The Toxic Avenger is a 2023 American sci-fi comedy action horror film and a reboot of Troma’s franchise of the same name.
Written and directed by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore) based on the character created by Lloyd Kaufman and Joe Ritter.
The Troma Entertainment-Legendary Entertainment production stars Peter Dinklage as the new Toxie plus Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, Elijah Wood and Kevin Bacon.
Blurb:
“While the original film (which premiered in 1984 – almost 40 years ago!) followed the fate of Melvin Ferd Junko III (Mitch Cohen), who goes from zero to toxic hero in a case of bullying gone awry, Macon Blair’s contemporary take follows a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength all his own.
Peter Dinklage stars as downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze who, after falling into a vat of toxic waste, becomes none other than The Toxic Avenger. This timely reimagining is up to its eyeballs in environmental themes as Winston goes up against the evil forces of greed and corruption to save his son, his friends, and his community.
Even as this story exists on its own terms, the spirit undoubtedly remains connected to the original. Troma fans old and new will be pleased to know that the film has been rated “R” for violence and gore – as per Troma tradition.”
Reviews:
“Utter absurdity. Bonkers. Ridiculous. All words that describe the thoughts that go through one’s head while watching Blair’s The Toxic Avenger (2023). While in certain circumstances those words may signify a less than enthusiastic film-watching experience, it’s a delight to say that this reimagining of Kaufman’s iconic mop-wielding toxic avenger tale is entertaining and shockingly heartfelt.” B+ Awards Watch
“When it’s fearlessly capturing the Troma spirit, The Toxic Avenger is a complete crowd-pleaser. But the volume of players on the board and the chaos each brings to the table means that the pacing and energy are prone to sags. A tighter, simpler story would’ve helped, but there’s enough fun and outlandishness on display to offset what doesn’t work.” ★★½ Bloody Disgusting
“The Toxic Avenger may not be everyone’s cup of toxic waste, but for those who appreciate the eccentric, the gory, and the nostalgic, it’s a must-see. Macon Blair has managed to breathe new life into a beloved character and give the new generation a taste of what made late-night ’90s films so iconic. With a clever cast and a commitment to the over-the-top, The Toxic Avenger delivers an entertaining and memorable cinematic experience.” ★★★ Horror Movies Uncut
“With its blend of outlandish kills, offbeat humor, and Dinklage’s exceptional performance, it elevates itself beyond its predecessor’s cult status, making it a must-see for both old fans and new audiences. The Toxic Avenger (2023) is a reminder that even in the world of mutant monsters and mayhem, there is room for heart and depth, resulting in a splendid cinematic experience that resonates with modern audiences.” Nightmarish Conjurings
“Blair could hardly have been truer to the spirit of his source material, which is another way of saying that his film is unlikely to find a much wider audience than its predecessor. It isn’t unwelcoming, though. This is an inside joke of a film, but it’s also one that wants you to be in on it.” Variety
YouTube reviews:
Red band teaser trailer:
