The Toxic Avenger is a Polished Troma Film... If That's Your Thing
Remake offers raunchy fun, but loses schlocky charm of original
3.5/5 stars
It was left in limbo for over two years, but the much-anticipated remake of 1980s cult horror/superhero/comedy The Toxic Avenger finally gets a limited theatrical run to the delight of gore freaks everywhere. Directed by Macon Blair (I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore) and distributed by the company that made those stomach-churning Terrifier movies such hits, it, much like the excellent reboot of The Naked Gun, goes in its own direction while still maintaining the tone and feel of its predecessor. While it certainly looks more polished and professional than Lloyd Kaufman's schlock masterpiece, it also loses some of that bargain-basement energy.
The film follows Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), a lowly janitor working for a shady pharmaceutical company, who suffers a horrible accident involving toxic chemical waste. The chemicals transform Winston into a hideously deformed creature with superhuman strength who then uses his powers to rid the city of crime and corruption. While winning the hearts of the good citizens, he also tries to reconnect with his teenage stepson, Wade (Jacob Tremblay).
While this film is not without its share of nauseating violence, it also has some unexpectedly engaging characters to hold interest. That said, it lacks some of the heart of the original, which, despite its grossness, also worked as a surprisingly sweet love story. And most of the gore effects are unconvincing CGI, lessening the impact of the kills (where's a melon with a wig on it when you need one?). However, it has enough raunchiness and low-brow humor to make any Troma fan happy (guilty!), but I doubt it will have much appeal beyond that. Now bring on the remake of Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.!
Written and directed by Macon Blair // Based on an original story by Lloyd Kaufman // Starring Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Sarah Niles, Macon Blair, Jonny Coyne, Atanas Srebrev, Lee Eddy, Lloyd Kaufman, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon // Legendary Pictures Troma Entertainment // 102 minutes // Unrated (R equivalent)
