The Ref (1994)

Director:

Ted Demme

Writers (WGA):

Marie Weiss (story)
Richard LaGravenese (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

9 March 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

Tagline:

They might be his hostages but what their doing to this guy is criminal.

Plot:

A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.

Plot Keywords:

Hostage | Bickering | Burglar | Dysfunctional Family | Partner

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

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

Also Known As:

Hostile Hostages

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | Finland:K-3 | New Zealand:PG | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Germany:6 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Carlisle, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Trivia:

The movie on television, watched by the cops at the station, is It's a Wonderful Life (1946).

Goofs:

Continuity: At one point while in the car after taking Lloyd and Caroline hostage, tail lights disappear behind Gus in the rear view window.

Quotes:

Gus: Look kid... what I do, running around, stealing stuff, may sound great when you're fourteen years old, but it sucks just a little bit when you're thirty-five. No house. No family. I got a partner who's fifty... he still can't understand why they took "Happy Days" off the air.

Movie Connections:

References A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Blue Christmas

My favourite comedy movie

This is an all-time classic movie, and one that my wife and I traditionally watch every Christmas. I know it's not your typical holiday film, but it is extremely funny, and because it is set around Christmas, we always try and watch it this time of year. Kevin Spacey before he hit it big, Judy Davis is incredible, and I simply love Denis Leary's work. Also Christine Baranski being very annoying/funny. Not for the easily offended for sure, but I am part of the generation that has grown up watching movies meant to shock you (Pulp Fiction, Starship Troopers, etc), and this one has plenty of shock value from the wit and vulgarness. I always laugh when I hear the banter between the main characters in the movie, plus a nice mix of physical comedy as well. Like my summary says, it is my all-time favourite comedy.