The Ref
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Movie Reviews of The Ref
Movie Review: Don't Judge a DVD By Its Box, Watch THE REF This X-mas
Summary: 5 Stars
Judging by the DVD cover, you wouldn't expect this film to have any correlation to Christmas. However, like DIE HARD (but to a higher degree), Christmas is the backdrop for this hilarious film about a family kidnapped by an inept burglar. Denis Leary plays a jewel thief who, after a bungled burglary, is forced to take a feuding couple hostage in order to avoid the police. However, the couple (played to a "T" by Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) prove to be too much for "The Ref" to handle. The title gets its name from the fact that Leary must continually resolve the differences between the constantly bickering family members. Once again, I believe this film could have packed a bigger punch at the box office had they only changed the title. Non-sports fans won't give a film with the title THE REF a second glance. Sports fans will be turned off once they read that the film isn't actually about a real REF. Then, the fact that there is no reference to Christmas on the cover, will keep people looking for unique holiday fare from picking up the box.
The film continues to pick up steam as more and more of the family members - and a couple confused cops - show up at the house. No one gets along and THE REF has no where to turn. If you are the type of person who enjoys films like PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES where conflicting views can repeatedly prove comical, then THE REF is a surefire way to add a fun spark to your holiday movie collection. Besides, isn't it about time to watch something other than IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and CHRISTMAS VACATION every year?
Movie Review: Leary fans rejoice!
Summary: 5 Stars
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). :-)
Movie Review: My Second Favorite Christmas Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This is just a must-see at Christmas for those of you with dysfunctional families that fight on the holidays. You will roar with laughter at the antics of this movie.
Basic premise: Gus is a burglar whose last big job gets botched and he ends up taking a couple hostage while the man hunt goes on to find him. Unfortunately, he picked the worst couple possible to kidnap as even a gun in their faces won't stop them fighting. Fortunately for them, Gus's really straight-forward attitude and blunt approach to their fighting actually breaks through this couple's problems and starts them to see what they're really fighting over.
This is definitely a black humor kind of film and NOT really a family flick. Think of it a bit like "Bad Santa" but not so vulgar, just a lot of swearing.
But everyone you see in this flick is someone you probably know or are related to. The couple that are struggling to keep their relationship afloat, the juvenile delinquent of a son, the brother with no spine, his hen-pecking wife, their two chubby kids that are yelled at constantly and best of all the absolute worst mother-in-law that is so inherently evil you root for her downfall when Denis takes her on.
Got a dysfunctional family? Hate the holidays sometimes because of it? Like black comedy? Then you will laugh till it hurts with this flick. A must-see.
Movie Review: This is a very funny movie with a Christmas Eve setting
Summary: 5 Stars
If you liked the Ransom of Red Chief, you'll probably find this movie funny. This movie is similar in theme (the tables are turned on the kidnapper), although filled with some very funny one-liners (my favorite is a line about the need for a mute switch). Dennis Leary is a Christmas Eve burglar in wealthy "New Baybrook" Connecticut, who sets off a boobie trap, alerting the police (who are totally inexperienced at dealing with serious crimes). They set up a roadblock so burglar Leary can't get out of town, so he kidnaps the wife of a fighting couple (Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis), who are driving home from a visit with their marriage counselor. He makes them take him home, although they are expecting Spacey's truly awful MIL and other relatives (including Christine Baranski) for dinner. Their headed-down-the-wrong-track son is due home from the last-resort military academy he's attending. But no wonder the son is so troubled -- his parents never stop bickering. Burglar Leary ends up being a kind of marriage counselor to this rather affluent but deeply dysfunctional family.
This is definitely a Christmas movie, but if you want cute little elves and jolly old Santa Claus, this isn't the movie for you. It's definitely an adult movie, and the language is probably not appropriate for delicate ears or those sensitive to bad language or some sexual comments.
Movie Review: Leary Goes Over The Top
Summary: 5 Stars
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.