Category: Comedy

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Following The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie, Toxie was made into the Toxic Crusaders 1991 animated series. Over the years, Troma president and filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman was not happy with how the sequels turned out. While Parts II and III had their moments, they weren’t able to catch the same energy as the original. After the making of Terror Firmer, Troma felt it was now time for New Jersey’s first superhero to return. Having proved himself, Trent Haaga not only was an actor in this but also a writer, producer, and casting director. With a $500,000 budget, this would prove to be the most ambitious yet most grueling-to-film entry in the series. This had the largest cast, the most special effects, and the most stunts of any film since Troma’s War. Though premiering in 2000, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV wasn’t released until 2001.

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Synopsis

The Diaper Mafia, led by Tex Diaper (Trent Haaga), is shooting up the Tromaville School for the Very Special. Thankfully, our favorite hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength The Toxic Avenger (David Mattey) is here for us. Though Toxie and his overweight by loveable sidekick Lardass (Joe Fleishaker) stop them, an explosion causes a dimensional rift. Toxie is transported to the mirror dimension, Amortville, while his evil self The Noxious Offender (David Mattey) is in Tromaville. While Toxie is trying to find a way back home, Noxie is causing chaos and eventually becomes the mayor. At the same time, Toxie’s wife Sarah (Heidi Sjursen) is pregnant with two babies: Toxie’s child and Noxie’s child. Will Toxie be able to return home and stop his evil doppelganger, or will he be stuck in Amortville? Also, how is Sarah pregnant with two kids from two different fathers?

Review

While The Toxic Avenger is a beloved cult classic, Parts 2 and 3 aren’t quite as fondly remembered. Thankfully, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV writes the wrongs of its predecessors and is the true sequel. You know you’re watching something special when comic book legend and master of cameos Stan Lee does the opening narration. In addition, there are tons of celebrity cameos to look for, including Eli Roth, James Gunn, and even Corey Feldman! Troma fans will also notice appearances from Bill Weeden, Lisa Gaye, Rick Collins, Debbie Rochon, Ron Jeremy, and Lemmy. Truth be told, there are so many cameos that it’s impossible to list them all in this one review. Needless to say, Tromaholics and genre fans alike will get a kick out of the many appearances here. Even a few actors from the original film make an appearance save for Marisa Tomei.

If Terror Firmer was Lloyd Kaufman’s way of venting, then Citizen Toxie is him giving back to the fans. This film has all the blood, boobs, bodily functions, and bad taste in humor you’d expect in a Troma film. Some scenes tackle the Columbine shooting, abortion, AIDS, racism, and the mentally challenged, all injected with that distinct Troma flavor. David Mattey makes for a solid Toxie/Noxie, and the makeup effects used are some of Troma’s best. The late great Joe Fleishaker shines in his dual role of Lardass/Chester, showing more humanity than you’d expect. However, Lisa Terezakis, Barry Brisco, and especially Michael Budinger steal the show as Toxie’s friends, each offering some memorable lines. Admittedly, some moments feel like they’re stretching to reach two hours, but the pure insanity makes up for those moments. Overall, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV earns its “true sequel” status.

Buy Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eCMDmv

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In the early 90s, Troma founder and president Lloyd Kaufman was working on a Shakespeare adaptation by way of Troma. In early 1992, Kaufman wrote the first draft alongside employees Andy Deemer and Phil Rivo entirely in a Shakespearean language. Unfortunately, this draft was pretty hated by everyone at Troma, so it was scrapped for the time being. In 1995, a newcomer named James Gunn came along and decided to take a crack at the script. He completely rewrote the script, making it much darker and more obscene but still using the Shakespearean verse. Kaufman worked with Gunn to rework the script further, removing the Shakespearean verse and adding more comedic elements. With a budget of roughly $350,000, this wound up being one of the cheapest films in Troma’s history. Though premiering at Cannes in 1996, Tromeo & Juliet wouldn’t see a US release until 1997.

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Synopsis

For years, the Que and Capulet families have been at war with each other, tearing up Manhattan in the process. While the Que’s son Tromeo (Will Keenan) lives in squalor, the Capulet’s daughter Juliet (Jane Jensen) lives a luxurious life. However, Juliet has to deal with her abusive father Cappy (Maximillian Shaun), and overprotective cousin Tyrone (Patrick Connor). During a costume party, Tromeo and Juliet cross paths and instantly fall in love despite their family rivalry. Unfortunately, Juliet is being forced to marry the young meat millionaire London Arbuckle (Steve Gibbons), but they have a plan. They get secretly married, but unfortunately, Tyrone finds out and tries killing Tromeo, only for Tromeo to kill Tyrone. With Tromeo on the run from the cops, Juliet is forced to marry London instead under threat from her father. Will Tromeo and Juliet be reunited, or will this end the way the play does?

Review

If you’re expecting Tromeo & Juliet to be a faithful adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play, you’re going to be disappointed. Without going into spoilers, this film goes in some wildly different directions and is almost an in-name-only adaptation. Purists will probably hate the deviations this takes, but if you’re willing to look past that, you’ll have some fun. Even by Troma standards, this is one of the most wildly outrageous and obscene movies in their catalog. It has a very punk rock quality to it, which fits with the rebellious and anti-mainstream nature of Troma. This is exemplified by the soundtrack, which features the likes of Motorhead, Sublime, Supernova, the Ass Ponys, and more. Speaking of, the late great Lemmy from Motorhead appears in this as the narrator, who adds some eloquence. Still, it can be somewhat hard to understand him through his mumbling and raspy voice.

In typical Troma fashion, the cast plays this as over-the-top and ridiculous as possible though not in an annoying way. Will Keenan and Jane Jensen shine as the star-crossed lovers torn apart by family and actually have some solid chemistry. Maximillian Shaun makes for a great villain, being both charismatic and so hateable that you want to see him die. Speaking of death, the gore scenes aren’t quite as outrageous as The Toxic Avenger Part III, but they’re still fun. Steve Gibbons is probably the only cast member who teeters on being annoying, acting like an even crazier Jim Carrey. Valentine Miele and Stephen Blackehart make for a fun comedic duo, Debbie Rochon is stunning, and Sean Gunn is funny. At slightly over 90 minutes, the film does drag in places, but it’s never boring largely thanks to the cast. Overall, Tromeo & Juliet would’ve been Shakespeare’s favorite movie…probably.

Buy Tromeo & Juliet from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fyF3Xf.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Where to watch Tromeo & Juliet (1996)

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While filming The Toxic Avenger Part II in Japan, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz were approached with a lucrative deal. Apparently, The Toxic Avenger was very popular in the Land of the Rising Sun where it was a major hit. Tetsu Fujimura and Masaya Nakamura from Namco approached Kaufman and Herz to develop a film about a kabuki-themed superhero. Supposedly based on an idea from Kaufman, Namco agreed to put up half a million dollars for the budget. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned early on, as there were disagreements between the filmmakers and the producers. Namco and Herz agreed to make a family-friendly film for kids, but Kaufman wanted it made as another Troma movie. After premiering at the American Film Institute in 1990, the actual film didn’t see a wide release until 1996. So, with that out of the way, let’s examine Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.!

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Synopsis

Harry Griswold (Rick Gianasi) is a New York police detective who enjoys fast food and is pretty clumsy. One night, he attends a Kabuki show, when suddenly the actors are gunned down, prompting Griswold to intervene. During the gunfight, he’s forcibly kissed by one of the dying actors, which gives him special Kabuki powers. The next day, his superior Captain Bender (Noble Lee Lester) chews him out claiming that Griswold shot at security officers. Griswold suspects that wealthy businessman Reginald Stuart (Bill Weeden) is somehow involved, but he’s got connections to discredit Griswold. When his partner Connie LaRosa (Pamela Alster) is attacked, Griswold transforms into Kabukiman, wielding tons of Asian-inspired powers and weaponry. Unfortunately, Connie gets killed, Griswold is suspended, and it seems like Stuart has gotten away with it all. With some help from the nubile Lotus (Susan Byun), Griswold harnesses his powers to fulfill his destiny!

Review

Despite having a troubled production, Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. is much more fun and enjoyable than one would expect. First off, while not as iconic as Toxie, Kabukiman is still a uniquely fun character that works on his own. Not only does he have a very colorful design, but his goofy demeanor and random abilities add to his charm. Also, Rick Gianasi makes for a flawed but likable lead as Detective Griswold, as well as playing a cartoonish character. With its darkly-lit night scenes and even some line deliveries, it feels like a parody of 1989’s Batman at times. Even the scene transitions playfully reference the scene transitions in the 1960’s TV series, adding to the cartoony feel. What also makes it funny is how much of the cast play it straight, especially Susan Byun and Bill Weeden. They feel like they’re plucked from a mainstream superhero movie.

Admittedly, some of the production problems mentioned before do creep their way in, though it doesn’t hurt the film. For instance, a fight scene will be goofy and silly, but then someone’s head will get stomped on. Also, there’s a fair amount of nudity here and there, and even an attempted rape scene, causing some tonal dissonance. Granted, violence and nudity mixed with cartoonish humor are Troma’s bread and butter, but here, there’s an odd disconnect. Still, the film is relatively tame compared to movies like The Toxic Avenger and Class of Nuke ‘Em High. While I think the original Toxie is perfect for Troma beginners, this might be better for those more squeamish. In terms of comparing this to Troma’s other films, this lies somewhere between the Toxie and Nuke ‘Em High sequels. Overall, Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. is a fun superhero spoof worth investigating.

Buy Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cVsbNt

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Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz enjoyed working with and were trying to make a star out of wrestler-turned-actor Brick Bronsky. He was hired to play the lead in the 1991 sequel Class of Nuke ‘Em High 2: Subhumanoid Meltdown. While The Toxic Avenger sequels were filmed back-to-back, the Class of Nuke ‘Em High sequels were filmed over three years. Both were directed by Eric Louzil, who previously directed Lust for Freedom and Fortress of Amerikkka as previously mentioned. He also produced 1981’s Malibu Hot Summer, which was rereleased as Sizzle Beach USA and featured a then-unknown Kevin Costner. For the sequels, Louzil decided to not follow the original and instead go off in his own direction. Neither had the original cast or filming locations. Class of Nuke ‘Em High 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid was released three years after Part 2.

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Synopsis

After the last film, Tromie the Nuclear Squirrel has been dealt with and peace has returned to Tromaville. Meanwhile, Roger Smith (Brick Bronsky) is in the hospital with his girlfriend Victoria (Leesa Rowland) because she’s giving birth. Unbeknownst to him, Dr. Slag, Ph.D. (John Tallman) from the Nukamama Corporation has his eyes set on Roger’s sons. Alongside Professor Melvina Holt (Lisa Gaye) and a new cretin gang, they kidnap his son Dick (Bronsky) after he’s born. Later, Roger’s son Adlai (Bronsky) is born and raised to be good-natured while Dick is raised to be bad. Adlai attends the Tromaville Institute of Technology like his dad and has a girlfriend named Trish (Lisa Star). Soon, Dr. Slag, Ph.D.’s plan comes to fruition when Dick wreaks havoc on Tromaville, and Adlai is blamed for it. Will Adlai be able to stop Dr. Slag, Ph.D., or will Tromaville become a nuclear stockpile?

Review

Class of Nuke ‘Em High 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid is more of the same from before. It’s got the same goofy sound effects, the same obvious ADR, the same emphasis on T&A over gore, etc. Interestingly, this film was apparently based on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, though with that extra Troma touch. Bronsky, though not a terrible actor, is clearly stretching it with having to play three roles at once. He’s surprisingly pretty intense as Dick, though it seems like he might be trying too hard at being intimidating. As Adlai, he’s basically repeating his performance as Roger from the last film, even wearing the same outfit. When he’s playing Roger, who’s also the mayor, has some fun moments getting to free up some more. Though he’s not the best actor, it’s a shame his acting career never took off after these two films.

Lisa Gaye, much like Toxic Avenger 2 & 3 and Class of Nuke ‘Em High 2, is wonderfully over-the-top. She spends most of the runtime either smoking a cigar or eating snacks, but she still has some fun moments. John Tallman delivers a surprisingly straight-laced performance as Dr. Slag, Ph.D., mostly underacting though still coming off as mildly intense. Effects-wise, it’s what you’ve come to expect from a Troma film: tons of melting, goop, and rubber suits. What stands out the most are the subhumanoids, which have unique animal-like designs, such as a wolf, a lizard, etc. Also noteworthy is that this would be the first appearance of Ron Jeremy, who would become a Troma regular. While it has its moments, there are better Troma films to start with. Overall, Class of Nuke ‘Em High 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid is average at best.

Buy Class of Nuke ‘Em High 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid from Amazon: https://amzn.to/31cofks

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When Troma started working on a sequel to The Toxic Avenger, times were admittedly tough for the studio. After the failure of Troma’s War, the studio had been blacklisted from Hollywood and relegated to much smaller fare. While they had a $2 million budget, Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman got overly ambitious with his toxic sequel. The original cut of the sequel was four hours long, so naturally, they had to split it in half. The first half was released as The Toxic Avenger Part II in February 1989 while the second half continued. Though the last film was made primarily in Tokyo, this one would return to New York and New Jersey. Much of the cast and crew returned, and Mark Torgl from the original was supposed to return, but he declined. Finally, November 1989 saw the release of The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie.

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Synopsis

After running Apocalypse Inc out of Tromaville, the Toxic Avenger (Ron Fazio) has become depressed despite bringing peace to Tromaville. While failing at getting work, Toxie and his blind girlfriend Claire (Phoebe Legere) find a way to restore her eyesight. Unfortunately, the procedure costs more than they can afford, but hope comes when Toxie gets a job opportunity. This comes from Apocalypse Inc, whose Chairman (Rick Collins) offers Toxie money for Claire’s surgery in exchange for his services. He accepts the offer, much to the shock of the Tromaville citizens, who feel betrayed by their so-called hero. Things get worse once Toxie’s ego inflates, and soon he sees how the citizens of Tromaville have rejected him. Toxie eventually learns the error of his ways, works to restore the people’s trust and confronts the Chairman. It’s soon revealed that the Chairman is The Devil himself, and Toxie has to stop him.

Review

The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie, like its predecessor, has problems but is still fun. From its opening sequence at a video store to the showdown with The Devil, you’re in for a wild ride. Speaking of which, while the opening sequence seems out of place, it’s a great showcase of some cartoonishly grisly effects. Guts are ripped out, faces are erased, arms are crushed in a VCR, and heads are ripped off via mop. Admittedly, the film starts dragging after the opening sequence, especially when they start using stock footage from the last film. The story picks up significantly once Toxie confronts the Chairman/Devil, but there’s only about a half-hour left by then. At slightly under an hour and 45 minutes, the film feels padded and dragged out to reach feature-length. That said, this still provides everything that a Troma fan could ask for.

Ron Fazio gives another solid performance as Toxie, clearly having fun as the loveable creature of superhuman size and strength. Phoebe Legere is an over-the-top ditz with her performance, though she gets to show off more of her musical talents. Like before, Rick Collins and Lisa Gaye give wonderfully hammy performances as the villains, Rick getting more screentime this time. The scene where he transforms into The Devil is grisly and horrific, just what you’d expect from a Troma film. Michael Jai White and Troma regular Joe Fleishaker make appearances, but they’re relegated to the background with hardly any lines. There are some fun fourth wall jokes thrown in for good measure, though they can sometimes be distracting. Like the last film, this is a bit of a mess, but it’s still a good time. Overall, The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie is enjoyable schlock.

Buy The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kDg2P6

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