Get ready, because the most wonderfully bizarre superhero movie of 2025 is here, and it's already a smash hit! It's currently dominating Hulu's Top 10, according to FlixPatrol, snagging the number two spot. This unexpected success has both critics and audiences buzzing with excitement. Prepare yourself for a darkly comedic, gore-filled adventure that's destined to become a cult classic.
The film in question? The Toxic Avenger, a fresh take on the 1984 original. It features an impressive cast, including Peter Dinklage, Kevin Bacon, and Elijah Wood. The official synopsis sets the stage for a wild ride: Winston Gooze, a downtrodden janitor, undergoes a horrific toxic accident, transforming him into the unlikely hero, The Toxic Avenger. He must then rise to the occasion, battling corrupt forces and ruthless corporate overlords to protect his son, friends, and community. In a world consumed by greed, justice is served, radioactive style!
But here's where it gets controversial...
The reboot has been widely praised, boasting an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer and an 82% on the Popcornmeter. Critic Graeme Tuckett of The Post NZ notes that the film succeeds because the creators took the project seriously, aiming to make the best possible movie while honoring the original's cult status. Erik Childress of the Movie Madness Podcast gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, highlighting the enjoyable performance by Kevin Bacon as the villain and Peter Dinklage's heroic turn, which provides a sympathetic connection amid the chaos.
One viewer's review sums it up perfectly: “A janitor rises from the goo to confront corporate neglect. I have never been a fan of Troma, but this is likely the best film they’ve ever made. Of course, it helps that Dinklage provides a committed performance within a ridiculous premise. Even so, all the characters here are intentionally exaggerated. Bacon is delightfully corrupt, and Elijah Wood continues to play secondary characters we enjoy. I was gonna mention his epic performance in I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore and was surprised to learn Macon Blair also directed that film. If you haven’t seen it, do so now. Toxic is darkly comedic, grotesque, and violent but also charming.
