The Toxic Avenger (2025) Review

Alright, two days ago I reviewed the original Toxic Avenger and got a kick out of it. Now it's time to see if this newest version is any good.

The Toxic Avenger is exactly like it's original counterpart, that being the movie's a superhero black comedy splatter flick. This is not only the fifth installment of the series but it's also a reboot as well as a remake the original 1984 cult film. Troma Entertainment once again produced but also had some help with Legendary Pictures, and companies like Bloody Disgusting and Iconic Events Releasing handled distribution. Macon Blair both wrote and directed.

The story is, Winston Gooze was just a down on his luck janitor just trying to raise his only son. But things changed when he unintentionally found out about a conspiracy involving a company's plan to use toxic waste on citizen. The men killed by dropping him in the waste, but instead of dying Winston came back as a deformed super strong mutant. And now his sets out to stop this corrupted businessmen and their hired killers.

Initial Reaction

Originally I wasn't going to review this because I was very much unaware of this franchise, I almost felt like skipping it and saving it for a Looking Back. But once I saw the original 1984 movie and instantly became a fan, I decided to watch this. Although I was still hesitant because it's Peter Dinklage's fault we didn't get real dwarves in the live-action Snow White remake. But I decided to push those feelings aside and give this movie a fair chance.

Cons

I've got nothing here. So just move on.

Middle Ground

If there's any slight issue it's the story, more specifically the first act. During the first act we have a lot of introductions to characters and their stories, and how their gonna be connected. Because of this the pacing also suffers a bit. The first act will feel pretty slow and not in a good way. Thankfully both are kinda saved once Winston becomes Toxie. Afterwards it's much smoother sailing.

Pros

One pro to the movie is the humor. Much like it's original counterpart, not every joke or gag lands, but for a good portion of the movie, it's very funny. I also like the more updated satirical jabs. As supposed to environmentalism, the remake instead takes comedic jabs at corrupted medical care businesses. Take note bigger named Hollywood studios, this is how update an old franchise for the "modern audience". Then there's the cast. Despite me previously trash talking the guy, I do admit Peter Dinklage does a great job. While he does play along with the comedic elements, his more heartfelt performance does bring a sense a realism into a more absurd world. And I also give praise to Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood as Bob Garbinger and Fritz. Their more over-the-top and quirky performance elevated the remake's crazed nature. And maybe it's just me but I swear these two were having a blast playing their characters. Then there's the special effects. The film excels in its practical effects. Not only do have creative kills, but the exaggerated and cartoonish violence shows that the filmmakers didn't shy away from Troma's splatter legacy.

While it had a slow start, I still had fun with this. I would recommend you give this movie watch at your theater or if you can't go to the movie theaters, then give it a watch on streaming or Blu-Ray/DVD.

My final rating is, Good.

So that's all for now. Come back on Saturday, Sept 6th, for my review of The Conjuring: Last Rites. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day and do something fun or relaxing for Labor Day.