Superhero movies have been such a dominant force in the marketplace for so long, it seems like any time a new one comes out it's expected to be a hit. Lately, studios are finding out that superhero fatigue is starting to spread like wildfire amongst moviegoers. Movies that were once considered to be surefire hits, even before hitting theater screens, have disappointed with their returns. So, can a remake of a cult film with a modest release break through the fatigue? Probably not, which is a shame because the film is a good time.
The cult history of "The Toxic Avenger" might not be well-known to every viewer. The 1984 film, distributed by Troma Entertainment, known for their B-movie cult pictures, spawned several releases but never created a lasting footprint. The 2025 updated version has been in the works for some time and has had quite the journey to hitting screens. The new version, directed by Macon Blair, originally premiered at a few genre-oriented film festivals in 2023 but had trouble finding distribution, given the content of the movie.
On the surface, "The Toxic Avenger" works and moves like a typical superhero origin story. Peter Dinklage stars as Winston, a janitor at a corrupt pharmaceutical company run by the slimy Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon). Winston recently lost his wife and is living with his stepson Wade (Jacob Tremblay), who doesn't really have much time or patience to pay a stepfather.
If things haven't been bad enough for Winston, he finds out he is ill but doesn't have the healthcare to support necessary treatment. He pleads for help from Bob, who puts a snakeoil salesman grin on his face and promises to do everything he can. After Winston learns that Bob was leading him on, his life doesn't get any easier because he falls into a large vat of chemical waste and is transformed into Toxie, the titular Toxic Avenger with superhero strength and a monster-like appearance.
From then on, "The Toxic Avenger" unfolds like one would expect from a superhero movie: It's Winston against the bad guys (including Elijah Wood's Fritz, whose look feels inspired by Danny DeVito's The Penguin from "Batman Returns"). What makes "The Toxic Avenger" feels new and fresh is its joyous grotesquery, which would never be deemed acceptable for a mainstream superhero film. Limbs are ripped off and throats are cut and it's all done with a twisted and cheerful spirit.
Movies have tried to subvert the expectations of superhero films before. The most recent example is the "Deadpool" franchise. Blair's "The Toxic Avenger" is pitched in the key of "Deadpool" but it comes without the self-pleased, aren't-we-so-edgy attitude that made that particular franchise run out of steam after the first movie. "The Toxic Avenger" is a remake that is happy to stand on its own two demented feet.
| Movie title | The Toxic Avenger |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2025 |
| MPAA Rating | NR |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | This remake of the 1984 classic from Troma Entertainment may break through recent superhero fatigue at the cinema by subverting genre expectations and standing on its own two demented feet. |
