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.
%
Rating
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
