David Howard Thornton, best known for his haunting performance as Art the Clown in the Terrifier series, has taken on another iconic role – the Grinch. In Steven LaMorte’s brutal parody of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Thornton stars as the “Mean One”, a green-skinned creature with a penchant for violence and a hate for the holiday season. The film follows Cindy You-Know-Who, who returns to her hometown of Newville 20 years after witnessing the murder of her mother, hoping to find closure while spending Christmas with her father. However, her nostalgia is short-lived as reality blurs between nightmares and real life, and the Mean One begins a murderous rampage, killing several residents of the town with a zeal that is both darkly comedic and horrifying.
Thornton’s performance is a masterclass in facial expressions and physical comedy, echoing Jim Carrey’s iconic portrayal of the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His over-the-top movements and mannerisms capture the whimsical energy of Carrey’s performance, but with a twisted and violent twist. His character uses candy canes to stab, Christmas lights to strangle, and ornaments to impale, turning a harmless holiday story into a shocking massacre.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Image via Getty)
Despite having no dialogue and limited screen time, Thornton’s presence is felt throughout the film, his menacing snarls echoing through his rotten teeth. His background in voice acting adds depth to his performance, making even his silences feel menacing.
Thornton is no stranger to playing the Grinch, having toured with the national production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical, where he played the understudy for Stefán Karl’s Grinch. His understanding of the character is evident in his portrayal, bringing a level of depth and nuance to the film that adds to its appeal.
The Mean One is not without flaws, with the pacing at times feeling dry and hard to follow. However, its low-budget charm and David Howard Thornton’s performance make it a fun and humorous holiday watch, especially with a group of friends. For fans of Christmas horror, it is a refreshing addition to the genre, and for those looking for a twist on the classic tale of the Grinch, The Mean One is a must-watch.
