IMDb >
The Ref (1994)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Ref (1994) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 12 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
9 March 1994 (USA) moreTagline:
He's taken them hostage. They're driving him nuts.Plot:
A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
1 win & 1 nomination moreNewsDesk:
(4 articles)
Denis Leary on Lipton's Actor's Studio, Monday, May 4 (From Monsters and Critics. 3 May 2009, 8:24 AM, PDT)
Votd: Denis Leary Reviews Denis Leary Movies
(From /Film. 17 December 2008, 10:44 PM, PST)
User Comments:
If this is what happens, then kidnap me! moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Denis Leary | ... | Gus | |
| Judy Davis | ... | Caroline Chasseur | |
| Kevin Spacey | ... | Lloyd Chasseur | |
| Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. | ... | Jesse Chasseur | |
| Glynis Johns | ... | Rose Chasseur | |
| Raymond J. Barry | ... | Lt. Huff | |
| Richard Bright | ... | Murray, Gus' Driver | |
| Christine Baranski | ... | Connie Chasseur | |
| Adam LeFevre | ... | Gary Chasseur | |
| Phillip Nicoll | ... | John Chasseur | |
| Ellie Raab | ... | Mary Chasseur | |
| Bill Raymond | ... | George | |
| John Scurti | ... | Lt. Steve Milford | |
| Jim Turner | ... | Phil | |
| Herbie Ade | ... | Herbie, Bartender Mackerel Bar |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
93 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
DolbyCertification:
Iceland:L | Finland:K-3 | New Zealand:PG | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Germany:6 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:RFun Stuff
Trivia:
Dennis Leary only fires his gun once in the entire film. It was fired at the smoke detector to stop it from beeping. moreGoofs:
Continuity: At one point while in the car after taking Lloyd and Caroline hostage, tail lights disappear behind Gus in the rear view window. moreQuotes:
Connie Chasseur: I'm sorry but I have had it! I have never heard of such a Christmas! Sex... and drugs... an-an-and women being set on fire! moreSoundtrack:
The Holly And The Ivy moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Ref (1994) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| City of Shoulders and Noses | Buffalo '66 | The Night of the Hunter | Black Christmas | Manny & Lo |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Comedy section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |












In what may be his funniest role to date, Denis Leary plays kidnapper Gus, who takes wealthy Connecticut couple Lloyd (Kevin Spacey) and Caroline Chasseur (Judy Davis) hostage one Christmas Eve, only to have them drive him absolutely nuts due to their bad marriage! As Gus puts it: "I kidnapped my f--king parents!" We might say that Spacey's role here was a predecessor to his character in "American Beauty" - I can certainly see a similarity - but that's missing the point. The point is to watch how the people here go from one embarrassing situation to the next. The dinner scene really blows everything out of the water. Overall, "The Ref" is looking at the falsity of the suburban lifestyle, but they do some hilarious things to show it. I would say that "The Ref" and "Gremlins" are my two favorite Christmas movies ever.
Also starring Glynis Johns and Christine Baranski.