The Ref (1994)
They might be his hostages but what they're doing to this guy is criminal.
Starring Denis Leary, Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey
Directed by Ted Demme
Caroline and Lloyd are a married couple constantly at each other's throats, masters at crafting acid-tongued barbs at the other's expense. Indeed, they are so obsessed with belittling each other that they never stop -- not even at gunpoint. The gunman is Gus, a thief on the run from the police, who kidnaps the couple as an insurance policy, planning to use their home as a hideout. But their incessant bickering proves more than Gus bargained for, forcing him -- for the sake of his own sanity -- into the unenviable role of peacemaker. To make things even worse for Gus, he discovers that he has taken the couple hostage the night of their big Christmas party, and the guests are already on the way. Not wanting to leave Lloyd and Caroline unattended, Gus opts to attend the party, pretending to be the couple's marriage counselor. This naturally leads to a series of comic confusions, as the hostage crisis and marital tensions head towards their inevitable conclusion.
Runtime: 97 min.
Rating: 6.7
DVD
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America
Genres: Comedy
Keywords: holiday,robbery,parent child relationship,burglar,christmas party,hostage,blackmail,santa claus,bad mother-in-law,mother-in-law,liberation of hostage,police,thief,dysfunctional family,dark comedy,man hunt,dinner,alcoholic,christmas,marriage counseling
Cast
Gus
Caroline Chasseur
Lloyd Chasseur
Rose Chasseur
Jesse Chasseur
Lt. Huff
Murray
Connie Chasseur
Gary Chasseur
Siskel
Dr. Wong, Marriage Counselor
Lt. Steve Milford
George
John
Mary
Phil
Bartender
Limo Driver
Prosecutor
Reporter
Newscaster
Jeremiah Willard
Store Cashier
Store Customer
Salvation Army Volunteer
Bob Burley
Santa Family #1