Tag Archives: David Howard Thornton

‘The Dead Place’ (2026) Ultra indie horror comes to BloodStreamTV today

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The Dead Place

The Dead Place poster

First-time filmmaker Michael Pickle‘s The Dead Place is the epitome of microbudget indie filmmaking. High school senior Isaac is having a shitty year. His ability to see the dead makes him a target for the school bullies and evil. A little “I see dead people” combined with possession by a serial killer’s soul, ala Chucky. Ya know, very after-school special.
 
The DEAD PLACE_stills5The cast has a few solid performances, and true to form in the history of horror films, a large number of the ensemble are most definitely NOT high school-aged, nor are any of the staff remotely close to real-life teachers. Frankly, I love this weird tradition. Lexi Graves and Teon Kelley are genuinely fantastic. David Howard Thornton, best known to fans as Art The Clown, sticks out for his over-the-top shenanigans, but quite frankly, his energy saved me from paying bills on my phone during the final third.
 
The DEAD PLACE_stills9The score features repetitive synth notes, reminiscent of 80s slashers. The edit could use a shave. The set looks closer to a flop house rental than a family home. The practical makeup on David Howard Thornton is super fun. Spoiler Alert: The janitor kill is probably my favorite.
 
The script deals with bullying and trauma from an ostracized and othered perspective, with a wicked twist. Pickle is clearly a genre fan, and The Dead Place is proof of his passion, as the climax contains homages a plenty. High five to Matt Rasmussen‘s end credits choices. Very cool. The Dead Place debuts on BloodStreamTV June 1st.
 
The Dead Place Trailer:

 
The Dead Place will celebrate its Red Carpet Theatrical Premiere on June 10th, at Beverly Hills’ Lumiere Cinema, with cast and crew in attendance. Tickets for the event are now on-sale HERE.
 
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Merry and murderous holiday horror ‘THE MEAN ONE’ hits VOD, DVD, and Blu-Ray Today!

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THE MEAN ONE

Hokey Hallmark meets children’s classic in the new holiday horror THE MEAN ONE. Director Stephen LaMorte and writers Flip and Finn Kobler tell a twisted tale of trauma and small-town secrets through one of our most beloved and iconic holiday villains. A familiar story, but make it merry and murderous.

Twenty years after the Xmas Eve death of her mother in 2009, Cindy returns to her hometown to face the demons of her childhood. When history begins repeating itself, she vows to take back the night and the holiday spirit, no matter how much blood she has to spill.

Clever Seussian signage appears throughout the film, as do homage character names. The sometimes quippy dialogue works around what I can only assume would be a massive copyright infringement case.
The noteworthy turn comes from Cindy’s neighbor Doc Zuess. John Bingham, whose character is reminiscent of Roberts Blossom from Home Alone, is brilliant. His performance legitimizes The Mean One, bringing it out of its Hallmark moments.

Krystle Martin is Cindy. Her professional stunt work shines. From traumatized to trigger-happy, Cindy’s exposure therapy becomes a plot for revenge. Let us not forget our titular character brought to life by none other than “Art The Clown” himself, David Howard Thornton. His mannerisms are glorious. The film would be less memorable without him.

Christopher Sanders‘ narration adds a fantastic touch. The CG blood is straight up over the top. Is The Mean One ridiculously tropey? Yes. Will it be appearing on our eccentric holiday viewing list next week? Also, yes.

The film hits VOD, DVD, and Blu-Ray Today!

 

You can watch the film here, on its watch page: www.themeanonemovie.com/watch

 

Directed by LaMorte with a script 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. A co-production between A Sleight of Hand Productions, Amy Rose Productions, and Kali Pictures, the feature is Produced by Schumacher, LaMorte, and Martine Melloul. Executive Producers are Jordan Rosner, Gato Scatena, and Zach Stampone.

 

Review: ‘THE MEAN ONE’ is merry and murderous holiday horror.

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THE MEAN ONE

Hokey Hallmark meets children’s classic in the new holiday horror THE MEAN ONE. Director Stephen LaMorte and writers Flip and Finn Kobler tell a twisted tale of trauma and small-town secrets through one of our most beloved and iconic holiday villains. A familiar story, but make it merry and murderous.

Twenty years after the Xmas Eve death of her mother in 2009, Cindy returns to her hometown to face the demons of her childhood. When history begins repeating itself, she vows to take back the night and the holiday spirit, no matter how much blood she has to spill.

Clever Seussian signage appears throughout the film, as do homage character names. The sometimes quippy dialogue works around what I can only assume would be a massive copyright infringement case.
The noteworthy turn comes from Cindy’s neighbor Doc Zuess. John Bingham, whose character is reminiscent of Roberts Blossom from Home Alone, is brilliant. His performance legitimizes The Mean One, bringing it out of its Hallmark moments.

Krystle Martin is Cindy. Her professional stunt work shines. From traumatized to trigger-happy, Cindy’s exposure therapy becomes a plot for revenge. Let us not forget our titular character brought to life by none other than “Art The Clown” himself, David Howard Thornton. His mannerisms are glorious. The film would be less memorable without him.

Christopher Sanders‘ narration adds a fantastic touch. The CG blood is straight up over the top. Is The Mean One ridiculously tropey? Yes. Will it be appearing on our eccentric holiday viewing list next week? Also, yes.

THE MEAN ONE is opening exclusively at Regal Cinemas nationwide on December 9th, with special advance screenings taking place everywhere on the evening of the 8th.
Additional details about where to see it on the big screen can be found at TheMeanOneMovie.com.

 

Directed by LaMorte with a script 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. A co-production between A Sleight of Hand Productions, Amy Rose Productions, and Kali Pictures, the feature is Produced by Schumacher, LaMorte, and Martine Melloul. Executive Producers are Jordan Rosner, Gato Scatena, and Zach Stampone.