The Mean One (Movie Review)

“Just face the music, you're a monster, Mr. Grinch.”  It is true that every iteration of the Grinch character is monstrous but whether in the trappings of a Dr. Suess book or a Jim Carrey vehicle all he wants to do is steal presents and feel accepted.  What if someone took that premise and went for a R rating?  Writer/director Steven Lamorte skirts the Grinch’s copyright status by never using the G-word and lets the bloody candy canes fly in The Mean One.

The movies opens on a Christmas eve where the Grinch aka The Mean One (played by mime turned horror icon David Howard Thorton) is posing as Santa and stealing presents from the tree of a child name Cindy (played by Saphine Chanadet).  She catches him in the act and when her mother attacks The Mean One, tragedy ensues.  The traumatized Cindy is taken to a different town to get treatment.  Years later Cindy (now played by Krystle Martin) is grown up and is ready to return to her old house with her father.  Upon returning to Newville, Cindy is unsettled when she notices that there are no Christmas decorations.  She is also pulled over by rookie police officer Burke (Chase Mullins) who falls in puppy love with Cindy at first site. 

Once home Cindy decides to cheer up the place with a tree and red/green lights.  Soon after her home is attacked by something big, green and furry.  It is soon revealed that the town is constantly being watched by The Mean One who will violently attack anyone that tries to envoke anything Christmas related.  Can Cindy get her revenger?  Will she make it to UFC after she obtains a Ronda Rousey-like physique after a training montage?  Will the town of Newville ever be able to celebrate Christmas?

The Mean One is completely ridiculous in the best possible way.  It reaches the horror comedy balance of having an absurd premise that the actors play completely straight.  This movie laughs with the audience, not at them.  Not every horror movies needs to address a societal issue or serve as a metaphor.  It is great when they do, but sometimes you want something dumb, fun and bloody.  This movies is definitely bloody.  Not as gruesome as Terrifier (which also stars David Howard Thorton) but it some killer moments I had never seen before.  Some of the blood might be computer generated, but that's understandable given the film’s budget and schlockly aspirations, especially when there are plenty of stunts and practical effects to keep the audience entertained.

The third act is especially enjoyable when the insanity gets turned up to 11.  The Mean One is best enjoyed with like minded individuals sharing a bowl of boozy egg nog.  If you don’t have fun at that point, then your heart must be three size too small.