Now that I've purchased The Tox Box and have watched many Troma documentaries and commentaries, to the point where I felt like I was virtually inside Lloyd Kaufman's head, I've grown more understanding towards Troma films. Those Troma fans who've read my comment in my review for Carmen Electra's film, "The Chosen One," probably want to lynch me for accusing the producers of Troma of being shallow and not having depth. Well, it turns out that Lloyd Kaufman actually has strong opinions about the government and its many hierarchies, as well as mass media in general. I agree with some of his opinions and disagree with others, but nevertheless he has much proof to back up his arguments and everyone has freedom of speech. Basically, Troma's known for making "awful" films. In all actuality, it's an outlet for eccentric independent filmmakers who want to get their work out there, but the hypocritical studio system is afraid to give mainstream audiences something different. That's why I'm glad Troma has received a great cult following. If you think of it, the work of Lloyd Kaufman isn't much different from that of John Waters, only Waters receives much more praise for his work. Kaufman and Waters both make satire, only Waters happens to sometimes stumble upon reputable actors like Johnny Depp and Melanie Griffith, and when you have big names to slap on the marquis, you've got it made. But even great actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Billy Bob Thornton (before they got famous) had their start in Troma films. So who's to say only crappy actors fit the mold for Troma?
I still haven't yet seen a Troma film worthy of over a rating of 6, but I appreciate the effort. "Citizen Toxie" is one of the best Troma films I've seen, along with the first "Toxic Avenger," but that's not to say I loved both of these films. But I did enjoy them. And "Toxie 4" definitely compensated for the less-than-satisfactory Parts 2 and 3.
I can tell Kaufman decided to REALLY pull out all the stops. There are moments in the film in which I can tell were just there to make the MPAA gasp. He was basically telling the MPAA, "I don't give a damn about you guys! I'll make this movie as gross and gruesome as I please!" And that he did! Saying he went over-the-top would be an understatement. He doesn't once spare us a gag involving defecation or someone's insides being ripped out. After seeing "Class of Nuke 'Em High 3," "Tromeo and Juliet" and the past "Toxic Avenger" flicks I'm very familiar with Troma's theory of "the gore the merrier." But I can't pretend as if I wasn't brutally disgusted by some of these gags just to make the Troma-philes happy and show that I'm hip. Some gags may sound funny on paper, but on screen they work out horribly. The defecation gag is one of them. I didn't find the "retard" gags funny either. I'm into dark comedy if it's done right, but mental retardation is almost impossible to make funny.
Naturally, I had nothing wrong with the pervasive nudity. It's a Troma trademark, and Kaufman wanted to make use of that trademark as often as possible. All the women are very well endowed, yet they don't look like the standard artificial Hollywood goddesses--which is something else I have to compliment Troma for. Though the women are often very attractive with bodies to die for, they're not as skinny as Calista Flockhart and actually look like girls you might bump into in real life. There's even a hot lesbian scene. It would've been hotter if the actress who played Sarah agreed to get naked in the scene, but it's still quite hot.
Speaking of sex scenes, one scene I could've done without is the one between Joe Fleishaker, the actress who played Sarah and a block of cheese. Yeah, I know. Don't ask. That was simply weird and disgusting, and not in any way funny or stimulating. But there are a lot of sick, demented, hilarious gags to make up for those that are just plain sick and demented. And as I said, the gratuitous nudity helps a lot too. Troma-philes will almost definitely be satisfied!
My score: 6 (out of 10)
I still haven't yet seen a Troma film worthy of over a rating of 6, but I appreciate the effort. "Citizen Toxie" is one of the best Troma films I've seen, along with the first "Toxic Avenger," but that's not to say I loved both of these films. But I did enjoy them. And "Toxie 4" definitely compensated for the less-than-satisfactory Parts 2 and 3.
I can tell Kaufman decided to REALLY pull out all the stops. There are moments in the film in which I can tell were just there to make the MPAA gasp. He was basically telling the MPAA, "I don't give a damn about you guys! I'll make this movie as gross and gruesome as I please!" And that he did! Saying he went over-the-top would be an understatement. He doesn't once spare us a gag involving defecation or someone's insides being ripped out. After seeing "Class of Nuke 'Em High 3," "Tromeo and Juliet" and the past "Toxic Avenger" flicks I'm very familiar with Troma's theory of "the gore the merrier." But I can't pretend as if I wasn't brutally disgusted by some of these gags just to make the Troma-philes happy and show that I'm hip. Some gags may sound funny on paper, but on screen they work out horribly. The defecation gag is one of them. I didn't find the "retard" gags funny either. I'm into dark comedy if it's done right, but mental retardation is almost impossible to make funny.
Naturally, I had nothing wrong with the pervasive nudity. It's a Troma trademark, and Kaufman wanted to make use of that trademark as often as possible. All the women are very well endowed, yet they don't look like the standard artificial Hollywood goddesses--which is something else I have to compliment Troma for. Though the women are often very attractive with bodies to die for, they're not as skinny as Calista Flockhart and actually look like girls you might bump into in real life. There's even a hot lesbian scene. It would've been hotter if the actress who played Sarah agreed to get naked in the scene, but it's still quite hot.
Speaking of sex scenes, one scene I could've done without is the one between Joe Fleishaker, the actress who played Sarah and a block of cheese. Yeah, I know. Don't ask. That was simply weird and disgusting, and not in any way funny or stimulating. But there are a lot of sick, demented, hilarious gags to make up for those that are just plain sick and demented. And as I said, the gratuitous nudity helps a lot too. Troma-philes will almost definitely be satisfied!
My score: 6 (out of 10)