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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Him (2025)

Him (2025) is directed by Justin Tipping , best known for Kicks , with Jordan Peele serving as a heavy-handed producer. Despite the talent involved, the film leans into “and then” style writing that feels meandering and leaves the audience more tired than engaged. Marlon Wayans , known for White Chicks and Scary Movie , goes over the top in a way that doesn’t fit the film’s intent, creating more distraction than humor or depth. Tyriq Withers , previously in I Know What You Did Last Summer , turns in an even weaker performance here, offering little in the way of presence or believability. Julia Fox , who gained recognition for Uncut Gems , is strange and out of place, adding little to the narrative. Jim Jefferies , a comedian known for Legit , is barely given anything to work with, and his limited screen time wastes his talent. I found myself bored and not surprised. There is also a bit of sacrilegious writing that might turn off some audiences. Result: C+

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