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Stars: Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon
Director: Macon Blair
Distributor: Signature Entertainment

“I didn’t want any of this.”

After more than two decades away in hiding, the Toxic Avenger is back. The classic-tacky-trashy horror franchise, originating from the creative geniuses of Troma back in the 80s, has found a new lease of (toxic) life in a reboot that maintains the hilarity that horror can provide, whilst also welcoming a surprisingly wholesome attitude.

Peter Dinkladge’s Winston lives with his unofficial step-son, Wade (Jacob Tremblay) in a rotten, beaten down apartment in New Jersey. Doing the best he can to provide, he works for jokey pharmaceutical outfit, BTH, in the cleaning department – aka the “mop shop”. BTH, led by Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon), willingly worsens its consumers’ health for profits as their business faces a grueling decline. The gritty steadiness of the lifestyle Winston and Wade endure is about to change forever in three steps: Winston has a terminal disease; his employment healthcare doesn’t cover his issue; and finally, Winston experiences a catastrophic life-changing accident at work. The toxic environment of the workplace can literally go a long way…

The world of The Toxic Avenger is hilariously surreal, and quite satirical. But its existence in this form enables the wild and crazy story of zero to ugly, green, toxic hero, take place and unbelievably, feel both logical and realistic. The crazed nonsense we see is fully aided and supported by its wide variety of supporting characters and scenarios. The standout being Kevin Bacon/Bob’s brother, Elijah Wood’s Fritz Garbinger – dripped in hilarity from head to club foot.

Much to my delight, The Toxic Avenger finds great success in its attention to detail here and there to add to relevant contexts. Little instances from a trashy CRT TV in the family home to ridiculously burnt toast, and even Fritz’ filthy nails, these minute details add to the ambiance and context of the film. Not only does the latest Toxic Avenger have sublime fun with its blend of practical and digital effects, it also maintains a wealth of family warmth. Both good and bad family relationships are depicted here, both heartwarming and tragic ones, adding to a wholesome element to an otherwise ridiculously absurd film.

From writer-director, Macon Blair, The Toxic Avenger will delight fans new and old. A fabulous blend of black comedy and bonkers horror. This film could exist in the same universe as Hobo with a Shotgun, but perhaps, a tad sillier. Peter Dinklage is extremely down to Earth in the role of Winston, whilst Luisa Guerreiro excels in the costume of Toxie.