Rating: 
Summary: Hysterical
Review: This movie is not for the faint-hearted, nor for the prudish. The "f" word is used as often as the word "the". In a way, it's a black comedy, because of the numerous underlying satircal statements on spoiled,troubled children; shrinks; bored housewives; complacent husbands; overbearing, martyred mothers; overweight children; selfish mothers/wives; incompetent police officers; crude neighbors; arrogant nouveau riche; and bumbling chain-smoking drunks. It's no wonder Gus emerges as the hero, albeit a thieving, foul-mouthed one. I watch this movie over and over for the quick wit, and for laughs, pure and simple.
Rating:
Summary: Very Funny, Underated film
Review: Someone mentioned this movie to me (I had never heard of it!), so I rented it. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We have seen it at least 4 times now. I was never a Denis Leary fan, but he is really good in this movie. Kevin Spacey is also fantastic in this movie. The Christmas dinner is definitely one of the funniest scenes.
Rating:
Summary: Luke Keberlein's opinion
Review: The Ref is without a doubt an excellent comedy. If at any time throughtout the movie you believe the comedy has ended, you will soon be suprised. Denis Leary and Kevin Spacey provide a comfortable comedic atmosphere. Capable of being watched without fear of becoming obsolete, The Ref will brighten any viewer's day.
Rating:
Summary: Required viewing for all Mental Health Professionals....
Review: ...in order to ream out our preconceptions, keep us humble, and quit being so damn serious! Beautifully written, clean & sharp acting, right on the money direction,time and again. Cannot stop laughing...these people are all too real. Thank God for this film.
Rating:
Summary: If You Want To See Leary Rant And Rave...
Review: ...like never before, buy this movie! Dennis is at his best when he's not restrained and allowed to let his mouth run as foul as it can. He's actually a great actor, but he's never been allowed to sit in the driver's seat aside from this movie. Many kudos to Kevin Spacey for playing the prissy uptight married guy to Leary's completely unrestrained single thieving scoundrel. All in all, a very excellent dark comedy. "Mary - gag your Gramma." One of the best lines I've ever heard! One I'll watch again and again! I'll even purchase it again, if/when it's released on DVD (hint, hint...)
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and TRULY underrated
Review: Possibly the best, most intelligent comedy of the 90's. Due to poor distribution, this film didn't see it's proper success. Spacey and Davis could EASILY have earned academy nominations for their acerbic, wry portrayal of a dysfunctional suburbian family. A foreshadowing of Spacey's role in American Beauty, this was a true showcase for his talents. Leary et al were equally as superb! I recommend this movie as one of my favorite comedies of all time. The scene between BD Wong and Davis/Spacey in the beginning is true cinematic genius!
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: I've seen a lot of comedies, most of them good, but The Ref ranks right up there with Caddyshack as the two best comedies I have ever seen. The Ref's script is intelligently written and original and the movie is casted perfectly. If you ever read a negative review of this film, ignore it. That person must have a sense of humor as thin as Calista Flockhart. This movie is a sure thing. Now if only they would put this film out on DVD!
Rating:
Summary: A sure winner. You think the Griswald's were dysfunctional?
Review: Outstanding! Very few comedies are able to surprise me with laughs. Most movies you see the jokes coming 3 minutes before they arrive.Spacey & Leary are an outstanding duo. Spacey demonstrates his sharp tongued "Swimming With Sharks" humor once again. Leary is, well, himself! I would love to see another movie pitting Leary & Spacey as antagonists!
Rating: 
Summary: The Ref: An Underappreciated Sleeper
Review: If you're looking for an intelligent, witty, and biting comedy, you'll find exactly what you want with Ted Demme's THE REF. A first-rate cast (headed by Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, multi-nominated Judy Davis, and a surprisingly full-rounded performance by Denis Leary) takes you into the lives of an unhappily married couple and their down-on-his-luck kidnapper on Christmas Eve in a wealthy suburban Connecticut town. Other invaluable cast members include Glynis Johns, Christine Baranski, Raymond J. Barry and a cameo by Broadway's B.D. Wong. In what must be considered a "black comedy", Spacey and Davis throw verbal knives at each other throughout the course of the film, all with an underlying knowledge of their love for each other. Be prepared to laugh out loud at a one-liner one minute, and to be touched and heartwarmed the next. I have watched this film over and over again, without ever failing to enjoy it from start to finish. PERSONAL NOTE: I remember Gene Siskel reviewing this picture when it first came out. He commented on how the "villain" was bald and was named Siskel. He took this as a personal affront, which I find absolutely ridiculous. First of all, Siskel is not the villain, and the fact that he was played by a bald actor (JK Simmons) was coincidental. I never seemed to have the same regard for Gene Siskel after that review.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT
Review: This video is a classic for Denis Leary fans. His self comes thru amazing well. A must see for Denis Leary fans.
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