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Why Ryan Kruger's 'Street Trash' Revival Misses the Mark but Still Delivers the Goods

Writer's picture: Misfit ParadeMisfit Parade

In the world of low-budget horror revivals, Ryan Kruger's remake of Street Trash attempts to pay homage to the cult classic while adding a modern twist. The result? A splatter-filled, gooey ride that’s as messy in tone as it is in its practical effects. If you’re a fan of neon-colored gore and ’80s throwback vibes, this movie delivers—but if you’re looking for a coherent social commentary or a reinvention of the genre, you might walk away disappointed.


The Good: Goo and Gags Galore


At its core, Street Trash is a throwback to the kind of VHS gems that defined late-night garage movie marathons. Kruger leans heavily into the technicolor body horror that made the original a cult hit, delivering scenes of exploding heads, bulging necks, and enough practical effects to make fans of DIY horror swoon.

Moments like the grotesque toe-sucking scene stand out for their sheer audacity, showcasing Kruger’s commitment to the surreal and unhinged. The director’s frenetic style—think RoboCop meets Evil Dead with a dash of Chappie—brings an energy that’s rare in today’s hyper-polished, IP-driven horror market.


The Bad: When Horror Gets Too Woke—or Not Woke Enough


Here’s where Street Trash stumbles: It can’t seem to decide what it wants to be. The film flirts with social commentary, hinting at the horrors of homelessness, class struggle, and government corruption. But instead of leaning into those themes with any sincerity, it treats them like set dressing—background noise for a splatter comedy that prioritizes dick jokes over depth.


The movie positions itself as a “melt the rich” revenge fantasy but fails to deliver on that promise in any meaningful way. Instead, it gives us caricatures of homelessness that oscillate between party animals and grotesque villains, creating an uncomfortable and uneven tone. One standout scene, where a homeless woman recounts her tragic backstory, offers a glimpse of the humanity this movie could have explored. But it’s quickly overshadowed by slapstick humor and cheap gags that undercut any emotional weight.


The Most Messed Up Moment


In a movie packed with absurdity and over-the-top gore, Street Trash delivers plenty of moments designed to shock and disgust. But the standout “most messed up moment” has to be the infamous toe-sucking gimp scene.

Picture this: A woman who seems to run the streets of this bizarre, neon-drenched world asserts her dominance in the most surreal way possible. Her power move? Forcing a diaper-clad gimp to suck on her frostbitten toes. Yep, you read that right.

This moment encapsulates everything Street Trash aims to be—a mix of grotesque humor, body horror, and pure WTF energy that leaves you wondering if you should laugh, cringe, or look away. The scene hints at a deeper dive into this strange society of the homeless, suggesting layers of mutation and surreal self-governance. But as with much of the movie, it’s a wild, throwaway moment that leaves more questions than answers.



The Ugly: Playing it Safe with Shock


For a movie that markets itself as edgy, Street Trash feels oddly tame in its attempts to shock. The original’s raw energy and willingness to offend are replaced with calculated chaos that often feels like it’s trying too hard. Moments of absurdity—like a “boner cop” chasing a homeless man with his dismembered junk—land more as cringe than comedy.

In a world where Terrifier 2 exists, you’ve got to bring something fresh to the gorefest table. Street Trash doesn’t push the envelope; it just rereads the mail from the ’80s.


Why You’ll Still Watch It


Despite its flaws, Street Trash has a charm that’s hard to deny. For horror fans nostalgic for the days of video store rentals and ditch-weed-fueled movie nights, this film scratches a specific itch. It’s dumb, loud, and occasionally brilliant in its commitment to practical effects and DIY spirit.


And maybe that’s enough. Not every movie needs to reinvent the wheel or deliver a profound message. Sometimes, it’s okay to just want to see a guy’s head explode in neon goo while someone yells, “Holy fuck, it worked!”


Final Thoughts


Ryan Kruger’s Street Trash isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a love letter to the trash cinema of yesteryear, for better and worse. If you’re looking for a gooey, grotesque distraction from the real world, this movie delivers. Just don’t expect it to say much about the horrors it pretends to highlight.


And honestly? Maybe that’s okay. Sometimes, you just need a frosting-covered cake—even if the base is a little undercooked.



What did you think of the new Street Trash? Are you here for the neon gore, or did the social commentary leave you cold? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to check out the Messed Up Movies Patreon for exclusive content!

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