Awful Movie Night: The Toxic Avenger (1984)

The Toxic Avenger (1982) is a quintessential B-movie, blending absurd humor, gory violence, and campy charm. It became Troma Entertainment’s flagship franchise, spawning sequels, a children’s cartoon (Toxic Crusaders), comics, merchandise, and even a stage musical.

The film is celebrated for its satirical take on environmentalism, anti-bullying themes, and subversion of traditional superhero tropes. Its mix of exploitation-style filmmaking and absurdist comedy cemented its place as a cult classic.

The movie is set in Tromaville, a fictional small town plagued by crime and corruption. It follows Melvin Ferd, a nerdy and socially awkward janitor working at a local health club. Melvin is relentlessly bullied by the club’s cruel patrons, particularly a group of sadistic gym-goers.

One day, a prank goes horribly wrong, and Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Instead of killing him, the chemicals transform Melvin into a hideously deformed mutant with superhuman strength and a newfound sense of justice. Adopting the name The Toxic Avenger, he embarks on a mission to rid Tromaville of criminals, corrupt officials, and evildoers, often dispatching them in grotesque and over-the-top ways.

During his crusade, Toxie befriends a blind woman named Sara, who becomes his romantic partner. However, his vigilante actions draw the ire of Tromaville’s corrupt mayor and his cronies, culminating in a showdown between Toxie and the mayor’s forces.

In the end, Toxie’s heroism inspires the townsfolk, who rally behind him as Tromaville’s unlikely savior.