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The Ref
 
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The Ref (1994)

Starring: Denis Leary, Judy Davis Director: Ted Demme Rating: R (Restricted) Format: DVD
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (143 customer reviews)

List Price: $9.99
Price: $6.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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The Ref + Home for the Holidays + National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)
Total List Price: $44.93
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  • This item: The Ref DVD ~ Denis Leary

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Editorial Reviews

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Caustic wit gets a full-body workout in this 1994 comedy, in which a cat burglar (Denis Leary) gets trapped in an affluent Connecticut neighborhood and is forced to hold a bickering couple hostage on Christmas Eve, only to discover that their Yuletide spirit is anything but cheerful. Caroline (Judy Davis) and her husband, Lloyd (Kevin Spacey), have been at each other's throats for so long that they've developed domestic arguments into an art form, and the would-be kidnapper turns into a reluctant mediator, even after he's got the battling couple wound up in bungee cords. The situation grows even more complicated when the couple's smart-aleck son comes home from military school, but it's not the plot here that's a top priority. Instead it's the sheer pleasure of witnessing a three-way verbal jousting match, written with razor-sharp skill and delivered by actors who are perfect for their roles. The movie's got a dark edge, but it never gets too dark--you know that it's not going to slide into more seriously damaging territory, so you can sit back and enjoy the volleys of scathing insults and sarcasm the way you would a Don Rickles performance. If that sounds like your idea of entertainment, The Ref will serve it up with style. --Jeff Shannon


Product Description

Denis Leary plays an unfortunate cat burglar, who is abandonded by his partner in the middle of a heist and is forced to take an irritating Connecticut couple (Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) hostage. He soon finds that he got 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.

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Customer Reviews

143 Reviews
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4 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (143 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Christmas Movie, June 19, 2000
This review is from: Ref [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Okay: if the "eff" word offends you, don't buy this video. However, if you grew up in a dysfunctional family in which your parents argued about absolutely anything while you were required to cheer, you'll love this comic holiday tale of a burglar who wanted simply to make his last heist and retire to the islands. Unfortunately, he's attacked by the dog Cannibal; his alcoholic partner deserts him; and he kidnaps a couple who resembles his own parents: two chronic arguers who would pick at each other at the very edge of doom. My mom was obsessed with certain Scandinavian traditions, and when the comedy cuts to a Swedish sit-down feast during which all participants wear garlands of candles and eat traditional Swedish food, I practically go into cardiac arrest. This is not only one of the funniest films ever made, but also it is an accurate portrayal of the nightmare which Christmas becomes for so many middle-class families. Dennis Leary, Kevin Spacey, and Judy Davis are brilliant beyond belief in their rapid-fire deliveries of sadistic sarcasm. Buy it; savor it. Ho ho ho!
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Christmas movie, June 25, 2003
By Robin Wolfson "Reliza" (Cameron Park, CA USA) - See all my reviews
  
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It's true. This is my favorite Christmas movie. Now, be warned, you have to be a fan of smart, talky movies (think of comedies from the thirties and forties). The uniting of Judy Davis, Denis Leary, and Kevin Spacey was inspired, and Christine Baranski and Glynis Johns (one of my favorite stars when I was a kid) provide extra pith to an already pith-laden production.

Now you know, of course, that whenever you get Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary in one film there's going to a lot of talking and a lot of ranting, and the rants are truly delicious, topped off with Spacey's line: "The corpse has the floor!"

Judy Davis more than holds her own with Spacey and Leary, and B. D. Wong is delightful as the overwhelmed psychotherapist. As everyone gets a number in a musical, everyone gets a rant in The Ref, reminding us again of why two people argue: because they're both right.

Give yourself a treat and don't wait for Christmas to watch this one.

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An overlooked Holiday Classic, December 20, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Ref [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The Ref one of my favorite movies, holiday or not. Dennis Leary is at his sarcastic best as a cat burgler trying to survive a bungled job. Not only is he on the run from the law, he is trapped with the family from HELL when he holds hostage Lloyd and Caroline and eventually their whole disfunctional family. Kevin Spacey wasn't a household name yet at this time, but he gives a stellar performance and the whipped, frustrated Lloyd. Judy Davis is also excellent as the neurotic Caroline.

Give this movie a try, you won't be sorry.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Classic
This movie is one of the older ones, but it still has class. It is really exciting and funny clear through the begining to the end. Read more
Published 1 month ago by BEVERLY A. CARROLL

5.0 out of 5 stars Hlilariously funny!
Denis Leary is unexpedidly funny in this movie - hoping for a sequel.
Lohn
Published 1 month ago by John A. Miller

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ref a terrific ride
This movie is a lot of fun! There is profanity, but if you can get past this, you may very well enjoy this film, as it is full of zany characters & plot twists.
Published 1 month ago by Corneydog

5.0 out of 5 stars DVD
Purchased for disbled brother. Quick shipment, great price. Would purchase other movies in the future. He loved the movie...
Published 1 month ago by Candy

4.0 out of 5 stars Hollyweird writers with issues make for some dark laughs
We'd never heard of this movie upon seeing it at the library yesterday and I'm always up for a Spacey film, especially a comedy. Read more
Published 4 months ago by K. Swanson

5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas with an attitude
This is one of the best Christmas movies ever made -- as long as you like your holiday with a little (check that, a lot) of profanity. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Nickie

4.0 out of 5 stars Funny!
Great cast with chemistry that just won't quit! The story line gets a little sappy, but Leary's performance keeps it edgy.
Published 7 months ago by Emma S. Vinson

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!
If you have a dry sense of humor, like dead-pan humor, and cringe whenever you have to attend a family function, this movie is for you! Read more
Published 8 months ago by RSB

4.0 out of 5 stars If You Like Christmas Vacation You Will LOVE This One!
Denis Leary is Great! I think anyone who has spent the holidays with their family can relate to this one. It is comparable to Christmas Vaction, maybe even better!
Published 9 months ago by L. Smith

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie, Great service from Amazon
. . .Movie is in perfect condition, got it shipped to me free in a 'bundle' and sooner than was indicated, Thanks!
Published 9 months ago by Big Sky Dreams

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