"THE TOXIC AVENGER" Film Review Opens August 29, 2025
THE TOXIC AVENGER
Cineverse
Reviewed: 8/27/2025
Rating: 3 / 5
IN THEATERS AUGUST 29, 2025
The new film “The Toxic Avenger” is a new take on the old Troma classic from the 80’s. Any time a film is remade, rebooted, etc., it’s going to get its share of detractors who either want the original film left alone or will find any reason to pick at the film sight unseen.
If you grew up with Troma films, then you know they were fiercely independent and never catered to the mainstream - anything, really. They were over the top, in your face, and wild entertainment.
This inherently is the issue with the new film. It definitely has its moments where it feels like a Troma film but even just in its production values, the old school audience can’t help but feel they are watching some sort of mainstream or watered down version of good old Toxie.
One of the other differences is that the new Toxie is definitely put into a heroic light pretty much from the start. Peter Dinklage’s character is put upon, down and out, and can’t catch a break. When he transforms into Toxie, he saves the day and the people respond to him as a hero. I didn’t have a huge issue with this but again it just felt like he was too likeable. I wanted to see him be more of an anti hero or even someone that is still an outsider, much like his former human self.
For an unrated film, there are kills that are fun to watch. However, the CGI effects for the blood in particular were annoying. Practical effects would have been a much wiser choice to make the new film feel like the old film.
Overall, “The Toxic Avenger” was entertaining in places but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. If it spawns a sequel, I hope they make some changes to their approach to the new Toxie.
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and EMail Here!
Cineverse
Reviewed: 8/27/2025
Rating: 3 / 5
IN THEATERS AUGUST 29, 2025
(Cineverse)
The new film “The Toxic Avenger” is a new take on the old Troma classic from the 80’s. Any time a film is remade, rebooted, etc., it’s going to get its share of detractors who either want the original film left alone or will find any reason to pick at the film sight unseen.
If you grew up with Troma films, then you know they were fiercely independent and never catered to the mainstream - anything, really. They were over the top, in your face, and wild entertainment.
This inherently is the issue with the new film. It definitely has its moments where it feels like a Troma film but even just in its production values, the old school audience can’t help but feel they are watching some sort of mainstream or watered down version of good old Toxie.
One of the other differences is that the new Toxie is definitely put into a heroic light pretty much from the start. Peter Dinklage’s character is put upon, down and out, and can’t catch a break. When he transforms into Toxie, he saves the day and the people respond to him as a hero. I didn’t have a huge issue with this but again it just felt like he was too likeable. I wanted to see him be more of an anti hero or even someone that is still an outsider, much like his former human self.
(Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, THE TOXIC AVENGER, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.)
For an unrated film, there are kills that are fun to watch. However, the CGI effects for the blood in particular were annoying. Practical effects would have been a much wiser choice to make the new film feel like the old film.
Overall, “The Toxic Avenger” was entertaining in places but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. If it spawns a sequel, I hope they make some changes to their approach to the new Toxie.
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and EMail Here!
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