check out: The Graduate

If only just to see what every other movie parodies. Plus it's a pretty incredible movie. But if you're a Showalter super fan, just stick with Wet Hot American Summer.

Trailer Hitch: Movie Soundtracks

There were no new trailers at this movie. I'm not sure why, but it was the same trailers I've been seeing for the past month. Enough already, I'm excited about Flight plan. We get it. SO I'll just point out now that songs in the trailers are messing with my head. A normally crap ass looking movie can all of the sudden be awesome if I recognize the tune being played behind the montage of credible actors doing ridiculous things. Here are the most credible cases.

The Trailer for Just Like Heaven starring Reese Witherspoon, and Mark Ruffalo looks blah. Let's face it; there are two possible ways it can go. She help him fall in love with a woman he's over looked, or he dies and they "live" out existence as ghosts in love. Unless they're hiding a huge plot point in the trailer (god I hope) it will end one of those two ways. Or should. Whatever. It looks like fluffy garbage. But when that cure song kicks in? well you sit up in your seat a little.

The Man starring Sam Jackson and Eugene Levy has my vote for worst trailer of the year. Makes Sam look like a punk, which is an enormously difficult thing to do. But are they playing "Pump it up" by Elvis Costello? I don't care if it's a little played out ? the song still rocks. And it makes me pay attention. If they're cool enough to know how cool Costello is, well then there's hope, right!? RIGHT!?

Wrong. It's still gonna suck. Let us learn the lesson of not letting our favorite songs mislead us. A good tune, does not make a good movie.

For today's vote incentive I've done a quick sketch of Michael Showalter. It's an OK likeness, but it could be better. It's the sort of thing I'd really like to sit down and focus on. Maybe one day.

And don't forget! All month long we're celebrating the Secret Tales of Super Hero Virginity. Vote everyday to see anew hero talking about virginity. SO far you've missed Dare Devil, Captain America, Silver Surfer, The Blob, and Professor X. SO don't forget to vote! And then check out this thread for the full details and reactions. Thanks!