The Ref (1994)

 

It's odd to me that I haven't commented on this film yet, since it's probably in my top 10 movies of all time. But sometimes we forget about the 'classics'; the ones we could sit and watch 1,000 times and never ever get sick of. This is one of those films for me, and for quite a few people I know.

 

The basics of the story are a little farfetched, but play well with the cast and twists involved. Dennis Leary is a cat burglar who has a job go a tad wrong, in a small town that’s difficult to escape during the ensuing man hunt. He ends up taking refuge in the home of a couple on their way to divorce (Spacey and Davis), with an incredibly dysfunctional family, and their son Jesse, who’s preparing for his own life of crime.

Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis really are incredible, both individually and in terms of their chemistry. That's one of the most brilliant things about this film. The few moments you see real tenderness between them (particularly when they have reason to worry for their son), the love and passion they once shared is evident. Just when you think, `Why the hell are these people still married?' you see exactly why they haven't split. Yet when they begin to tear into each other, you realize that two intelligent and witty people who love each other can treat one another with amazing levels of venom.

As has been said before, and will be said MANY times again, Dennis Leary is masterful. It would be accurate to say he's just playing the ‘character' he adopts during his stand-up, but somehow that doesn't feel trite or overdone. Basically imagine that the man who praises the symbiotic relationship of beer and cigarettes is also a cat burglar who gets into this fix. How would he react? The thing about Leary's performance is that, while the character isn't new to him, the scenario is, and that's where his performance comes in. His incredibly quick wit and solid reactions are only half of the performance, and those alone would've made a great film.

Glynis Johns is a riot, as Spacey’s mother, and in a very atypical role for her. Even in her youth I don't recall her ever playing a woman who was so strong and abrasive, so that makes her unbelievably hostile portrayal all the more fun. I would suggest watching this right after `While You Were Sleeping' or `Mary Poppins for a hilarious contrast. In fact one fun little ‘guilty pleasures' marathon could be made from the combination of `While You Were Sleeping,' `The Ref' and then `Two If By Sea'. Christine Baranski has become one of the most amazing character actresses, despite her incredible leading lady ability. Once again she shows her superior comedic timing, and an ability to make you like the most unlikable character. In fact I wouldn't mind seeing her and Leary team up in a screwball comedy about a guy whose older sister makes his life hell. They bounce off each other the way Davis and Spacey do.

Among the less visible supportive cast there are also some great stand outs. Phillip Nicoll and Ellie Raab are pretty hilarious as Baranski's kids who don't get the most consideration from their mother. Richard Bright does some interesting work with Leary's alcoholic wheelman, and he gets some good laughs without resorting to drunken pratfalls. John Scurti's lieutenant of the Bay Brook police force is predominantly annoying, but his informing the pompous influential resident (well played by Robert Ridgely) that he slept with his wife 4 times gives you a serious grin. Also fans of the Law & Order franchise should keep an eye out for a brief giggle courtesy of J.K. Simmons and an entertaining cameo from B.D. Wong as the real therapist that Leary's Gus later impersonates.

While the story is somewhat original, it's really the characters, dialogue and acting that dominate this piece. However the cinematography is well done, particularly in the beginning during the robbery scene. The set decoration should also be noted, both in terms of the beautiful house which centers the film, and when it comes to the ‘interesting' Christmas feast Judy Davis' characters creates. I also thought the ending was really perfect, despite some comments I’ve read to the contrary. After all that Leary's character learns from and teaches this family, it would've been a lousy payoff to have him get caught. This is especially true after the conversation where he explains just how great his life ISN'T to the kid Jesse. You doubt he'll ever settle down after viewing quite such a dysfunctional family, but you wonder if he'll at least avoid small towns from now on. Forget waiting for Christmas, this movie is great any time of year.