TROMA TUESDAY: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE (1989) directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman

September is almost here and that means many things to your humble editor, including the start of the US Open (my favorite tennis tournament of the year) and the kickoff of the NFL season (though both my teams figure to suck). But – and anybody with kids can relate – it also means back to school. And though I love the carefree summer months, afternoons hanging at the pool, sleeping late, day trips, etc., the return to the classroom means some quiet time for Dad and the chance to tackle work – both paying and non-paying varieties – with more regularity. In other words, ER 53 is right back on track and we'll be updating the blog with a couple regular installments on a weekly basis thanks to contributors like Evan Romero, who continues to wade through the latest stack of Tromatic review discs. This time, though, it looks like Lloyd Kaufman and Co. have actually found a way to soothe the sometimes savage reviewer...

Toxie is back and ready to rock 'n' roll in his third outing, THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE. This installment gets a bad rap and is often ranked as the nadir of the series. In all honesty though, it's actually pretty enjoyable.

Toxie has successfully rid Tromaville of all evil and crime. But what is he supposed to do now? Relegated to making sure that old ladies don't cheat at cards or that children eat their veggies, Toxie begins feeling like a failure and starts looking about for a new job. Fortunately for Toxie, it just so happens that Apocalypse, Inc. want Toxie for their new spokesperson to help lead Tromaville towards a brighter future. But is this future really all that bright for the residents of Tromaville? Or do Apocalypse, Inc. have a far more diabolical future in store for Tromaville?

Okay, first off, the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack includes the Theatrical Cut on Blu-Ray and the Director's Cut on DVD. This review will refer to the Theatrical Version. The runtime difference between the two is 19 seconds.

Anyways, THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III was shot at the exact same time as PART II - because it's made up of leftover footage from the second installment. Talk about savin' a few bucks. So yes, this does give the movie a cobbled-together feel. But if the movies of Michael Bay can find appreciation (and get a Criterion release), then damn it, Toxie's third flick can be enjoyed for what it is. I mean, it has all the goofy comedy and over-the-top antics that the others have. Plus, Toxie fights the Devil (played by Rick Collins, sort of a poor man's version of Tim Curry)! Seriously, what's not to like?

Okay granted, this installment isn't that gory, especially when compared to the previous two. Sure, it has a dude getting disemboweled, a dude's arm ripped off by a VCR, and a few other minor moments of crimson spillage, but who gives a shit? Gore or no gore, a flick had better deliver on the entertainment, which this flick does.

And just admit it; you've always wanted to see how Toxie would be as a yuppie. Yup, we get a yuppie Toxie. Hm, I smell a new Troma series brewing: THE YUPPIE AVENGER. Okay, maybe that won't be such a great idea...

Oh, and for those with a keen eye, there's a reference to the movie that the fourth installment ALSO makes reference to. Coincidence? Possibly. And what is the reference? I'm not tellin'.

While THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III doesn't come close to the greatness of the first installment or CITIZEN TOXIE, it's still a flick unworthy of the smashing it often gets. And while we're on the subject, lay off the second installment as well. They're both good flicks that provide plenty of entertainment.

THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE is available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Special features include two audio commentaries, interviews, trailers, some Tromatic videos and more. – Evan Romero

Evan Romero is a regular contributor to the pages of ER and spends much of his time reading morally questionable books and watching movies no sane person would touch. He is the vocalist/bassist for the punk band Porno Holocaust (you can find them on Facebook and listen to some demos if you’re inclined). You can read more of his reviews at ReelAtrocities.com or at PopHorror.com. He last wrote about CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV for Troma Tuesday.

THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III is available from Amazon.