The Toxic Avenger (2023)

 One or two of you might remember the days when picking out a movie to watch was all based on your favorite looking video box at your local Blockbuster or rental store. One of the most notorious and intriguing boxes on display for me, has got to be The Toxic Avenger (1984). Created by Lloyd Kaufman the film put his small independent production company, Troma on the map and gave its titular hero worldwide recognition.

 So nearly four decades on and with reboots rife in Hollywood it seems the time is right to revisit and revitalize the mop wielding, tutu wearing champion of the downtrodden. 

Starring Peter Dinklage as Winston, a widowed weakling trying to connect with his stepson played by Jacob Tremblay. The Toxic Avenger 2023 is unashamed in its desire to have fun. The crazy cartoonish world the audience is thrust into is at times scary, hilarious and downright weird. Featuring entertaining supporting turns from Taylour Paige as JJ, a very peculiar looking Elijah Wood as Fritz and Kevin Bacon as the big bad, Bob Garbinger. The cast all seem to be  having a wonderful time. 

 For fans of Troma movies, this doesn’t disappoint. The love for the original is never in doubt as director Macon Blair not only brings Toxie back to the big screen but also manages to tell the story from a new perspective grounding it with heart. Legendary Pictures are an unlikely collaborator in helping to bring the term “butt guts” to the public consciousness but their lavish gloss adds an extra layer of fun to the proceedings. 

Toxic Avenger 2023 is enjoyable from beginning to end and made me feel  nostalgic for carefree days when more of these types of movies existed.