The Toxic Avenger (2025)

But how is the story of this new take? It is very engaging and has more stakes than the first film did. Winston’s transformation doesn’t just affect him or the evil-doers who live in town. No, becoming an avenging mutant with superpowers also has consequences for Wade, a literal child. Bob’s dealings with the mob and issues with his company’s latest product launch are engaging. J.J.’s quest to prove all that and how it helps turn Winston/Toxie into a better person adds weight to what is uncovered.

However, The Toxic Avenger does take a few odd turns. The joke about Fritz using his band as security is hilarious. But why Fritz is in charge of security at all makes no sense. Unfortunately, neither does a turn the character has late in the game. It doesn’t work given his characterization up to that point and feels forced. Also on the negative side is the cinematography. Well, that is untrue, as it is only a few specific shots that are strange. After fully transforming and inadvertently killing a baddie, Toxie is on a rooftop near a chimney. The camera, positioned to show off the person as well as an angle of the brick, pans up and down. But what is the focus of this moment? The strange indent in the chimney? Toxie being a hero? It is an oddity. The big showdown at the end also features a few random inserts that make what is intended to be shown off confusing, to say the least.

“The comedic angle of most Troma productions is alive and well here…”

Luckily, there’s a lot that works. The comedic angle of most Troma productions is alive and well here, though just not as bombastic (it is a personal choice if that’s a good or bad thing). Winston makes breakfast for himself and Wade, and the toast is charred black. Winston’s attempt to scrape off the black is hilarious. The newscasts are frequently silly and pointed. The hierarchy of BTH, and how little the powers that be care for dedicated employees, is poignant, frustrating, and amusing. Whenever the doctor tells Winston information, a jackhammer sounds, causing him to miss vital details. Be on the lookout for “Undiluted Gorilla Blood;” it is a quick but brilliant gag. There’s enough emotional and dramatic weight surrounding the punchlines that this is more than just a goofy lark. Composers Brooke Blair and Will Blair have crafted excellent and stirring musical compositions that skillfully balance the horror, violence, and comedy most pleasingly. Speaking of violence, the film is full of dismemberments, gut spillings, and general mayhem. It is all filmed quite excitingly and will keep the horror/action crowd most pleased.

But the best part of The Toxic Avenger is its cast. Dinklage makes Winston’s subserivence engaging and voices Toxie with real depth of emotion. Guerreiro moves about in the top-notch special effects makeup perfectly, creating a sense that this being is real and has powers. Tremblay makes Wade’s concern for Winston moving. Bacon hams it up, bringing a blast of energy and fun. Wood proves there’s just about nothing he cannot do as an actor. Paige anchors the more serious side of the plot effectively and holds her own in the action sequences well.

Macon Blair’s The Toxic Avenger retains the punk attitude and violence of the beloved original while remaining a distinct entity. He adds greater stakes and character depth to the proceedings, while still doing justice to the transformation and action. The cast is perfect in every way, and each actor brings the right amount of silly and serious to their respective role. This might not be quite as good as Kaufman’s beloved property, nor as brilliant as the stage musical, which remains the definitive distillation of Toxie’s antics. Still, it is a damned fun time at the movies with enough nods and references to please even the most diehard of Troma purists.