The Toxic Avenger Reviews

• BEST MOVIE EVER MADE

  
  By on 1999-10-16
  Toxic Avenger is I think is one of the best movies ever made. It's an all american classic. The gore is cheesy, the humor is downright sick, and of course it's a Troma Team movie. The two spawned sequels were fair. Not as good as the orignal, but still need some recognition. I just can't wait to see Toxic Avenger 4: Citizen Toxie. Also check out my toxic avenger website. It's been pleasing fans for 3 years all over the world.
  
  

• The toxicity of our city

  
  By A6DOCZ10B7JAJ on 2008-02-17
  Look!!
  It's a bird!
  It's a plane!
  It's a toxic revolting puss-infected filthy distorted repugnant hero with a mop!
  
  }-The Toxic Avenger-{
  
  This is the classic B-movie horror comedy flick. Here's the story--
  Nerd gets picked on.
  Nerd falls in toxic waste.
  Nerd gets vengeance.
  
  Yeah it's simple. It's cheesy. And it's totally awesome!
  
  Troma owns disorder.
  
  

• Another awesome schlock film from Troma, of Course.

  
  By A35DY8ZPOLSGBH on 2000-08-21
  Cool movie, The Toxic Avenger is an instant cult classic. The original movie is extremelly well done and fun to watch. I also like the way that it includes material that most other film makers would not dare to use in a film. Example: The kid on a bike being pursosley killed for the amusment of criminals. I liked the fight scenes because they were comical and had a lot of blood and gore. As for Toxic Avenger 2, it was not as good as the first one. It was okay, but the focused was changed from comical gore to crnball gags. And Toxic Avenger 3 was so incredibly bad that you would have to be a complete imbicile to enjoy it no matter what. Part 3 was so incredibly bad, they basically recycled the plot from part 2, took the audience for complete idiots by ignoring nearly everything from the last movie, having Toxie accept a job from the evil Apocalypse Inc. Company he defeated in the last movie, as if he was supposed to not remember who they were. They also brought back bad guys who Toxie killed in the last movie. And they incorporated absurdely and heavy religious content into the script that did not fit well into the script. And even at just around 90 minutes long, Part 3 drags and the storyline often makes no sense at all. So in conclusion I would highly recommend the original movie, say watch the second one if you have time, and don't even bother with the third one. And the Upcoming Toxic Avenger 4:Citizen Toxie looks promising. I do hope that they gring back more of what worked so well in the first movie.
  
  

• So atrociously bad, it's almost good. Almost...

  
  By A3K2UPVYXZMF0N on 2003-05-25
  From the production value, the acting, the direction, the annoying way in which the production company treats itself and it's audience, "The Toxic Avenger" may very well be the worst movie in the history of the Universe. Which is a rather dubious distinction considering "The Thin Red Line", and "Keeping the Faith" have been released in this time continuum.

  The plot is fairly simple...Some dweeb works at a gym. People at the gym are mean to him. People at the gym pull practical joke on dweeb. Joke goes horribly wrong, and the dweeb is disfigured. Disfigured, the dweeb gets his revenge on the "mean people", and ends up with a girl (I'd say "the girl", but the girl, in this movie, was just some contrived plot device). The only plot twist is that the people who are deservedly mean to the dweeb (the dweeb is the sort of person anyone would pick on), are sadistic murders, who wantonly commit vehicular homicide during the evening, and are so blatantly bigoted, the Republican party will inevitably adopt them as their mascots in the not-too-distant-future.

  But stangely enough, this film, which for all intents and purposes should never have been made, actually turns out almost watchable. The gratuitous sex draws in the teenage viewer with their raging hormones, and the very explicit violence draws in the conissuer's of violence, such as myself, who are always looking for the next "Evil Dead." While this movie is nowhere near as good as the "Evil dead", it is a comedy in the same vein as the ED. While bigoted hipster's, murdering defenseless children may seem repugnant, the way it is filmed, just seems so absurd, it actually becomes rather comical (the "head crushing" scene for instance). And the contrived romance between toxie and the blind chick is a very predictable plot twist, but it is acceptable, and does continue character development in some sense.

  The only way in which a movie like this can get worse is if the producers insult their audience, by taking themself seriously. On the DVD extra's, the producers go into full "kayfabe" mode (to borrow a wrestling term), and totally insult the audience by acting as if the Toxic Avenger is a legitimate person, and the movie was just some sort of adaptation of the Toxic Avenger's life. A segment like that just insults the audience, and will in all probability just repell viewers...

  Pretensious DVD documentary aside, this is a below average movie, definitely worth at least one look (especially if you're a fan of gratuitous violence such as myself), but don't go in expecting "Scarface" or a "Godfather" type of movie (you know, movie's people actually consider good), or you'll be very disappointed. The best comparison I can come up for this movie is the "Evil Dead", just not as polished, and just not as good...
  
  

• Troma's Best!!!

  
  By A28G0CVWJEHL05 on 2004-10-21
  This is one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life. Gore, action, and humor all come together to make this incredible film, by an incredible company which is in fact, TROMA. This movie is funny throughout, and one can laugh at when one's guts are being pulled out, or my favorite; ripping off someone's arm and beating the person with it. The story of the movie is simple. A geek by the name of Melvin works at a health club, and being tormented by everyone there, he jumps out of the window and lands in a barrel of toxic waste. From that part on he is the Toxic Avenger, a being that destorys any form of evil that arises. This movie I would recommend to all, except for children because there is gore, violence, and some nudity. But other than that, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen, and definetley one of Troma's best.
  
  
• TOXIC AVENGER Is A Tromatic Classic!
  By A39C7SEMCJWVOI on 2000-07-12
  I'm a big fan of TROMA movies...so I guess that's why I liked THE TOXIC AVENGER! The film is about a high-school mop boy who gets chased by a gang, jumps out a window and falls into a vat of toxic waste...thus transforming into a mutant superhero. That's all I'm going to give away for now, but I'll tell you that this movie has a lot of violence, a lot of humor, a lot of nudity, and a "head crushing" scene that is not for those who have weak stomachs. The unrated directors cut DVD is loaded with lots of extra TROMA goodies!
  
  
• Fun at is finest
  By A26XB6DPCV4ROO on 2000-06-08
  Ever sat through films that ran over the edges with campiness, gore,self mockery, and everything that makes cheesiness great? If you haven't then this is truly the way to be introduced. This is probably the film i remember the most from the eighties. Sure the great 80's had classics like the indiana jones trilogy, phantasm 2, and so on, but somehow this flick went over all that and delivered everything that made movies great. Packed with comedy, this story of a supergeek that is constantly mocked and taunted is more than you bargained for. Stuff starts going over your head when a prank against this particular nerd is literally "tricked off a building", naturally he falls into a vat of toxic waste and so begins the odyssey of Toxie. After this you are treated with relentless gore, a compassionate hero, his blind girlfriend, cheesy acting, and everything that is politically incorrect in our minds. Toxie goes out to enact revenge on his agressors, on the way leading us to endless entertainment. Troma proves that they are the best in schlock with the title that made them titans of good film sludge. Mind you this is not a film for average viewers, more for fans of the horror/sci-fi genre. Also understand that this is a film not to be taken seriously but more to just have fun with. Regardless of its limited appeal most will fall in love with the toxic hero, hell even kids will. Although this dvd edition is more graphic than the cut i remember seeing, i will certainly let my child see the glory of troma when he comes of age. BE WARNED the Toxic Avenger is an acquired taste, but nonetheless a timeless classic that can turn people into loving all that is good in bad films The sound on the dvd is not fantastic but its as good as its gonna get for it, definately better than the video. It also includes fun extras that you are bound to love. Buy it if you like to try new things and like to have fun. Don't buy it if you can't have a little fun or support gore, but you will be missing out!
  
  
• Disgusting and Funny!!
  By A1L5I35E788INP on 2000-06-12
  The title for my review pretty much describes this film. The uncut version of this film is a lot more disgusting than the R rated version. Anyway the plot is as follows... This nerd that works at a health spa gets accidently gets dumped into a vat of toxic waste while getting a prank pulled on him. The Toxic Waste burns and deforms him seriously and also gives him super human strenth. Afterwards Melvin (now known as the toxic avenger) begins a Hilarious and Shockenly Gory Crime Spree. A very entertaining B flick that has to be seen to be believed. WARNING: ANYONE THAT IS SENSITIVE TO VIOLENCE OR SEXUALITY SHOULD NOT VIEW THIS FILM. I put this warning on here mainly because this movie features the most cruel and vile hit and run scene I have ever seen in my life.
  
  
• Dont judge a video by its cover!
  By on 2001-07-07
  I recently purchased this video and was very disappointed!The box promises the full "head crushing"scene;"scenes never before scene in america";"an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with...Lloyd Kaufman";and "some extremely rare scenes from the original workprint".None of these things were on the video and because I opened the package it cant be returned.In its original form,with the head crushing scene,this movie is a five star classic.Just dont expect to get what you paid for!
  
  
• Terrible
  By A1EOQN0L0QE0BG on 2001-07-28
  This movie is not funny.The scene when the people roll over the kid's head is not at all funny,just gross.
  
  
• Hilarious and bloody
  By A1K7AGSTZ1206I on 2002-02-12
  I always wanted to see a movie where pedestrians are mowed down by cars, little old ladies are beat up, and guys get their arms ripped off and hands crushed. If this is what you look for in a movie, check out Toxic Avenger. Inredible stuff, I don't care about the poor acting (some of the worst I've ever seen), low budget feel, poor costumes, etc. This is a great flick. Any time you have a super hero born from chemical waste who beats up bad guys, scores with a blind chick, and makes his house out of garbage in the middle of a dump you know it's a legendary movie. Most memorable scene: guy at the gym gets his face smashed in by a stack of weights. Check it out ASAP.
  
  
• GET IT TODAY
  By AKSIS589ZL8MD on 2005-04-11
  The Toxic Avenger is one of the most important films in independent cinema, and without it there would have been no Lord Of The Rings as we know it. Peter Jackson (only one of Hollywood's major directors who admits to be influenced by Toxie, filmstudio Troma and director Lloyd Kaufman) would never have made his earlier horror-flicks which made him famous enough to be chosen to direct this much too expensive series. The Toxic Avenger may have influenced many directors, it has never quite been surpassed in its originality and brilliance, which is even more surprising if you take into account that it was made for the price of Christopher Lee's breakfast on the set of LotR.

  Lloyd Kaufman is a genius, and his films are trendsetting, innovative and completely original. The Toxic Avenger is the one that put his (and Michael Herz's) filmcompany Troma on the map and 30 years later they still survive as a truly independent studio, in spite of increasingly below-the-belt practices of the Major Conglomerates who don't really like to have any competition of someone who actually has ORIGINAL IDEAS. Besides Disney, Troma is the only filmcompany in the world that has a legion of fans who follow the Brand in itself. And such a thing can only happen if that brand has proven to be responsible for a continuous string of very special, innovating and high-quality products.

  This release is a deserved tribute to one of Horrorfilm's icons. The Toxic Avenger turns 21 this month, and with three sequels to his name he is still more alive than he has ever been. Besides a wonderful TROMAMORPHIC widescreen presentation of the film (that has never looked better) this set offers hours of very interesting bonus-material which makes it quite difficult to turn off the TV set. There is a brand new Audio Commentary. Kaufman's commentary tracks are always an attraction of their own, and this one is certainly no exception. With his unique sense of humor, sharp analisys and immense know-how of making films he offers a highly entertaining, funny and informative commentary that in some cases can even be seen as an extension of his Make Your Own Damn Movie-instructions.
  The fist disc also offers very interesting recent interviews with a great number of the original stars of the film, seven deleted scenes, the intro and outro from the original Laser Disc release and an updated 45 minute film showing highlights of many Troma-appearances on festivals and other occasions around the world in "Where in the world is Toxie".
  And even though this first disc is more than worth the price alone, there is a second dvd in this set with some fantastic stuff. There are fan-submissions of a number of very interesting reminiscences, hommages and short films of surprising quality that need to be checked out, unique scenes from the successfull theatrical musical TOXIC AVENGER: THE MUSIKILL , original trailers for all toxic avenger films, trailers for other Troma-releases and much more Tromatic information. Another disc that would be interesting enough and worth the low price of the entire set.

  This is the ultimate release of this very important film. A MUST BUY for thos who haven't yet seen the film. A HAVE-TO-GET for anyone who is familiar with the film but still does not have the title in their collection, but also a GOTTA-GET-IT-TODAY for those who already have the film, as this presentation is much better than ever before, and it offers a load of highly entertaining, infomative and not-to-be-missed extra's that is unheard-of, especially on such an affordable release.
  It's from Troma. Of Course!
  
  

• bad, but not even bad in the entertaining way
  By A2EERM752BMSQD on 2005-06-11
  I'm a fan of b-movies, I can handle bad acting and whatnot, but this is just eye-rollingly stupid and boring. Everything about it tastes of lowclass amateurish "don't know what I'm doing" filmmaking. Bad on all counts. But the biggest sin is the bad story and bad writing. If you can get through this pile without rolling your eyes or shaking your head in shame, then you all the more power to you.
  
  
• Toxie Time
  By ANAYSRE3LX8GZ on 2005-06-16
  
  
  PLOT:
  In a town called Tromaville there is a gym where a little dweeb named Melvin works. He's a geek who gets on all the cool kids nerves. They plan a prank on him that ends seeing Melvin fall out of a window and land in a barrel of Toxic waste on the back of a truck parked outside. But instead of killing Melvin, it turns him into a hideously deformed creature of super human size and strength that develops Troma-zones that make Melvin fight crime when needed. Melvin helps the people of Tromaville and cleans up the town of its crime, while also getting revenge on the kids who caused him to become what he is.
  
  Review
  TA is a dark comedy full of action, horror and comedy that will not be accepted by people who take things too seriously. It is an over the top, cult style film. It's a breath of fresh air to have a movie with actors who aren't trying to steal the spotlight, or use the film as a stepping-stone to further there acting credibility for future reference. This movie would never win any academy award. But that's what we love about because we hate the academy awards anyway. Toxie is just a great movie of the little guy that was always pushed around finds himself in a situation that leads to him finishing on top...and also some wacky, gross, disgusting, silly, over drawn, ridicules things along the way. It's a fun movie but not something to sit down with grandma to watch.
  
  DVD
  Finally I was able to sit down, kick back and relax and watch the Toxic Avenger clearly and as a bonus, uncut. I've had the first 3 Toxies on VHS for years, but the videos where bad quality, warn out and the image was always rolling and fading, the sound was dropping in and out... so even tho I've been a fan of Toxie for years, I felt like I was watching it for the first time.
  
  The quality isn't super great, there is still speckles here and there, but it's clear enough not to worry about it, they polished it up as best they could and you'll only see the dust speckles if your purposely looking for them.
  
  The sound wasn't surround sound, but it didn't matter, least it was clear and loud enough to understand what was being said.
  
  Bonus Features
  Like many of the Troma DVD's, TA is packed with great bonus features. There are 2 discs in this edition, but I think if they had have tried, it would all fit onto 1 disc.
  - Interviews - There is heaps of interviews with Lloyd Kaufman (Producer/President of Troma) & Mitch Cohen (Toxic Avenger) plus many more of the actors and directors.
  - Commentary - Interesting
  - Intro to the movie by Lloyd
  - The intro and outro used on the laser-disc version
  - Fan films - Short films sent to Troma from fans inspired by Toxie, they're actually so bad there entertaining!
  - Deleted scenes - Why did they cut these? Some of them and hilarious!
  - Plus a heap of stuff you find on every Troma DVD like the tour of Troma, and how to make a movie things etc.
  
  
  Cons:
  - A lot of the bonus features look like where recorded off a VHS, but who cares, there only bonus features, the movie is fine.
  - No subtitles -
  - no out-takes, gag-reel, bloopers.
  
  As you can see, the positive weighs down the negatives enough to show that Troma has once again presented a great movie with a great DVD package.
  
  
• HULK-LIKE SUPERHERO IS A TREAT!
  By A1K4XSPRLTVGJ4 on 2000-02-28
  I just bought this recently and I thought it was good, crowd-pleasing fare, a trashy, tongue-in-cheek superhero spoof that is best enjoyed if you don't take it seriously. The way in which the Toxic Avenger kills the baddies is often gruesome, but inventive and I particularly liked his relationship with the blind girl. One classic piece of action is when our hero teaches a hit-and-run sadist a valuable lesson, culminating in the creep's car exploding into a spectacular ball of flame! Despite a sentimental finale, this is a cult gem that pokes some fun at the '80s.
  
  
• The Toxic Avenger
  By on 2000-07-15
  The Toxic avenger is one of the greatest movies ever made. This is the movie that made troma famous.The only thing is that if you are going to buy, buy the directors cut, it has extra scenes that make the movie that much better.This is full of action,toxic waste, stupid humor and all that great stuff. This movie is on my top ten list. If you enjoy this movie you would like the toxic avenger 2 & 3 and soon to come, 4. Also think about picking up Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D., and just about anything else put out by troma. And if you enjoy the movies read all about the guy who made them all what they are, Lloyd Kaufman, in his book, All I need to know about film making I learned from toxic avenger. One last thing, GET THIS MOVIE!
  
  
• I Know What I Am Talking About!
  By A8NQ9BWVV4ZB2 on 1999-12-21
  Do not be fooled by the ratings! While this movie is a horror movie icon, it is by no means a blockbuster! It is very cheasy, has bad acting, is dubbed in most parts, and is just plaing sick in others. Dont watch this unless you are in the mood for a movie that is very different.
  
  
• Good to the last drop
  By on 1999-06-17
  I liked it okay. Enough said
  
  
• This movie is sick, twisted, and demented. I loved it!
  By A2URYXZRMOLC8O on 1999-11-20
  One day I was cruising around at the video store when this movie caught my eye. I had heard of the kids cartoon, but the box said unrated directors cut-suggesting that it wasnt a kid freindly flick. I rented it out of curiosity and found it to be one of the funniest movies I had ever seen. Its a riot!
  
  
• One of the best exploitation films of the 80's
  By A1G5DQIIZCSW0X on 2000-12-26
  This film is very entertaining if you're twisted and can handle the gore FX (they get pretty gross at times). I remember watching this gem at a very young age, and I haven't been the same since! It has some really bad jokes and is sometimes too mean-spirited, but I think it's a great example of how to make a successful dark (very dark) comedy. If I were to compare it with another film, it's similar to Flesh for Frankenstein. Don't miss, if you like horror films.
  
  
• Toxie
  By on 2001-09-08
  This is that age old story that we've heard a thousand times....boy is shunned...boy falls out window...boy falls in toxic waste...boy becomes a mop weilding super hero...
  Sure, we've heard the tale before, but Troma Picture's adaptation of that age old classic both pulls at the heartstrings and makes you want to vomit...I give it two enthusiastic (and slightly mutilated) thumbs up
  
  
• Head crushing fun!
  By A15DDVD2TD77B9 on 2001-09-20
  With the Toxic Avenger, like most Troma films, it's hard to wrap your mind around what you've just watched. Not there is any deep emotional insight and political commentary here. It's just that there is a difficulty in figuring out just what this film is. Not to mention whether or not it's actually any good.
  Toxic Avenger is undeniably low grade. Production quality, writing, and cinematic technique take a back seat to the quest for the lowest common denominator. It's undoubtedly an exploitation film and no target is unworthy. From fat people to muscle headed jocks, blind people to little old ladies, Toxic takes every cheap shot it can think of. And it makes sure to lay them on with a very broad stroke. No subtlety here folks. That also goes for there obvious delight in soft core hijinks and gore that borders on the ludicrous. There is nothing like seeing a man getting pounded over the head with his own arm. And yet I still enjoyed it.
  There is no doubt that Toxic Avenger is the very definition of B-movie. One might go as far as to call it a C-movie. But this is nothing that fans of Troma's particular brand of crap don't already know. Because there lies the charm. I personally admit to laughing heartily throughout. Probably more due to the fact that I sat there mouth agape, amazed at what I was watching. Everything about this movie is excessive. Most notably for me was the psycho jock foursome who emotionally torture janitor Melvin, (the future Toxie). They don't just chew the scenery, they gnaw and tear at it like it's a big, juicy turkey leg. Keep an eye out for the top jock, who's head always seems about ready to explode, and his main squeeze, who's giant, gnashing, pearly whites are quite blinding, (and not just a little frightening). Everyone else envolved manages to overact to, although to somewhat lesser degrees, and there is obvious enjoyment had by all envolved. Then there is Toxie himself, a likable hero even when he's walking around grunting and disemboweling people. Surprisingly he is one of the few characters who doesn't seem loopy, although he makes up for it in the carnage he leaves behind.
  This is, of course, a comedy. And on that level it is a success. But it is still a bad movie even in light of that. Toxic Avenger never claimed it wasn't bad, which is an obviously redeeming quality. Still, though the humor is low brow, some of it falls flat and misses out on intentional laughs in exchange for simply humorously bad ones. Having a police chief who acts like some kind of odd Dr.Strangelove, Colonel Klink combination just doesn't make sense. There are some small jokes that are so broad and juvenile that they are almost pointless. And some major plot shifts make the film lose track of it's overall destination.
  But this is great fun, though mainly for those who already enjoy this sort of thing. If your not the sort of person who can get a laugh out of watching some kid get his head pulped by the back tire of a car, then I'd look elsewhere for enjoyment.
  As for this dvd, the film quality is decent and it's probably better than any previous version, but the fact that it is low budget is obvious. The same goes for the audio. The Toxic Avenger is crammed full of special material. There are deleted scenes, some quite funny. A number of trailers for some of their more well known films, like "Surf Nazis Must Die", are also here, as is Toxic Avenger. An interesting Toxic memorabilia section with many little tidbits relating to Toxie, notably the opening scene from the short lived Toxic Avenger cartoon from the early nineties, (I had forgotten about it until I saw this),add to the fun. You'll also find a trivia game. Answering questions results in short video clips from and assortment of Troma's films. Right and wrong answers each result in different clips so you'll probably have to go through it several times. Finally, there is a twisted tour of Troma's New York office. Much of this is led by Lloyd Kaufman himself, the madman behind much of Troma's labors, including Toxic Avenger. It's an enjoyable collection enfussed with the same demented sense of humor that makes Toxic so bizarre. If you like Troma, this is their crown jewel. If you like your movies sans that very special Toxie brand of humor, well...I just pity you.;)
  
  
• Andy Warhol Step Back
  By A2DT0SZU5QTLZ on 2002-04-07
  Finally, a film that can give Warhol's Frankenstein some competition. The Toxic Avenger is camp humor and gore that makes the violence of Warhol seem laid back. Toxie gives you something to laugh at.
  
  The buff beautiful people who draw out Melvin's id, much to their chagrin later in the film, are reminiscent of the potheads of Reefer Madness, in their crazed drinking binges . The Toxic Avenger in its gore intensity is a film similar to the ones shown to kids in drivers' education classes, with titles like 'Blood Runs Red on the Highway', depicting State Policemen picking up severed heads from the spots they've rolled to, usually behind the wheel of the same tractor-trailer that totaled the car, then tossing it indiscreetly into the body bag. As the plot of The Toxic Avenger unfolds, the buff beautiful people becoming bored and intoxicated run over an innocent youth riding his bicycle, crushing his head beneath their car tire. Filmed as close as the perspective of the victim, this scene won't phase you a bit. An exaggerated film with a point, the storyline in the meanwhile has Melvin becoming the burning man after falling into nuclear waste, and running home to become the Toxic Avenger.
  Listening at the bathroom door, as Toxie moans in morphing pain, his mother beams. "Finally puberty!" Before the film is done, he avenges the community wronged by the criminals, himself wronged by the bullies, and he finds a girlfriend who loves his id just as id is.

  It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
  
  

• Melvin's on Fire! Melvin's on Fire!
  By A2V3P1XE33NYC3 on 2003-03-23
  For the ultimate cheese flick, you need look no further than this seminal 1986 film from Troma, the New Jersey film studio that specializes in [weak]cinema. Lloyd Kaufman and gang take deep pleasure in producing only the worst films money cannot buy, films loaded with gore, ..., and hammy acting. "The Toxic Avenger" is a bit different from the other garbage that Troma churns out, mainly due to its "so bad it's good" status. I first saw this film when it came out on video, in 1986 or 1987, and the gore scenes were my first real introduction into the grindhouse cinema world. When a DVD player appeared under the tree at Christmas this year, this was one of the first films I picked up. If anything, I actually thought the movie was better than when I first watched it, an upsetting revelation if there ever was one.

  Poor, poor Melvin. He is a nerd who gets absolutely no respect from anyone in Tromaville. Our lovable geek spends most of his time mopping the floor at the local gym, where he inadvertently knocks people into the pool, slaps people with his mop, and horrifies the local ladies with his shlocky grin. Melvin really gets into trouble when he angers four of the local "beautiful" people. For nothing more than a few laughs, these four [people] decide to play a little joke on Melvin, a gag that takes a decidedly terrible turn for the worse when Melvin falls into a barrel of toxic waste. The result of this weird baptism is the Toxic Avenger, a muscle bound, tutu-wearing [strange guy] that decides to battle [the world] in Tromaville.

  As Superman, Batman, and other superheroes know, battling [the world] can be a thankless job. The hours stink, someone in charge always thinks you are up to no good, and you have to hide your identity from loved ones. All of these things happen to our good hero Toxie, but with a distinct twist. Toxie must still fight the bad guys at night, when he cracks a few skulls together in an alley or seeks revenge against his enemies. And while the mutated one does not need to hide his identity from his girlfriend (she's blind, conveniently enough), he still has to live in the city dump. Then there are the [bad] ones: a [dishonest] mayor and his [strict] police chief, a gang of thugs who really take a bloody beating, and the four yucks who played the trick on Melvin. All [end their lives] in extraordinarily gruesome ways, usually accompanied by aphoristic dialogue that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger stand up and bellow with pride.

  Ultimately, it is the gore that draws a viewer to this film. The coup de grace is the head-crushing scene, which still manages to invoke the "ugh" factor after all these years. This scene is so unforgettable that Troma made sure to advertise it on the front of the DVD case. Regrettably, the rest of the gore in the film is uneven: several scenes during a robbery at a taco stand are outstanding while another crushed head scene in the gym is mediocre at best. Still, if you are a gore fan you must see this film for that fateful meeting between a boy on his bike and a car.

  It might seem a wee bit ridiculous to invest this film with a deeper meaning, some sublime theme that allows it to transcend the double digit budget and gutter humor, but there is an attempt at a message in the film. Throughout the movie, we become aware of Melvin's status as an outsider, a reclusiveness that becomes more pronounced after his shocking transformation. When the people of Tromaville finally stand up to protect their grotesque hero, the outsider becomes accepted. In this respect, "The Toxic Avenger" is very mainstream, as most big budget Hollywood films promote similar ideas. Of course, there are not many [famous] actors who fall into a vat of toxic waste, burst into flames, and then [destroy] people with a mop.

  There are plenty of extras on this DVD, including a commentary with director/Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman, a tour of the Troma studio, some lost scenes, plenty of stills, and some fun trailers. The picture quality is good considering the age of the movie and the nothing budget the film was shot on. The sound quality is nothing to write home about, but what you hear is more than adequate to enjoy the film. In short, I think this film is worth the price of admission, especially if you cannot resist watching low budget gold.
  
  

• It's just excellent fun!
  By on 2003-07-05
  I fell in love with "Toxic Avenger" the very first time I saw it when it first came out. Wanted the DVD version and found it here on Amazon. They say this version is digitally remastered...??? The video was somewhat dirty in parts...and the sound was not excellent. But I'll have to tell you...you'll have to pry this copy out of my cold dead hands...! Love it!!!
  
  
• Oh yeah. What a relief.
  By A38QJ7JUUTVLKX on 2003-10-14
  A Horror-Comedy comparable to Dead Alive, Army of Darkness, Return of the Living Dead, and Re-Animator. The Toxic Avenger is a cheezy super hero movie, and that's the point. Toxie's erly days, were humble, he was the school nerd who was picked on and teased alot, then one day he falls into some toxic waste and it deforms him, but it gives him superhuman strength, and thus he becomes The Toxic Avenger! If you don't like this film, consider yourself ignorant and in desperate need of therapy. This movie is just flat out funny. Smart people will get it, but the stuck up squares will not. This movie was made this way intentionally. This is the only Trama film worth your time. It's so funny. I haven't laughed so hard in forever. This is a 5 star comedy. Definately a must see for people with taste.
  
  
• Melvin kick loud
  By A31DVDYM4887GG on 2004-11-23
  Je ne connaissait pas la firme Troma, cé avec ce Toxic Avenger qui me la fait connaitre. Je ne suis pas deçue, au contraire j'ai adoré ce film. Bon Tromaville la ville la plus polué ou reigne de vilaine crapule est l'endroit ou le film ce passe. Melvin le pauvre concierge du gym est le souffre-douleur des autres, Les idiots on voulu lui faire une farce qui sait mal tourné parce qu'il ne savais surement pas ce qui allait ce passé. Melvin tombe dans les déchets toxic et devien le super-héro trash 'The Toxic Avenger'. Il fait sont travaille, il netoit la ville de sa vermine en tuant de nombreuse crapule sauvagement jusqua ce qu'il tue une pauvre inocente. Les gens révolté de sont actes s'en prenne a lui, je n'en dirait pas plus au cas ou vous ne l'auriez pas vue. Dans ce film on a le droit a tout, du sexe, des scenes bien gore et émouvante. On s'attache a l'histoire rapidement. bon il y a quelques pépin coté scénario mais on s'en fou le film tien la route quand meme. Amateur de fim trash ce film est la référence je n'ai pas vue les suites qui sont surement moin intense que l'original comme la plupart des suites au classic de l'horreur mais bon a voir absolument.
  
  
• 21st Anniversary edition notes
  By A25PM9JGHPU8EI on 2004-10-19
  "If he doesn't want to cooperate, we'll have to make LOOOOOVVE to him!!!"
  That, the scene where the head gets run over, and the dog getting shot in a restaurant are my favorite scenes. Also, this is a HORRIBLE transfer - just the way it should be!
  
  About the 21st Anniversary Golden Edition:
  -------------------------------------------------
  You might want to think twice before picking this edition up. Why? This one claims to be in "Tromorphic Widescreen". Now, let's be real: these films are not going to suffer if they're not presented in widescreen because - as is noted up front in the new commentary - Troma films in a 1.33:1 ratio. Kaufman even admits that their non-widescreen releases are better because the viewer is in fact getting more information not masked off the top and bottom. Not knowing that beforehand I took a chance and picked this up. Suffice to say, I like the original, "full frame" edition better. All they've done is mask off the top and bottom, which is not an improvement. Again, I'm not expecting Criterion quality for Toxie by any means (though it would be interesting to see what THEY would do with this), but there's another reason to keep your original - although TA is given the widescreen treatment, it is NOT anamorphic 16:9. IT IS LETTERBOX ONLY. If you're a fan, I'd advise picking it up for cheap in a used bin.
  
  
• IMPORTANT MUST-BUY
  By A1NJLISY4ZWP7D on 2005-04-11
  The Toxic Avenger is one of the most important films in independent cinema, and without it there would have been no Lord Of The Rings as we know it. Peter Jackson (only one of Hollywood's major directors who admits to be influenced by Toxie, filmstudio Troma and director Lloyd Kaufman) would never have made his earlier horror-flicks which made him famous enough to be chosen to direct this much too expensive series. The Toxic Avenger may have influenced many directors, it has never quite been surpassed in its originality and brilliance, which is even more surprising if you take into account that it was made for the budget of Christopher Lee's breakfast on the set of LotR.
  
  Lloyd Kaufman is a genius, and his films are trendsetting, innovative and completely original. The Toxic Avenger is the one that put his (and Michael Herz's) filmcompany Troma on the map and they still survive as a truly independent studio after 30 years, in spite of increasingly below-the-belt practices of the Major Conglomerates who don't really like to have any competition of someone who actually has ORIGINAL IDEAS. Besides Disney, Troma is the only filmcompany in the world that has a legion of fans who follow the Brand in itself. And such a thing can only happen if that brand has proven to be responsible for a continuous string of very special, innovating and high-quality products.
  
  This release is a deserved tribute to one of Horrorfilm's icons. The Toxic Avenger turns 21 this month, and with three sequels to his name he is still more alive than he has ever been. Besides a wonderful TROMAMORPHIC widescreen presentation of the film (that has never looked better) this set offers hours of very interesting bonus-material. There is a brand new Audio Commentary. Kaufman's commentary tracks are always an attraction of their own, and this one is certainly no exception. With his unique sense of humor, sharp analisys and immense know-how of making films he offers a highly entertaining, funny and informative commentary that in some cases can even be seen as an extension to his Make Your Own Damn Movie-instructions.
  The fist disc also offers very interesting recent interviews with a great number of the original stars of the film, seven deleted scenes, the intro and outro from the original Laser Disc release and an updated 45 minute film showing highlights of many Troma and Toxie-appearances on festivals and other occasions around the world in "Where in the world is Toxie".
  And even though this first disc is more than worth the price alone, there is a second dvd in this set with some fantastic stuff. There are fan-submissions offering a number of very interesting reminiscences, hommages and short films of surprising quality that need to be checked out, unique scenes from the successfull theatrical musical TOXIC AVENGER: THE MUSIKILL musical, original trailers for all toxic avenger films, trailers for other Troma-releases and much more Tromatic information. Another disc that would be interesting enough and worth the low price of the entire set.
  
  This is the ultimate release of this very important film. A MUST BUY for thos who haven't yet seen the film. A HAVE-TO-GET for anyone who is familiar with the film but still does not have the title in their collection, but also a GOTTA-GET-IT-TODAY for those who already have the film, as this presentation is much better than ever before, and it offers a load of highly entertaining, infomative and not-to-be-missed extra's that is unheard-of, especially on such an affordable release.
  It's from Troma. Of Course!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A Whacky Superhero Flick Well Worth Its Cult Status
  By A157XTSMJH9XA4 on 2005-11-19
  Plot: Melvin is the epitome of a scrawny geek pushed around by everyone else. But when a prank meant to embarass him goes horribly wrong, he ends up falling into a barrel of toxic waste -- transforming him into a huge, messy monster. Driven to fight evil, he becomes the hero of the small town of Tromaville. He does everything from busting murderers to helping old ladies across the street. But low-life criminals aren't all that's standing in his way. The corrupt mayor of Tromaville wants him dead -- and will go to any lengths to stop this sudden appearance of justice in his rotten town.
  
  Knowing little about the freaky superhero known as The Toxic Avenger, I was expecting a light-hearted horror/action film about a monster crime-fighter. It was even listed in the horror section. But what I got instead was a highly comedic popcorn flick with plenty of laughs, intentionally hammy acting, cheesy yet witty lines, and bucketloads of violent fun. Toxie and the other characters (including a blind woman who ends up as his lover) were obvious evidence that this is not to be taken seriously. TA is a completely absurd tale that will stupify any viewer. There are a few sublimal hints at how ridiculous some parts of society have become, but come on, who would watch it for the morals?
  
  To top it all off, this particular DVD edition is a great purchase for anyone who wants to own the movie. The film's presented in its original, uncut version, and the menus are busting at the seams with special features. The people at Troma sure do know how to have good old fashioned fun, and The Toxic Avenger is clear proof. It's one of the dumbest movies you could ever see. And just remember -- that's a good thing! Unrated for Violence, Nudity/Sexual Content, and Language.
  
  

• Class of Nuke'Em High
• The Toxic Avenger, Part II
• Citizen Toxie - The Toxic Avenger IV (Unrated Director's Cut)
• Tromeo and Juliet (10th Anniversary Edition)
• The Toxic Avenger Part III - The Last Temptation Of Toxie (Unrated)