The Ref

Every so often one of my JayFlix.net colleagues suggests a movie. This time the colleague was insistent! So I watched it. I have never been disappointed when I get a referral this way and this time certainly is no exception.

This hysterical R-rated comedy boasts a wonderful director, Ted Demme ("Beautiful Girls") and a razor-sharp script based on the story by Marie Weiss ("The Christmas List"). I defy you to find a better cast!

They are:
  • Denis Leary ("Draft Day") Gus is a cat burgler who is cornered into taking his victims hostage. Problem is, it's Christmas and they have dinner guests due to arrive. And that is only for starters!
  • Kevin Spacey ("House of Cards") Lloyd is the exasperated husband who NEVER gets anything right, no matter what he does.
  • Judy Davis ("To Rome With Love") Caroline has put up with Lloyd for many years but she just can't make up her mind when to pull the plug. Besides, holidays are stressful, AND her in-laws hate her, AND her son's in trouble.
  • Robert J. Steinmiller, Jr ("Coyote") Jesse, like children everywhere, is the lightening rod for his parents' marital problems. But he's blackmailing that guy at school, so he has running-away money on hand!
  • Christine Baranski ("The Good Wife") Connie has been sharpening her tongue along with her nails. She's ready for anything...she thinks...
  • Glynis Johns ("While You Were Sleeping") Grandma Rose objects to the language she hears!
This is only part of the cast, we also have more in-laws, a pair of befuddled policemen and Gus's hapless partner-in-crime who is supposed to be providing a getaway car.

You will not believe all the twists and turns (Gus listens to the bickering couple and realizes they sound like his own parents, so he REALLY feels sorry for the boy). Despite the gaily wrapped Christmas gifts and elegant decorations that surround them, it still isn't very surprising that the Spirit of Christmas is sorely lacking, even though Johnny Mathis sings so beautifully.
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This is NOT a preview, but the 97-minute film. You must be 17 or older:
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