Horror Movie Review: The Mean One (2022)

Originally a parody trailer, The Mean One went viral and that is enough, these days, to prompt someone to see dollar signs. So, we got a feature length horror comedy parodying the 2000 Jim Carey led How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which was an adaption of the Dr. Seuss’ 1957 children’s book.

Directed by Steven LaMorte and written by Flip and Finn Kobler, The Mean One stars David Howard Thornton, Krystle Martin, Chase Mullins, John Bigham, Erik Baker, Flip Kobler, and Amy Schumacher.

In the town of Newville, a young child named Cindy You-Know-Who witnesses her mother murdered at the hands of an intruder. Not just any intruder though, a green-skinned monster dressed like Santa. Yes, it’s the Grinch, but of course, this film isn’t going to risk the wrath of the Dr. Seuss foundation, so any direct references are avoided. Instead, he’s The Mean One, and no-one believes Cindy’s story afterwards.

Twenty years later, Cindy and her father return to the town during the festive season, on the suggestion of Cindy’s therapist. Hoping to put her demons to bed, and deal with the shocking loss of her mother, they find a town unhappy to see her back and a town unwilling to celebrate Christmas. Blaming her stories of a Christmas killer as the reason for many of the problems that befell the place.

Two people who are particularly unhappy to see Cindy back is the ‘would-be’ mayor, looking to get elected, and the town sheriff. Desperate to not have Cindy start spreading her tales of a green-skinned killer. However, they, and the rest of the townspeople are going to find out that there’s more truth to her story than anyone could have thought.

The Mean One is back, and he plans to make this a bloody Christmas indeed.

What is it about filmmakers parodying beloved stories, turning them into a horror movie, and ignoring the fun factor that should exist? We’ve seen a lot of this over the years, even more in recent times, and The Mean One follows suit. Choosing to be far more serious than it should be, but also proving that a fun trailer does not translate into a 93-minute long film. It is a chore to get through, and even the brilliance of David Howard Thornton as the green creature can’t stop the boredom setting in.

Yet, it’s not a terrible film either. It has flashes of promise, moments that are enjoyable, some gory moments, enough tongue in cheek humour to raise some chuckles, and a solid cast. It’s simply the case that all of this is strained and stretched over a runtime that is unnecessary. This means the entire thing feels uneven and the pacing of the experience suffers. Your left constantly waiting for the next potential bit of fun, only to get bogged down again in relationship drama or Cindy doing her investigation into The Mean One.

If you’re hoping for something like Terrifer, but set at Christmas, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Your best bet is to just wait until Terrifer 3 comes along.