We live in a strange time, where established properties in family markets are getting the horror treatment.
While we eagerly await to see the gory delights of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, we have The Mean One which tackles the matter of The Grinch.
A sensible decision casting was getting Terrifer’s David Howard Thornton, as the titular mean, green one. Thornton, in another largely mute role is clearly having a ball again, giving a more insane and visceral take on the Grinch.
The story has been repurposed into a slasher narrative, as the Mean One has been terrifying the snowy, rural town of Newville for over 20 years following the murder of Cindy’s mother around Christmas time.
While Newville remains traumatised, Cindy has been into rehab but is now ready to face her demon.
The Mean One is clearly made on a limited budget, and has some production issues including strange colour grading which makes some scenes appear with a blue haze over them plus there is CGI fire and blood, which will take you out of some scenes.
The highlights are when the Grinch is allowed to run wild, especially in a diner sequence involving a number of mall Santa’s and their helpers.
Cindy shows herself to be quite the final girl, as her preparations put Laurie Strode to shame, plus she has the backing of the vengeful local drunk Dr Seuss…
The Mean One should be commended for taking this property in a new direction and repurposing the Grinch as a threat that haunts Newville and could strike at any time.
Arguably one of the year’s pleasant surprises.
The Mean One is available to watch on 3 October 2023.
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