Denis Leary plays an unfortunate cat burglar, who is abandoned by his partner in the middle of a heist, and is forced to take an irritating Connecticut couple (Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis) hostage. He soon finds that he took on more than he bargained for when the couple's blackmailing son and despicable in-laws step into the picture. Before long they're driving him nuts with their petty bickering and family problems. The only way for him to survive is to be their referee and res... (Full plot summary below)
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Denis Leary plays an unfortunate cat burglar, who is abandoned by his partner in the middle of a heist, and is forced to take an irritating Connecticut couple (Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis) hostage. He soon finds that he took on more than he bargained for when the couple's blackmailing son and despicable in-laws step into the picture. Before long they're driving him nuts with their petty bickering and family problems. The only way for him to survive is to be their referee and resolve their differences, before he can be nabbed by the police.
Leave your thoughts about The Ref.
| Washington PostHal HinsonThe Ref is one of those rare movies that seem to have everything going for it -- a promising director, terrific actors and an original, unapologetically grown-up script -- yet somehow still turns out to be a phenomenal drag. |
| Blogcritics.orgAlan Dale[Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey] play this strident high comedy duet with a self-sustaining brio that easily puts them on the level of the stars of Twentieth Century, The Awful Truth, The Philadelphia Story, and His Girl Friday. |
| VarietyVariety StaffThe Ref works virtually none of the miracles of [Richard LaGravenese's screenplay for The Fisher King,] his previous mix 'n' match effort. |
| Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertMaterial like this is only as good as the acting and writing. The Ref is skillful in both areas. |
| New TimesLuke Y. ThompsonBetter in hindsight than it first appeared. Leary truly rises to the challenge of acting opposite Davis and Spacey. |
| Time OutGeoff AndrewIn his first starring role, comedian Leary makes his ranting career criminal strangely sympathetic. |
| FlavorwireJason BaileyIt's not just a Denis Leary vehicle. It's a real movie, with drama and grace and intelligence (and slapstick and drunk Santa gags and crude laughs). |
| Movie ViewsRyan CracknellJust because The Ref isn't your typical Christmas movie doesn't mean you should skip it. In fact, it should be just the opposite. |
| Caution SpoilersSarah CartlandA film so bleak even Krampus had to watch "Elf" immediately afterwards to regain his Christmas spirit. Rude, loud, funny and (apart from the home invasion by a gun-toting jewellery thief bit), pretty realistic about families and the festive season. |
| Blunt ReviewEmily BluntThis is a smart witty film- Leary is fantastic, Spacey a blast and Davis brilliant! |
