A splatter of fun in The Toxic Avenger
Macon Blair’s The Toxic Avenger reimagines the trashy ’80s classic with a modern twist, delivering on the guts and gore while throwing in a hefty dose of tongue-in-cheek humor. It’s a bonkers ride full of gooey splatter effects, outlandish characters, and just the right amount of low-budget charm. This reboot leans into its roots, and while it makes for a bloody fun watch, it doesn’t always manage to hit the highs of its predecessor.
Blair amps up the ridiculousness right from the get-go, plunging us into a world where our unlikely hero (portrayed with surprising gusto) transforms from a downtrodden janitor into a grotesque, yet somehow endearing, mutant vigilante. The film balances grotesque violence with self-aware comedy, never taking itself too seriously. And thank goodness for that—after all, we’re dealing with a hero who fights crime with a mop! It’s a gleeful embrace of the absurd that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers with a taste for the bizarre.
However, while the film does succeed in delivering plenty of over-the-top moments, it occasionally stumbles over its own ambition. The plot, which involves evil corporations, corrupt officials, and plenty of toxic waste, feels more convoluted than it needs to be. There’s a point where the movie tries to juggle too many elements, and some of the gags end up feeling repetitive. Still, the pace rarely drags, thanks in part to Blair’s deft direction and the energetic performances from the cast.
Speaking of the cast, they seem to be having an absolute blast, and that energy is infectious. The lead, though not as memorable as the original Toxie, brings a mix of vulnerability and camp that fits the film’s tone perfectly. The supporting players, ranging from diabolical villains to hapless bystanders, ham it up with abandon, clearly in on the joke. Yet, beneath all the absurdity, the film sneaks in a surprisingly heartfelt message about embracing one’s flaws—albeit covered in layers of slime and muck.
Despite its rough edges, The Toxic Avenger (2023) manages to capture the spirit of Troma’s cult classic, with all its crudeness and DIY aesthetics. The practical effects and outrageous action sequences will delight those who appreciate a good B-movie romp. However, it doesn’t quite reinvent the genre or bring anything drastically new to the table. It’s a fun ride, sure, but one that feels more like an homage than a groundbreaking reboot.
In the end, The Toxic Avenger is a gory, goofy love letter to fans of schlock cinema. It doesn’t always stick the landing, and its blend of comedy and horror may not be for everyone, but it’s hard to deny the film’s chaotic charm. It’s a mess, but a gloriously entertaining one, dripping with enough toxic sludge to make you smile—or wince.
