:
Scott Leva,
Scott Leva,
Andree Maranda,
more...
:
Lloyd Kaufman,
Michael Herz,
Lloyd Kaufman,
more...
see all cast/crew...
: Troma
: Comedies, Cult, Horror, Camp, Parodies, Comic Books, Superheroes, Studios, Troma, Erotica
: 82 min.
: English
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In a crazy spoof of heroic monster movies that spawned two sequels, The Toxic Avenger is about the transformation of a mild-mannered, scrawny janitor into a thundering, muscular hero out for justice, morality, and in one case, a bit of sex. Melvin (Mark Torgl) has a job as a custodian at a work-out club where his humiliating treatment by the musclebound reaches an ugly climax in which Melvin is forced to jump out of a window. He lands in a toxic waste truck, and by some miracle of modern pollution he is transformed into a pumped-up monster, heretofore known as the Toxic Avenger (Mitchell Cohen). From that moment on, TA saves damsels and others in distress by some pretty gory mauling and maiming but finds his moment of fulfillment too. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
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| A good start for people wanting to venture into the Troma world.
by carlykristen
November 16, 2006 - 3:41 PM PST
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Toxic Avenger 21st Anniversary Ed. 2 Disc Set 2005 (Unrated), Original Release 1986
Bullies torment innocent Melvin Junko, the janitor at a Health Club. After he falls into toxic waste, he returns to kill the evildoers as the Toxic Avenger. Along the way, he falls in love with a blind girl, angers citizens, and has the Mayor try to kill him.
The opening of the film has preachy narration about pollution and toxic waste, which would make an astute viewer think that Yale grad, Uncle Lloydy, was actually trying to say something here. The film has many scenes of violence and I can understand the controversy. But all of that is undercut by sheer lunacy and it is hard to take this seriously.
No one is off limits here: Blacks, Jews, Gays, children, the blind, obese people, the elderly, and midgets. There is even a gay gangster named Nipples. You will see a seeing eye dog shot, a blind girl almost raped, and an old lady beat to death by own her cane. Oh, and there was that young boy that was run over repeatedly while trying to crawl away for help. And that girl in the sauna? Yes, she is masturbating to pictures of the dead boy. Sadistic, enough?
The comedy is plentiful though. The first scenes with goofy Melvin and the bimbos and lugheads are hilarious. The theme song "Body Talk" had me singing along. And then there is the "Healthy Troma" billboard prominently displayed throughout the movie featuring a portly Mayor.
The one scene that was borderline difficult to watch was the restaurant hold up. The guy in the make-up looked like a scary clown and tormented the people innocently sitting there. He shoots the blind girl's seeing eye dog and his Black accomplice attempts to rape her. Of course, before things veer into really nasty territory, Toxie saves the day and lands himself a clumsy girlfriend that cooks with Draino.
The special effects are awesome considering there was no budget. I heard they used watermelons and spaghetti to make some of the effects, but I couldn't tell. Toxie sounded incredibly weird though. I thought maybe this was voice-over work done later since the actor was in make-up and couldn't move his face. Or maybe it was intentional. Either way it added to my enjoyment.
Favorite Quote: A cop says to a young boy, "Johnny, You can't just walk around doing what is right."
DVD Extras: "Intro & Outro", Chapter Selection, Interviews with Director, 3 Actors, and Toxie, Deleted Scenes, and "Where in the World is Toxie?" showing clips from around the world including the Fantasia Film Fest.
Bonus Disc: "Fan Submissions" has testimonials from fans including wrestler Blade and films/ music videos by fans. "Toxic Avenger the Musikill" is a live stage play with the film in the background similar to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Extras include several Trailers, Troma Commercial, and Make Your Own Damn Movie info.
Bottom Line: A must own for Tromans. This is a good start for other people wanting to venture into the Troma world.
Rating: 7/10
Molly Celaschi
www.HorrorYearbook.com
MySpace.com/HorrorYearbook |
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