In a realm saturated with monotonous superhero films, a singular movie emerges with its distinct hero. That film is The Toxic Avenger, poised to invigorate the MCU and DC domains with its radioactive vigor.

The Toxic Avenger reinterprets Troma Entertainment’s 1984 cult favorite, celebrated for its campy and violent approach to superhero clichés, particularly its main character: a geeky janitor transformed into a toxic beast. Director Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore) strives to evoke a similar atmosphere in his rendition of The Toxic Avenger, set against today’s media backdrop.

Despite increasing viewer exhaustion, superhero films continue to wield cultural significance. As a superhero feature, The Toxic Avenger navigates the space between contemporary major comic book adaptations and its countercultural roots. This dichotomy is apparent throughout, highlighted by its production houses: Legendary Entertainment (renowned for The Dark Knight trilogy, the MonsterVerse, and Dune) and Troma itself.

What transpires when you inject the rebellious spirit of the original Toxic Avenger into a 2023 studio superhero feature? Anticipate gloriously chaotic carnage. Nonetheless, there’s an air of restraint that feels inconsistent with The Toxic Avenger’s untamed essence.

The backstory of The Toxic Avenger follows well-worn formulas before descending into chaos.

Peter Dinklage stars as Winston Gooze, a janitor seeking to bond with his stepson, Wade (Jacob Tremblay), following the loss of his mother to cancer. Upon discovering he has a terminal illness and that his insurance will not cover his treatment, he turns to his employer, Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon), for assistance.

Regrettably, Bob is an awful individual overseeing the BTH corporation, which contaminates St. Roma’s Village with hazardous waste. He is disinterested in aiding a dying worker.

In a state of desperation, Winston attempts a BTH heist, but a chemical mishap alters his fate. With his new form and superhuman strength, Winston partners with journalist J.J. Doherty (Taylour Paige) to dismantle BTH.

The Toxic Avenger delves into common themes such as corrupt bosses and father-son relationships, fitting within the superhero genre while striving for originality.

Blair embraces superhero conventions with meta elements like a “save the cat” scene and a dark narration. Dinklage’s voiceover sets up the film’s absurd moments, ensuring that while some narrative points may be familiar, the bizarre is on its way.

Prior to Winston’s metamorphosis, the film’s eccentricity shines through with settings like “Ye Olde Shithead District” and the introduction of the Killer Nutz band. But for Winston, it’s a standard superhero origin story until he dismembers a man.

The unleashed Toxic Avenger represents the pinnacle of fun in a superhero flick.

Following the arm dismemberment, the film escalates. As the Toxic Avenger (or Toxie), Winston embarks on a violent rampage. Heads are smashed, eyes are burst, and bodies are shredded. Blood and entrails flow, thrilling horror aficionados.

The action sequences, featuring practical effects, display The Toxic Avenger’s inventiveness. Dinklage vanishes beneath prosthetics, showcasing green muscles, purple boils, and a removable red eye. Nevertheless, his performance shines through, embracing the absurdity.

The supporting cast aligns with the film’s tone. Elijah Wood portrays Bob’s brother Fritz with maximum eccentricity. Paige channels her inner action star, while Tremblay presents a memorable dance. Kevin Bacon excels as the manic antagonist, Bob.

The Toxic Avenger flourishes when it goes all out, setting itself apart from typical superhero films. No extensive lore or superhero prerequisites here, just unadulterated madness. Let the blood and gore flow — there’s no such thing as too much.

The Toxic Avenger is currently in theaters.

UPDATE: Aug. 29, 2025, 9:47 a.m. The Toxic Avenger was reviewed after its world premiere at 2023’s Fantastic Fest.