Macon Blair’s reboot of The Toxic Avenger delivers the kind of loud, grimy revival fans were hoping for. As the fifth entry in the series and a remake of the 1984 original, it fully embraces its identity as an ultra-violent, black comedy, blending cartoonish gore with broad satire and unexpected moments of heart. It will thrill those seeking shock value while leaving anyone expecting a conventional superhero story unsettled.
Peter Dinklage leads as Winston Gooze, a downtrodden janitor transformed after a disastrous toxic accident. He brings a grounded humanity to the role, making Winston more than a green-faced force of fury. When the film demands pathos, Dinklage delivers it. Jacob Tremblay shines as Wade, Winston’s stepson, providing the emotional core that anchors the chaos.
Taylour Paige brings spark as J.J. Doherty, the whistleblower whose actions drive much of the plot. Kevin Bacon is gleefully sleazy as the corrupt company boss Bob Garbinger, while Elijah Wood injects a twitchy, unpredictable energy as Fritz. Luisa Guerreiro, credited as the suit performer, commits fully to the physical demands of Toxic Avenger.
The story itself is simple, which works in its favour. A corrupt pharmaceutical company, thugs, mob ties, a whistleblower in peril and a threatened community provide the raw material for Blair to craft violent set-pieces, gross-out gags and darkly comic encounters. The film leans into parody rather than sincere reinvention. It is loud, filthy and frequently hilarious, yet punctuated with genuine moments of feeling that stop it from being purely a shock parade.
There are flaws, though. The plot is intentionally thin, and at times the film feels like a string of skits stitched together with blood and bile. Some jokes overstay their welcome, and the middle section occasionally drifts. At around 100 minutes, it feels a touch long for its material. Those seeking tight plotting and subtlety may be disappointed.
Still, these are minor complaints. Blair clearly knows his audience, keeping the tone anarchic while allowing the relationship between Winston and Wade to give the film heart. Some throwaway scenes land brilliantly, others less so, but the energy and commitment on screen maintain momentum. Performances are strong across the board, the satire hits often enough, and beneath the nastiness lies a strange affection.
The Toxic Avenger is not for everyone. It will offend, it will shock, and it revels in its own grotesque humour. For those willing to lean into that world, it is a raucous and surprisingly touching reboot that honours the original while staking its own claim. I give it 8 out of 10.
Out Now at https://apple.co/4ozVYwU
