The Toxic Avenger (2025) – 3 out of 4 Stars
There’s a certain joy in watching a movie lean unapologetically into its own absurdity, and The Toxic Avenger (2025) does just that. The film thrives on silliness and fully embraces the wild, zany energy of the original cult classic that inspired it. Rather than dialing back the chaos, it doubles down, creating a tone that feels as irreverent as it is oddly endearing.
A big part of that charm comes from its cast. Kevin Bacon and Peter Dinklage in particular are more than game, clearly relishing the opportunity to cut loose in roles that allow them to play larger-than-life without restraint. Their willingness to go all-in helps elevate the film’s gonzo energy and makes the ride even more enjoyable.
That said, there’s an undeniable weirdness in seeing a Troma property with this much polish, budget, and recognizable talent behind it. Part of what made the original so magnetic was its unapologetically cheap aesthetic, and watching this slicker version can feel a little disorienting. Adding to that, while the movie was billed as “unrated,” abrupt cuts in certain scenes suggest that some of the more excessive gore may have been trimmed back—leaving you to wonder what grisly material was left on the cutting room floor.
Still, for fans of the original and for anyone willing to surrender to the film’s gleefully anarchic spirit, The Toxic Avenger is a helluva fun time. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s exactly as messy as it should be—just with a shinier coat of paint.
