Apocalypse Soon: The Making of 'Citizen Toxie'

'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV' is a 2000 film directed by Lloyd Kaufman, the co-founder of Troma Entertainment, the legendary independent filmmaking company known for its over-the-top, low-budget, and often campy productions. However, before delving into the film itself, a brief look into its background reveals how it came to be. As with any Troma film, 'Citizen Toxie' was met with a mix of skepticism and intrigue from both critics and enthusiasts alike. It's not hard to see why; after all, this was a project that aimed to bring closure to the long-running 'Toxic Avenger' series, which had been a staple of the cult film scene for decades. The original film, 'The Toxic Avenger,' was released in 1984 and, although initially met with negative reviews, eventually gained a cult following. However, it wasn't until 'The Toxic Avenger Part II,' in 1989, that the series began to gain momentum. And, by the time 'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV' rolled around, fans had been anticipating the fourth installment for over a decade. In 'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV,' Lloyd Kaufman and his team take the reigns once more, embracing the spirit of camp and absurdity that had defined the 'Toxic Avenger' series for years. The story picks up where 'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part III' left off, with Melvin Ferd III (played by Mitch Cohen) having successfully killed his father and saved the city of Tromaville from the evil Professor Homeymoon. However, a new threat emerges in the form of the diabolical and seemingly invincible Toxie's arch-nemesis, the sinister and cunning Professor Homeymoon, who, it turns out, has an elaborate scheme to kill Toxie and assume his powers for himself. The plot thickens as the story unfolds, with Toxie facing one perilous situation after another, all while trying to maintain his heroic persona and his love life with Samantha (played by Debbie Rochon). The film's humor, much like its predecessors, relies heavily on a mix of witty one-liners, slapstick comedy, and over-the-top action sequences. Lloyd Kaufman's vision for the film was clear: to push the boundaries of what's considered acceptable in mainstream cinema and to prove that even the most campy and offbeat films can be entertaining and memorable. As the filmmakers delve deeper into the creation of 'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV', we're treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Interviews with the cast and crew reveal the challenges they faced in bringing the project to life, as well as the dedication and passion they brought to their craft. We're shown how the filmmakers used special effects, makeup, and stunt work to create the film's signature blend of gross-out humor and high-octane action. The documentary also explores the cult following of the 'Toxic Avenger' series, delving into what makes it so beloved by fans worldwide. We hear from fans who've followed the series from its early days, and we see how it has influenced other cult classics and low-budget filmmaking projects. The spirit of camaraderie that defines the Troma family is palpable throughout, as Lloyd Kaufman and his team celebrate their triumphs and reflect on the challenges they've overcome. Throughout the documentary, it's clear that the people behind 'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV' are genuinely passionate about their work, and their dedication to the film is infectious. By the end of the documentary, it's clear that this was a project that was worth fighting for, and that Lloyd Kaufman and his team succeeded in creating a film that exceeded the expectations of its fans. In the end, 'Apocalypse Soon: The Making of 'Citizen Toxie'' serves as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, proving that with passion, creativity, and a willingness to take risks, even the most ambitious projects can come to life. As a document of the 'Toxic Avenger' series, it's a must-see for fans, offering a unique glimpse into the making of a cult classic and the behind-the-scenes story of a film that has become an institution in its own right. And, for newcomers, it's an introduction to the world of Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment, a realm of cinematic excess and creative abandon that has captured the hearts of fans around the world.