‘The Toxic Avenger 2’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)
Stars: Ron Fazio, John Altamura, Phoebe Legere, Rick Collins, Rikiya Yasuoka, Tsutomu Sekine, Mayako Katsuragi, Shinoburyu, Lisa Gaye, Jessica Dublin, Jack Cooper | Written by Gay Partington Terry, Lloyd Kaufman | Directed by Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman
Troma films have never been described as masterpieces and I don’t think that they would ever dream of making one. Most of their films have been created with a punk like attitude, fighting against what is seen as normal in the film making industry, and this is a reason fans love them. While their formula often works well, sometimes it fails and sadly The Toxic Avenger 2 is one of the examples of their failures. Looking past the film itself though the new 88 Films Blu-ray release looks to provide plenty of features and an uncut version of the film, but does that manage to get past the weaknesses of the film and make it a good purchase?
Having eradicated Tromaville of all crime Toxie is bored and feeling he is lacking something in his life. When his therapist advises him to go off to Japan to find his father he wastes no time in starting his trip. Without Toxie to protect Tromaville though Apocalypse Inc. moves in to take over the town and bring back the evil.
The idea of taking the Toxic Avenger to Japan is actually a good one especially for the fans that he has there. With a move that pays respect to the culture of the country as well as fight crime The Toxic Avenger 2 you can’t help but see the fun of the film. Though sometimes it reminds me of one of the narrated postcards that Uncle Matt used to send to the inhabitants of Fraggle Rock. It’s dorky, but that is exactly what you expect from a Toxic Avenger film. If anything the movie can best be described as a living comic book, with its constant battles and story style, it may not make a good movie but there is a certain charm to what you see.
When it comes to special features if you have a previous version of The Toxic Avenger 2 you’ll have probably seen everything that is on offer. If not, or even if you just don’t remember (or care) there is plenty to watch, just don’t expect anything in high-definition. Troma fans won’t really care, they know exactly what to expect from a Troma and it is exactly what you get.
When it comes to the actual film the picture quality is impressive and the kills are suitably gory. Looking at the different cuts available for the film, this does appear to be the full thing which includes the death scenes that were once missing from the American release. What I did find though is that the film does feel a little long, and maybe some of these gore scenes could have been cut for timing issues, though I doubt any fan of Troma films would want it that way. They want their movie in full form no matter what, and I for one won’t argue against that, even if it does drag somewhat.
The Toxic Avenger 2 is not my favourite Troma movie, but it is watchable and has lots of gore. In Troma terms that should make it a success, and with the quality of the 88 Films release I’m sure fans will love this release. With plenty of Troma special features including a commentary track (from a previous DVD release) this is as good as it gets for a film like The Toxic Avenger 2, and never forget…this is the movie that gave birth to Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. so all is forgiven.
**** 4/5
The Toxic Avenger 2 is available on Blu-ray now, courtesy of 88 Films.
