The Ref

The Ref (1994)

  • 76% of critics liked it
    (42 reviews)

  • 73% of users liked it
    (25,367 ratings)

Caroline and Lloyd (Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey) are a married couple constantly at each other's throats, masters at crafting acid-tongued barbs at the other's expense. Indeed, they are so obsessed with belittling each other that they never stop -- not even at gunpoint. Such is the premise of the… More

R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By
Ted Demme
Genres
Drama, Comedy
In Theaters
Mar 9, 1994 Wide
On DVD
Mar 4, 2003
Buena Vista Internationa

Critic Reviews

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    What makes most of this work is the brio of the acting, though the direction by Ted Demme and the script by Richard LaGravenese and Marie Weiss certainly don't hurt.

  • Caryn James, New York Times

    Staying clear of any mean-spirited attitudes, The Ref is a film to warm the hearts and touch the nerves of dysfunctional families everywhere.

  • Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

    Demme brings out the comic ease in Leary.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    This is one holiday party you'll want to miss.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    Material like this is only as good as the acting and writing. The Ref is skillful in both areas.

Read all 15 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Jeff "


    A smartly crafted holiday comedy film that focuses on a cat burglar who takes a dysfunctional family hostage. The Ref is a smart, funny comedy with a great cast. Denis Leary is perfect in his role, and Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey have great chemistry as the dysfunctional couple.… More

  • David L


    "The Ref" is one of my favorite Christmas movies, it stars Denis Leary as a cat burglar who unwittingly takes bickering couple Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis hostage and ultimately ends up having to meet with the entire, annoying family for Christmas dinner. As the feuding… More

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    What a great dark comedy. Loved every bit of this movie. Reminds me of my family. Not sure thats a good thing. A lot of laughs. Love Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary in this movie. Has to be my favorite Christmas film. Probably wouldn't have been as good if not for the three leads.

  • Film C


    Hysterically Funny... i think not! I thought this movie was going to be great even if the storyline had floors it would be improved because iits funny, but i didnt find it that great i dont think i laughed more than twice and it wasnt lol! i like to think i have a great sense of… More

  • xGary X


    An early role for Kevin Sacey as he and his wife are held hostage in their middle class suburban home by cynical crook Dennis Leary and inevitable life lessons ensue. Some of the sniping and bickering is pretty funny, as is the increasingly exasperated Leary. Makes a nice change from… More

Read all 14 featured audience ratings

Cast

See full cast

More Like This