In today’s climate, where superhero films dominate our cinemas, Macon Blair’s reboot of “The Toxic Avenger” comes as a refreshing addition to the genre.
Only a select few have had the opportunity to see it when the film premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2023. It had a hard time securing distribution as they deemed it unreleasable due to excessive violent content. Finally seeing it and reflecting on their sentiments comes off as a surprise because the violence is tame when put beside mainstream titles like “John Wick” or “The Substance”.
The brutal scenes didn’t come off as gratuitous. The intention for shock value is there, but the kills are a result of a mutant vigilante’s outpouring rage to seek revenge on the goons and corporate leader that wronged him, and not because he enjoys doing it.
The original Toxic Avenger from the 1980s by Troma Entertainment has always been rooted for its campy display of violence to serve a niche movie crowd enjoying an excessive dose of blood. The reboot is careful in its presentation of deaths and is more focused on the heroics of Toxie, the lead anti-hero.
It’s funny and fascinating to see “The Toxic Avenger” being approached in the style of contemporary superhero movies. There was even a post-credits scene jokingly teasing Toxie’s return in future movies.
It helps that this movie has the backing of an established film cast and crew to make it more credible, as opposed to the amateurish charm of the previous films. Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay, and Kevin Bacon seem to have a lot of fun as reflected in their performance, while Elijah Wood, previously collaborated with Blair on “I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore”, embracing the camp with unnecessary make-up transformation.
“The Toxic Avenger” isn’t as extreme as what reports have been tagging it. A nice change of pace to see a superhero film catered exclusively to adults.
“The Toxic Avenger” is now showing in New Zealand cinemas from Umbrella Entertainment.
Featured images from Umbrella Entertainment.
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