Rating: 
Summary: Dennis Leary Is Amazing and Kevin Spacey Astounding!
Review: As far as Holiday films go - this is the first of over 30 Holiday movies I watch every year at this time. It is funny and witty and amazingly well performed by everyone. Some may be offended by it - but those who can take it for what it is worth it is hysterical.Dennis Leary (Ice Age, Stand Up COmic, A Bug's Life) is a small time burgler that meats his match in a home with a unique security system. That system fubbles his robbery and then leads him in frustration to meet Judy Davis (Life with Judy Garland, The Reagans, Deconstructing Harry) in a convienence store. She plays the disgruntled wife the amazing Kevin Spacey (K-PAx, Pait Forward, American Beauty, A Bug's Life) who in himself is dissapointed in his life and marrage and more. From there Dennis's character relazies he hijacked his Parents and all the relatives that go with it. On the road through this kidnapping all the characters learn about their lives, true feeligns and what is it to be true to each other. Their son is also cleverly played by Robert J. Steinmiller, Jr. (The Ref, Rudy) who also learns a valuable lesson about his soon-to-be divorced parents. Dennis, Judy and Kevin are amazing on screen. They dry humor and black comedy about real important human issues makes this fun, educational and extreemly humorous. Coupled with the amazing performance of Chrstine Baranski (Happy Family, How The Grinch Stole Christams, The Birdcage) and the ever amazingly annoying mother-in-law played by Gylnis Johns (Marry Poppins, Superstar), This movie has performances that shine with every cast member. No one is week, uninteresting or unbelievable. Directed by the late Ted Demme (Blow, Snith, Beautiful Girls) this has to be my favorite film of his. Fun for the whole family (Under 13 watch with Mom and Dad)this film is fun for the Holidays. Check it out. I bought it. 11-30-03
Rating:
Summary: A Real Home Christmas.
Review: We rented The Ref while the whole family was together in (sorry) the Hamptons. My uncle and my cousin Elliot watched it: then the rest of us decided to watch. We ran it a second time: my uncle and cousin stayed to watch twice; my mother and aunt, who minutes earlier were piously intoning that they "couldn't stand" films with profanity, were suddenly laughing so hard my cousin Laurie had to caution them, repeatedly, "No weeing in your pants." Whether for better or worse, the movie seems to catch the true spirit of Christmas, and the fact that you end up with a sense that families can learn to change and be resilient is a real triumph. (By the way, compare O'Henry's story, "The Ransom of Red Chief"!)
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Summary: The Best Christmas movie ever.
Review: Forget about Frosty the Snowman. Leave that red nose Raindeer in the cold. Tell that grumpy, old Scrooge to get lost. The Ref is the only Holiday movie you need to see. Dennis Leary is a cat-burglar on the run from the cops. He hijacks a couple's car and holds them hostage in their own home. But things backfire on him as he realizes he has the "married couple from hell". It the funniest movies ever. Watch this over the holidays and leave the other traditional movies out in the cold.
Rating:
Summary: Leary Goes Over The Top
Review: Denis Leary is a very skilled burglar. But when he runs into a very unconventional alarm/trap, he finds himself on the run and abandoned by his partner. He takes refuge by kidnaping a couple who wind seem to only communicate with each other by fighting. Leary is stuck with them for awhile as he relocates his partner. The trouble is it is Christmas Eve and the rest of the family will be arriving. Said family almost manages to make the couple look normal. Almost. Leary must pose as their marriage counselor to survive the visit but surviving this family is easier said than done. The tense situations and reality of their predicament drive the couple into being more open and the effect spreads as members find themselves finally venting their frustrations. In the end Leary manages to get away but he leaves the family in a healthier emotional state then when he arrived. Leary's rants as he deals with the family are classic. One can really understand his character and his frustration with his situation. It is almost a one-man show except that there are some excellent performances by Kevin Spacy and Judy Davis. A fast and fun comedy that is very rewatchable. Unfortunately, the foul language makes this one unsuitable for younger viewers.
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Summary: Leary fans rejoice!
Review: Denis... ah, you whimsical angry poet. He's at his best in this one, folks! A burglar (and a good one) forced into taking hostages in order to escape a slightly botched robbery, finds himself held hostage by his prey! In his own words, "I've kidnapped my parents!" This was also before Kevin Spacey was REALLY famous, too, so you know there's some good acting involved. Not all around, I will admit, the son is a bit tenuous and immature. Some of the characters a little dry, but that actually changes later in the movie. The star, of course, is Denis. Riding close behind him, though, are Spacey and Judy Davis, the bickering couple Leary is stuck with. Spacey and Davis play off each other beautifully in this film, as a couple in DESPERATE need of marriage counseling. They have both lost sight of why they married in the first place, are stuck in life-ruts, and are considering a divorce. Then, Leary steps in and the fur starts to fly. I can't say too much without giving it away, but it's a witty and slightly warm movie about rediscovery and redemption. After all, it is Christmastime! Oh, and that element adds to the humor value, by the way. If you are a Leary fan, no question, just buy it. If you are a comedy fan, same thing. If you like Spacey, while his part isn't the biggest in the film, he really shines as usual, so again... buy it. ;-) I recommend it all around! Especially if you've 'been there' on the holidays with 'the family' (you know what I mean). :-)
Rating: 
Summary: DVD Bargain
Review: Yes, that's Denis Leary on the cover looking his Bond-girlish best, but don't overlook Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis enticingly tied to those ladderbacks. THE REF is a holiday feast, every featured morsel a treat and each supporting dish adding a delectable layer of flavor. Have a seat, there's much to enjoy at this table Ted Demme has set. The DVD release is a bargain. No special features, but a good widescreen 1.85:1 transfer with decent Dolby 5.1 Surround audio as well as a French audio track.
Rating:
Summary: The Ref
Review: It is easy to sympathize with Denis Leary's character for picking the wrong household to hold up. As annoying as the couple is, the family who comes for Christmas eve dinner is ten times worse. During the dinner, he poses as their marriage counselor. My favorite part is when he tries to take Lloyd's mother hostage by putting a gun to her hand--expecting everyone is shut up--and they just look at him and tell him to do it.
I give it 4 stars because I feel that some parts of it felt rushed, but overall, a very enjoyable movie.
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Summary: Very funny Leary flick
Review: Ok, let's get it out of the way...yes this has a slightly "Trapped in Paradise" (the movie with Nichols Cage, John Lovitz, etc.) feel to it. Criminal with a good heart gets stuck somewhere during the holidays. But whereas the folks in "Trapped in Paradise" were hospitable to a sickening level, the family in "The Ref" are absolute bickering nightmares. Enter Leary planning the rip-off. He gets stuck with this married couple (with one son) who fight, tooth and nail, over every excruciating detail of life. They are already in therapy and in part their troubles stem from the wife's former infidelity. Kevin Spacey plays the bitter husband who is equally as harsh towards his unfaithful wife. But Leary's involvement in the two...I won't give away how it comes about or how it ends...but let's just say it is absolutely priceless. If you know Leary's style and attitude, just place it in the context of him having to deal with two [people] who are, presumably, deep down good people. His wit and delivery are impeccable. You will love it! Defintiely get this DVD if you are at all thinking about it. I had not even seen it until I purchased it on DVD and I was so glad that I went ahead and made the purchase. I wager you will as well.
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Summary: Waited several years for this movie on DVD
Review: Well worth the wait. Have watched this movie atleast a dozen times in the past. Great holiday movie. Dennis Leary is a craic.
Great bit of fun & laughs.
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Summary: character comedy at its best
Review: this is one of my favorite comedies, and i'm delighted to see that it's finally been released on dvd. the premise here is simply to take people who find themselves in situations they don't like -- a thief, a couple, a chief of police -- and watch them muddle through to a solution. a misjudged heist sets a burglar on the run, and he carjacks a married couple in order to escape. alas, the couple is deep into marital trench warfare (as we see in a hilarious counseling episode), and are having their dysfunctional relatives over for christmas dinner. the burglar has more problems than he bargained for, but posing as the marriage counselor he tries to bluff his way out. this was the first time i recall seeing kevin spacey, and he's perfect as the defensively sarcastic husband. judy davis is over the top as the bitchy, heartbroken wife. their chemistry with dennis leary is unique, and the ensemble acting is lively and top notch. the foreseeable comedic happy ending is touching and convincing. there are a few funny physical gags, but this is really a character comedy in the cary grant/rosalind russell tradition. a real delight.
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