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The Ref (1994)
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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:
(7 articles)
Denis Leary interview on Conan (From Monsters and Critics. 30 October 2009, 9:17 AM, PDT)
Jay Dipietro's Top Ten Films of All Time
(From ioncinema. 1 October 2009)
User Comments:
I loved this movie! more (101 total)Cast
(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:
The movie on television, watched by the cops at the station, is It's a Wonderful Life (1946). 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:
Christmas Comes But Once A Year moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (101 total)
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The 1994 film 'The Ref' is absolutely hilarious.
Denis Leary is great as Gus, a burglar who takes Lloyd Chasseur (Kevin Spacey) and Lloyd's wife Caroline (Judy Davis) hostage in their own home at Christmas, to hide himself from police. Unfortunately for Gus, this couple aren't exactly the Leave it to Beaver family. They rant and rave the whole way through the film, even though Gus is holding a gun to their head. Of course, we know Gus is would never hurt anyone but it's still funny because Lloyd and Caroline don't!
The acting is superb, and the ending is hilarious. The whole Christmas dinner scene is possibly the best in the film. Spacey and Davis sound like a real squabbling couple, and their character's son Jesse (Robert J. Steinmiller Jr.) is a teenage rebel, who causes Gus even more trouble. Not only does this film serve for side splitting laughs, but also for additional fun, because you can always point out that Lloyd and Caroline sound like you and your spouse! (Actually, no, not a good idea!)
Overall, I really loved this movie, and think it's a sadly forgotten, underrated comic gem. You won't be disappointed!