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The Ref (1994)

*** (out of 4)

One of the most "adult" Christmas movies ever mad, THE REF tells the story of a thief (Denis Leary) who needs a place to hide out after a botched robbery so he kidnaps a couple (Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis) not knowing their going through a martial problem. Soon their arguing puts the thief in the middle and things take a turn for the worse when their annoying family members show up.

THE REF didn't make too much of an impact when it was first released but over time it has gained a good cult following and rightfully so. I remember seeing the film when it was first released and found it to be uneven but there was just something about it that made me go back for repeat viewings. It soon dawned on me that the film wasn't uneven but in fact it was simply the perfect mix of comedy and drama. Throughout all the sarcasm and wit that Leary brings to the picture, you've got two great dramatic actors really delivering strong performances and making you care about this troubled couple. The way the film goes from one laugh to another and then onto a serious subject is something rather unique and the way director Ted Demme handles it is quite great.

The film works so well because the three leads are simply perfect in their roles. That smart mouth nature of Leary is just flawless here as this role was simply made for him. Spacey and Davis are so good dramatically that they can sell this portion of the film but their comic timing is also flawless. The three perfectly play off one another and it leads to some great laughs. Another strong aspect of the film is the actual screenplay, which contains all sorts of bad, adult language but everything just feels and flows so naturally that you can't help but feel as if you're watching a real troubled couple and a real thief getting thrown together.

THE REF isn't a flawless film by any stretch of the imagination but there are certainly enough laughs to keep it moving well.

I enjoyed the Ref immensely. It is an off-beat change of pace from most Christmas feel-good movies, yet it still comes together in the end. Denis Leary is very convincing as the successful cat burglar caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Christine Baransky plays a delightfully deranged sister in law who is more interested in money and appearances than in family or Christmas. Kevin Spacey proves that he can play any part from milk toast nagged husband to serial killer.

One caution, though- if you are offended by cursing, then this movie is not for you. There is a great deal of cursing in it. If you've seen any of Denis Leary's stand-up, then you know what to expect, but if you want a Christmas movie to watch with the kids, go find A Christmas Story, Eloise at Christmastime or It's a Wonderful Life. Anything but this one!

With today being Christmas (Happy Ho Ho everyone!), it was that time of year when I dust off this classic film and sit down with a glass of eggnog. Every year, I enjoy this fine film more and more. Simply marvelous! Denis Leary is hilarious, and so is Kevin Spacey. If you have not seen this Holiday classic, do yourself a favour and go out and rent it.

Leary plays Gus, a cat burglar, who on Christmas Eve finds himself on the run from local authorities after robbing a very posh home. Gus takes Caroline and Lloyd hostage (played marvelously by Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) and forces them to bring them to their home to hide out. However, unbeknown to Gus, this is the most dysfunctional family he will ever meet. And so the madness begins.

Great film for adults, however, you may want to keep your children out of the room and out of earshot, as their is some substantial language and adult humour in this movie. However, if you like adult humour, you will definately love The Ref.

A must have for any collection.

Have you noticed? Lloyd, Kevin Spacey's character in "The Ref" is closely related to Lester, Kevin Spacey's character in "American Beauty" if you see both movies, back to back, you'll notice the astonishing similarities between the two. Twins? Maybe. If they are, or were, poor Lester, a lot of things will become immediately clear. To start with, he had Glynis Johns for a mother. Miss Jones creates such a frighteningly funny portrait of a castrating mother that Lester's emasculation is perfectly explained. Not to mention their choice of spouses, time bombs Judi Davis and Annette Bening This little piece of trivia will add, to the considerable pleasures of this delightful and underrated Ted Demme's dark fairy tale. The opening at the marriage counselor's office is just superb, I can see it endlessly, it never fails to make me laugh. Kevin Spacey and Judi Davis are a couple part Edward Albee part Terence Rattigan. They are priceless. Dennis Leary's energy is contagious and relentless. His best part to date. The clunky sub plot involving their son and, what it appears, like a hurried ending, doesn't spoil the fun. The writing by the brilliant Richard LaGravenesse and Marie Weiss is pure joy. Ideal to see with a bunch of friends.

My favorite line of all time is from this movie- when Lloyd tells his mother next Christmas he's going to buy her a big wooden cross, so anytime she feels unappreciated or un-loved she can climb on up there and nail herself to it! This movie is definitely on my top ten list. The acting is awesome! The timing and delivery of lines is right on! It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those of us who love this kind of humor its a sure classic! The casting was superb! I cant see anyone else playing those parts. This is the movie that turned me onto Kevin Spacey- and he is still my favorite actor ever! This is also the funniest movie I've ever seen Denis Leary in. His brand of humor combined with Kevin Spacey's wit is the stuff dreams are made of.