The Ref

  • 1994


MOVIE IS criminal irreverent hilarious starmaking
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62 %
72 % Certified Fresh
$ 11 Million
See Where to Watch The Ref
Positive Reviews 23
Negative reviews 5
Average Rating 3.5/5
criminal irreverent hilarious starmaking

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
3.0
As their eye rolling antagonist, Denis Leary tries hard to act dangerous, but hes a bantamweight punk a yuppie with attitude. EW
3.8
Material like this is only as good as the acting and writing. The Ref is skillful in both areas. Rogerebert
1.5
The Ref works virtually none of the miracles of his previous mix n match effort. Variety
1.5
In his first starring role, comedian Leary makes his ranting career criminal strangely sympathetic. Time Out
1.5
The Ref is one of those rare movies that seem to have everything going for it a promising director, terrific actors and an original, unapologetically ..
3.0
Leary rehashes his Bill Hicks persona for the umpteenth time, but if you can get past the blatant rip off of his shtick, youll find an inspired, virul ..
4.5
Staying clear of any mean spirited attitudes, The Ref is a film to warm the hearts and touch the nerves of dysfunctional families everywhere. The New York Times
5.0
This film introduced me, nay, introduced everyone, to the reason why Denis Leary is well regarded. E Film Critic
3.1
As a statement that crime doesnt pay, this film sure gets the point across, and in a manner that O. Henry would appreciate. ReelViews
3.8
Its cynical, mean spirited and, at least at first, viciously funny. Tv Guide
3.8
Since hes become a movie star, Spaceys been taking fewer chances and essentially playing safe characters. Reel Film Reviews
4.5
Director Ted Demme (Jonathan Demmes nephew) compensates with a whiplash pace that suggests the cutthroat fun of Ruthless People. Rolling Stone
1.5
This is a funny idea, but the movie is too thinly written to build any real credibility, and the cast rarely seems in tune with the vapid vulgarities .. Cs Monitor
3.1
As a starmaking vehicle for Leary, The Ref may do the trick. Hes a prowling, muttering bundle of nervous energy, which is essentially a variation his .. Deseret News (Salt Lake Ci ..
3.0
There are too many funny things going on in The Ref for it to be a complete failure. Internet Reviews
2.5
I thought the pacing was off and the characters were drawn too purely dark. Internet Reviews
4.5
As Gus, hes a worn out and fed up criminal who has to endure the doldrums of suburbia, all the while doing everything he can to tolerate Lloyd and Car .. Cinema Crazed
4.0
He is loosey goosey here, holding his own against a very funny standup comedian. Bullz-Eye
4.5
Its not just a Denis Leary vehicle. Its a real movie, with drama and grace and intelligence (and slapstick and drunk Santa gags and crude laughs). Flavor Wire
4.5
Though it doesnt manage to hold its edge all the way to the end that darn Disney influence finally proves too strong its comic venom is refreshing for .. La Times
2.0
If this strikes you as simply irreverent and offensive, dont bother seeing The Ref. Decent Films
4.5
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 certai .. Chicago Reader
2.5
Of course, we can sense the reason that hes sort of a nice guy in a fix but the scenarists dont play this up.) Articles Chicago Tribune
3.8
Its miraculous casting, and the Australian Davis for my money the finest actress around, bar none is simply uncanny in her command of East Coast genti .. Seattle Times
2.5
Whether its a function of sloppy editing or sloppy writing, few of these supporting players and their accompanying subplots pay off. Articles Philly
3.1
Ultimately, the film turns into a lugubrious family therapy session. Articles Baltimore Sun
4.5
Because its Christmas Eve, Caroline and Lloyd cant stay gagged and tied in rope all evening. Articles Sun Sentinel
4.0
Carolines Scandinavian themed Christmas Eve dinner cant be cancelled. Caution Spoilers
2.5
Its a shame the comedy has a running joke that stinks, a ridiculous ending and language unsuitable for family viewing. Paloalto Online
4.5
But just because The Ref isnt your typical Christmas movie doesnt mean you should skip it. Movie Views
3.0
I guess I just dont love movies about unlikable people no matter how well executed. rachelsreviews.net
4.5
play this strident high comedy duet with a self sustaining brio that easily puts them on the level of the stars of Twentieth Century, The Awful Truth, ..



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