THE TOXIC AVENGER — A Delightfully Disgusting Treat of a Remake

Review by Jonathan Berk

Writer and director Macon Blair's follow-up to his 2017 film I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore is finally getting a release. The Toxic Avenger almost didn’t see the light of day due to concerns over its violence and boundary-pushing content. This remake of a beloved Troma classic, which even spawned an animated series in the early '90s, demonstrates Blair's mastery of dark comedy and his love for the genre. Fortunately for fans of both Blair and Toxie, you're in for quite a disgusting treat.

The film introduces us to Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), a down-on-his-luck janitor and dedicated single father to his step-son (Jacob Tremblay). After a devastating toxic accident at the pharmaceutical company where he works, Winston is mutated into a grotesque yet powerful new hero: The Toxic Avenger. With his community and family under threat from greedy corporate forces, Toxie must embrace his monstrous form to serve up some long-overdue, and very radioactive, justice.

The film looks really fantastic. The design of Toxie feels unique to this iteration but takes clear inspiration from the original. The practical effects are outstanding and make the world of the film feel organic. Luisa Guerreiro is in the Toxic Avenger suit, and using a suit instead of CGI was the perfect choice. The movie feels surreal because the content shouldn’t be possible, yet it is clearly tangible. When CGI is used for some of the visuals, it isn't the best and makes the practical elements feel all the more essential.

Dinklage is a powerhouse performer. He immediately makes Gooze an empathetic character without leaning into any specific traits. Pairing him with Tremblay adds to that dynamic, bringing a lot of pathos to what could have been just a gorefest. There is something about the overall performance and script that elevates this material. Blair balances the tones perfectly, providing plenty of humor and gross-out moments.

The rest of the cast adds to the overall quality of the production. Elijah Wood, Kevin Bacon, Julia Davis, and Taylour Paige each bring something memorable to the film. The entire cast seems to be having a blast from scene to scene. Bacon even seems to channel Gary Oldman from Léon: The Professional in a couple of scenes. Wood's character manages a band that also acts as mercenaries for Bacon. The band has a real ICP vibe going on, making them the perfect fodder for evil henchmen. There's a scene with them late in the film that is probably the best set piece overall. Toxie really gets to demonstrate his knack for violence in those moments, which also allows Blair to get creative with the filmmaking. It’s a great scene that should make fans of the original fans of the new one as well.

While there was likely never an expectation that this movie would appeal to the masses, The Toxic Avenger works in ways that may appeal to more than initially expected. The writing is good, which leads to some genuinely funny and a few heartfelt moments. Fans of gore and '80s and '90s Troma films will get their fill. The film is refreshing in many ways and makes for a fun watch.

The Toxic Avenger will be in theaters on August 29. 

Rating: 3.5/5

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