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The Toxic Avenger (2025)

The Toxic Avenger (2025) is directed and written by Macon Blair, who is better known as an actor than a filmmaker, with notable roles in Green Room and Blue Ruin. His writing and direction lean into the over-the-top chaos expected from a Toxic Avenger remake, embracing absurdity with confidence even if not every choice lands cleanly.

Peter Dinklage, best known for Game of Thrones and Cyrano, takes on the strange task of grounding this bizarre film and succeeds in making it entertaining. His ability to balance seriousness with the absurd tone gives the movie its core strength.

Taylour Paige, known for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, injects charisma into her role, making her presence one of the film’s highlights.

Kevin Bacon, with decades of work including Footloose and Mystic River, delivers his usual charm, clearly enjoying himself in the chaos. He plays the films big bad.

Elijah Wood, who audiences know from The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Sin City, is surprisingly effective as Fritz. He leans into the weirdness and makes a lasting impression with the limited material he’s given.

The film entertains and has some comedic moments. Result: B-

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