The Mean One

For a film with such a promising premise, it turns out to be a plodding example of how to squander potential.

A parody only by legal definition, The Mean One has no teeth as a naughty comedy or gory horror.

The Mean One has a handful of inspired lines, e.g., “Time to roast this beast!” but the production values, editing, score and photography are average at best, and we’re left with a film that will be remembered mostly for a cleverly twisted marketing hook.

Parodies are theoretically supposed to be funny... it’s almost as if there was an explicit directive not to crack any jokes, let alone exhibit any pleasure, in a film that deliberately skirts copyright infringement to bring a sadistic Grinch to theaters.

This is a parody without self-awareness, which prevents it from playing out like the cult movie it wants to be.

Terror and action emerge as fundamental elements that shape the relationships between the protagonists, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. [Full review in Spanish]

Any hope that the story will ever take itself seriously drowns in an accumulation of bad creative decisions. [Full review in Spanish]

It hits that evil satire sweet spot like you would find in a Mad magazine in Satan’s outhouse. In violent Christmas debauchery, The Mean One couldn’t be better.

Vindicates what a traditional Christmas should be... and so the horror seems tacked on. [Full review in Spanish]

This movie makes no sense. I couldn't wait for it to end.