Your Movie Library
Cast
- Denis LearyGus
- Judy DavisCaroline Chasseur
- Kevin SpaceyLloyd Chasseur
- Glynis JohnsRose Chasseur
- Robert J. Steinmiller Jr.Jesse Chasseur
- Raymond J. BarryLt. Huff
- Richard BrightMurray
- Christine BaranskiConnie Chasseur
- Adam LeFevreGary Chasseur
- J.K. SimmonsSiskel
Recommendations
- 75
Chicago Reader
The Davis-Spacey-Leary triangle and their unmanageable contempt is something to see and hear. Which is another way of saying this is the funniest comedy so far this year. - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
Material like this is only as good as the acting and writing. The Ref is skillful in both areas. Dennis Leary, who has a tendency, like many standup comics, to start shouting and try to make points with overkill, here creates an entertaining character. - 75
The Seattle Times
Between Leary, Davis, Spacey and Johns, director Ted Demme (nephew of Jonathan, and director of Leary's MTV spots) has captured lightning in a bottle, and The Ref has enough subtle and not-so-subtle interplay to make a repeat viewing worthwhile. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Though it doesn’t 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 as long as it lasts. - 70
The New York Times
Don't be misled by commercials that make The Ref look like slapstick silliness. This is a grown-up film that delights in undermining Christmas cliches. - 67
Austin Chronicle
Leary rehashes his Bill Hicks persona for the umpteenth time, but if you can get past the blatant rip-off of his shtick, you'll find an inspired, virulent, often hilarious film that apparently was just too much for old Saint Nick. - 63
ReelViews
The dramatic scenes aren't generally effective, but the comic bits more than make up for most of the deficiencies. Those searching for something that examines a crumbling marriage with greater depth and sensitivity would do better watching Judy Davis in Husbands and Wives. - 50
Chicago Tribune
Some of LaGravenese's dialogue crackles, but it's a dry crackle, a hollow cough. And that's despite Leary-and in spite of Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey, two of the best actors around these days.
