Phil Gets Tromatized: THE TOXIC AVENGER (1984) from Troma Entertainment-Feb. 8, 2016

THE TOXIC AVENGER Blu-Ray/DVD (2015)

THE TOXIC AVENGER

Starring: Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, Mark Torgl, Jennifer Babtist, Cindy Manion, Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, Pat Ryan

Written by Joe Ritter, Gay Partington Terry & Lloyd Kaufman

Cinematography by Lloyd Kaufman & James A. Leobovitz (James London)

Edited by Richard W. Haines

Produced by Lloyd Kaufman & Michael Herz

Directed by Michael Herz & Lloyd Kaufman (Samuel Weil)

Distributed by Troma Entertainment

Hello everybody and welcome to a brand new segment entitled Phil Gets Tromatized. Here, I'll be reviewing the many, many films that Troma has released over the past 42 years. Now some movies are classics, some alright and there are those that suck horribably. However, for my inaugural entry, I'll be talking about the most famous hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength and the first superhero from New Jersey: THE TOXIC AVENGER.

The film's official synopsis: Meet little Melvin. He's a 98lbs loser who works at the Tromaville Health Club where he gets picked on a lot. But when a practical joke goes awry, Melvin falls into a vat of chemical waste, thus transforming him into a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength. Melvin becomes The Toxic Avenger, the first superhuman from New Jersey! Soon Toxie is fighting crime and cleaning up Tromaville, much to the chagrin of its fat corrupt Mayor Peter Belgoody (Pat Ryan). But can Toxie and his blind and beautiful girlfriend Sara (Andree Maranda) survive the wrath of the mayor's revenge?

Original Teaser Poster (1984)

Every time I watch this movie, I feel like I'm eighteen years-old again. Being a movie lover, I had never seen anything like this. It was absolutely amazing to watch. Kaufman and Herz also added social commentary to the film, touching on issues like chemical waste, the environment, the underdog becoming the hero and more. There's always something interesting to look for in a Troma movie.

This is the film that put Troma on the map. Originally, nobody wanted to see the film. But when it was booked at the midnight screenings at the Bleeker Street Cinema, the word of mouth spread. Soon there were lines around the block. With its gratuitous nudity, gore, the infamous head crushing scene, toilet humor, and not so special effects, the film went on to win the hearts of fans and became an instant cult classic! The film has spawned three sequels to date (with a fourth one in the works), a children's cartoon show, merchandise, action figures, books, games, etc. Troma had created their own mascot and the world hasn't been the same since. The little New York independent film studio had just became part of pop culture and film history.

To this day, I still get excited whenever I watch the THE TOXIC AVENGER. And finally, after years of seeing the movie on edited VHS copies, Troma released a director's cut of the film back in the mid 90's. Now in the 21st century, it has been transferred on to Blu-Ray and it looks phenomenal. As a result, a whole new generation of fans can now discover this cult classic in hi-definition and get the same kind of excitement as I have been experiencing for the past 22 years. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE TOXIC AVENGER is now available on both standard DVD and as a Blu-Ray/DVD combo. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit your local retailer or visit the Troma website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil celebrates the 42nd Anniversary of Troma Entertainment-February 3, 2016

OK, I was planning on writing this anniversary tribute back in 2014 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of America's oldest independent film studio, but my life has had several distractions in it (i.e. work, bills, drunken orgies, etc). However, it's now time to party down because tonight's entry I'll be celebrating the 42nd anniversary of my favorite independent film studio of all time: TROMA ENTERTAINMENT!

As I mentioned previously, I discovered Troma through my favorite television show USA UP ALL NIGHT back on Saturday, March 21, 1992. They were showing all three TOXIC AVENGER films and I stayed up all night, devouring every single frame from each film. I had never seen anything like this before up until that time. This single event transformed my entire life forever and I have been a Troma fanatic and supporter ever since.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1979)

Troma was founded in 1974 by Yale graduates and friends Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. Inspired by the films they saw from director Roger Corman and Sam Arkoff's company American International Pictures, they sought out to show the world that it was possible to make entertaining and provocative movies on shoestring budgets. Troma made a big splash in 1979 when they released their raunchy slapstick comedy classic SQUEEZE PLAY. They would make several other films in the same genre like STUCK ON YOU, WAITRESS and THE FIRST TURN-ON.

In 1984, Kaufman and Herz scored their biggest hit ever with THE TOXIC AVENGER. Blending over-the-top gore, comedy, horror, sex and the world's first full-on head crushing scene, the film played to huge crowds during its midnight run at the Bleaker Street Theater in New York and became an instant cult classic when it was released on video. The film has since spawned three sequels, a Saturday Morning cartoon show, toys, board games, tee shirts, video games, trading cards and remains to this day their flagship mascot.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1984)

Over the years Kaufman has directed several other cult classics like CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH, TROMA'S WAR, SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D., TROMEO & JULIET, POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD, RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH PART 1 & 2 and all of the TOXIC AVENGER films.

The Troma library consists of over 1,000 + cult classics and B-movie gems such as SURF NAZIS MUST DIE, MOTHER'S DAY, RABID GRANNIES, MONSTER IN THE CLOSET, BLOODSUCKING FREAKS, KILLER CONDOM, TEENAGE CAT GIRLS IN HEAT, A NYMPHOID BARBARIAN IN DINOSAUR HELL, FEROCIOUS FEMALE FREEDOM FIGHTERS, THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE, COMBAT SHOCK, GETTING LUCKY, SUPERSTARLET A.D., REDNECK ZOMBIES, HAUNTING FEAR, and FATHER'S DAY.

Among today’s Hollywood superstars who got their start with Troma include Marisa Tomie (THE TOXIC AVENGER), Vincent D’Onofrio (THE FIRST TURN-ON), Samuel L. Jackson (DEF BY TEMPTATION), Kevin Costner (SIZZLE BEACH U.S.A.), Billy Bob Thorton (CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN), Trey Parker and Matt Stone (CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL), Michael Jai White (THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II), Jenna Fischer (LOLLILOVE) as well as writer/directors like Oliver Stone (THE BATTLE OF LOVE'S RETURN), Paul Sorvino (CRY UNCLE!) and James Gunn (TROMEO & JULIET).

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The company has also acquired and distributed early films featuring some Hollywood's biggest stars such as Robert De Niro (THE WEDDING PARTY), Dustin Hoffman (MADIGAN'S MILLION), Carmen Electra (THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN), Vanna White (GRADUATION DAY) and David Boreanaz (MACABRE PAIR OF SHORTS).

When he's not making movies, Lloyd Kaufman spends his time writing numerous instructional books, novels and memories. His first book, the autobiography "All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I Learned a From The Toxic Avenger" is recommended reading for anybody who wants to learn about the history of Troma and as well as about Kaufman himself. He's also written an novelization of his creation "The Toxic Avenger" and has a series of how-to books about the filmmaking process. "Make Your Own Damn Movie!" was the first in the series and became very popular amongst fans. He later wrote in chronological order "Direct You Own Damn Movie!", "Produce a Your Own Damn Movie!" and "Sell Your Own Damn Movie!", each book filled with real life experiences, helpful tips and his own unique and grotesque toilet humor which I love to read.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2014)

Kaufman also started the annual Tromadance Film Festival, originally designed to be the antithesis to the Sundance Film Festival, which was held in Park City, Utah at the exact same time as Sundance. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate truly independent cinema from the so-called indie films that were being shown at Sundance. Another appealing aspect of Tromadance is that there is no entry fee for filmmakers and all screenings are free to festival goers. In the past couple of years, the festival has been held in New York City and the month was moved from January to June.

In a show of appreciation to their loyal fans, Troma released over 100 films from their library to be watched for free on their YouTube channel beginning in August of 2012. Then in 2015, they took the next step in their quest in disrupting media (or in this case cyberspace) by launching Troma Now, the company's exclusive subscription Video-On-Demand service available through VHX. For only $4.99 a month, fans and movie lovers can watch their favorite Troma films and shows, new releases and so much more. Their newest film to have its debut on the service back in January was B.C. BUTHCER, the world's first prehistoric slasher film directed by the then seventeen year-old Kansas Bowling, who was the first inductee into "The Troma Institute for Gifted Youth."

To give you an idea of what Troma movies are like, below are several trailers to some of my all-time favorite films. Warning: the following trailers contain gore, violence, nudity, sexual situation, foul language, radioactive squirrels, lesbianism, political and social commentary, cannibalism, singing and dancing, hideously deformed creatures of superhuman size and strength, severed body parts, cretans, nymphoid barbarians, surf nazis and a duck. Viewer discretion is advised.

Let me tell you all a quick story. Years later I was finally able to meet Lloyd Kaufman at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica back on March 29, 2014. While I was attending the annual Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank that weekend, I found out the that the theater was having an all night Troma movie marathon. Not only that, but Kaufman himself was going to be there. So my friends and I rushed out to attend the event and finally, exactly 22 years to the month when I first saw THE TOXIC AVENGER films, I got to meet my hero. He was very kind and generous, answered all my questions and signed every single memorabilia I brought for him to autograph. The very next day I saw him and his lovely wife Pat at the RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH signing at the Dark Delicacies Bookstore. I was able to take a picture with him and the Toxic Avenger. It was one of the best days of my life and do this day I still can't believe how lucky I am to have meet my hero. 

Lloyd Kaufman, myself, and the Toxic Avenger. (2014)

It's hard to describe the impact Troma has had on our society, on pop culture and on film history. For over 40 years, Llyod Kaufman and Michael Herz have done the impossible: created a truly independent movie company with world wide appeal that has captured the hearts of millions of fans. To this day, Kaufman, Herz and Troma continue their fight against the major Hollywood studios and international corporate conglomerates. By going against the system, they have forged their own unique path that inspires fans and filmmakers alike. And after all these years, they still inspire me. 

You can follow Troma on several social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To learn more about Troma, their enormous film library, to purchase Blu-Rays, DVDs, posters and to sign up for their streaming service Troma Now, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and now let's make some art! 

Phil attends the RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH: VOLUME 1 signing at Dark Delicacies in Burbank-March 30, 2014

Boy, this was one crazy busy weekend!! Not only was I attending Monsterpalooza at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, but I was also at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica Saturday night to attend the Troma Marathon! Now on Sunday, after spending the last day at Monsterpalooza, Bobby, Michelle, and I then headed down the street to the Dark Delicacies Bookstore to checkout the RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH: VOLUME 1 signing with Lloyd Kaufman and two of its stars Stefan Dezil (Slayer) and Gabriela Fuhr (Kelly). It's been a couple of months since I was at the bookstore and I was really looking forward to going back to this excellent place where horror is alive and well!

The lovely Pat Kaufman.

Once again Lloyd's wife Pat was there managing the Troma merchandise table. While there I did a little birthday shopping for my younger siblings. For my baby sister Stephanie, I bought her a DVD copy of POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD and a poster of CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV. For my younger brother Thomas, I got him the TOXIC AVENGER Boxset and a 8x10 pic of Lloyd Kaufman. To make their gifts even more Tromatic, Lloyd personalized them all, which proves without a shadow of doubt that he truly does love his fans!

Oh I almost forgot. The previous night at the Aero Theatre, I won a RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH poster in a raffle. So I also got that and my Blu-ray copy signed by Lloyd as well as by Stefan and Gabriela!! I also saw my friend Del Howison, the owner of Dark Delicacies. I told him to keep up the great work of getting these events because I will continue to come down from San Jose to attend these!!

Lloyd Kaufman, myself, and the Toxic Avenger.

And that, ladies and gentleman, is a wrap from sunny Southern California!! Wow, what an incredible weekend!! I don't think I've had this much fun in one weekend before! First I want to personally thank Lloyd Kaufman for taking the time out to autograph all my Troma memorabilia and for chatting it up with me! Big hugs to Pat for being such a sweetheart! To all the people I got to meet at Monsterpalooza and to all my friends living in SoCal, it was great to see you all again! So far this was my third trip down here, so you know for a fact that I'll be back down here again soon for another one of my crazy adventures! And last, but not least, thank you all out there for reading my articles! I really appreciate that you take time out of your busy lives to read all my wacky reviews and trips! Till next time my friends! And don't forget, to learn more upcoming events at Dark Delicacies, business hours, and product, visit their website at www.darkdel.com. To learn more about Troma, their film library, and to make purchases, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!