Ah, the eternal truth of the entertainment industry: Everything is just an endless recycling game. Take “The Toxic Avenger,” for example. A gem born from the depths of low-budget cinema in 1984, this ghastly superhero tale emerged from a vat of chemical waste, much like the tired tropes it clings to. It miraculously survived the test of time, spawning three lackluster sequels, a forgettable rock musical, two irrelevant video games, a short-lived animated series, and now, a remake featuring Peter Dinklage.
You know, it’s not shocking that this improbable franchise is making a comeback, given its eco-friendly, anti-pollution message. But let’s be real, the world’s environmental problems, like rising sea levels and melting glaciers, are basically the franchise’s real-world Bat Signal. It’s almost poetic.
A horrible toxic accident transforms downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze into a new evolution of hero: The Toxic Avenger.
Now, when it comes to remakes like this, they’ve got more pressure than those mainstream blockbusters. The cult following of “Toxic Avenger” might be a niche, but it’s a niche that clings to its trashy roots with a passion. So, good luck to Macon Blair, the actor-turned-filmmaker. He might have earned some acclaim in the past, but by tackling this cult classic, he’s got a mountain of slime and nostalgia to wade through.
Blair’s movie stays as loyal to its source material as a faithful pet to its owner – so devoted that it’s about as likely to attract a bigger crowd than a goldfish at a cat show. But hey, it’s not giving you the cold shoulder; it’s like that inside joke at a family reunion – you’re invited, just bring your sense of humor! I do love the poster.