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The Ref (1994) The Ref, released in 1994, is a hilarious and witty Christmas black comedy film directed by Ted Demme. This

The Ref (1994) Soundboard

The Ref, released in 1994, is a hilarious and witty Christmas black comedy film directed by Ted Demme. This movie explores themes of family dysfunction, holiday stress, and finding common ground.

The Ref features an outstanding cast that brings the story to life. Denis Leary stars as Gus, a cat burglar forced to take a dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve. Gus, who initially plans to hold them for ransom, finds himself becoming the unwilling referee in their constant bickering.

Kevin Spacey portrays Lloyd, the hapless husband who is constantly belittled by his overbearing wife Caroline, played by Judy Davis. Their toxic marriage and constant arguing provide much of the film's comedy and tension. With their constant sniping at one another, it becomes difficult to distinguish who is the real "referee" in their relationship.

Glynis Johns joins the cast as Rose, Lloyd's senile and unpredictable mother. She adds to the chaos with her forgetfulness and uncensored remarks. Christine Baranski plays Lloyd's sister-in-law, Connie, a self-absorbed socialite who is always seeking attention. Her dramatic and over-the-top personality intensifies the already chaotic atmosphere.

The Ref also features memorable performances from J.K. Simmons as the clueless police officer and Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. as Lloyd and Caroline's troubled son, Jesse. These characters, along with a few others, round out the ensemble cast and contribute to the tangled web of dysfunction that unfolds throughout the film.

Set in a picturesque Connecticut town during the holiday season, The Ref beautifully captures the Christmas spirit while poking fun at the traditional family celebration. The characters' problems and idiosyncrasies are exaggerated for comedic effect, making their interactions both relatable and hilarious.

The film's witty dialogue and sarcastic humor provide endless laughs. Gus, the unorthodox hostage-taker, serves as the reluctant voice of reason in this dysfunctional family affair. His dry quips and clever observations about the family's flaws and absurdities add a layer of dark comedy to the narrative.

As the film progresses, Gus begins to develop a deeper understanding of the family he has been thrust into. He discovers that beneath their constant quarrels and imperfections, they all have their own unique struggles and desires. This realization prompts him to challenge the family to confront their issues and find ways to appreciate one another.

The Ref's clever storytelling and character development elevate it beyond a simple holiday comedy. It delves into deeper themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the importance of human connection. Amidst the chaos and dysfunction, the film ultimately delivers a heartwarming and poignant message about understanding and accepting our loved ones, flaws and all.

The Ref remains a beloved holiday film, cherished for its dark humor and unconventional take on the Christmas genre. Its brilliant performances, sharp writing, and heartfelt message make it a must-watch for anyone seeking a break from the saccharine sweet seasonal movies.

If you're looking to experience the hilarity and heart of The Ref, you can watch or download it easily. Many streaming platforms and digital stores offer this beloved film for your viewing pleasure. So gather your loved ones and prepare to laugh, cringe, and appreciate the complexities of family life this holiday season.

(Note: Please note that the availability of playing and downloading The Ref may vary depending on your location and streaming service subscriptions.)

Ahh. Mmm.
Ahh. Mmm.
And from there he was taking a private plane to Vancouver.
And from there he was taking a private plane to Vancouver.
And here's one for Bill. And for Karen.
And here's one for Bill. And for Karen.
And I'm miserable. How can we both be in the marriage..
And I'm miserable. How can we both be in the marriage..
And if you would like, Lt. Huff, I will speak to the mayor... a golfing chum of mine..
And if you would like, Lt. Huff, I will speak to the mayor... a golfing chum of mine..
And maybe I'll just tell him that you've hit into a water hazard...
And maybe I'll just tell him that you've hit into a water hazard...
And the waiter brought me my entree. It was a salad.
And the waiter brought me my entree. It was a salad.
And the waiter said, You must try it. It's a delicacy
And the waiter said, You must try it. It's a delicacy
And they had to stab her with a sword.
And they had to stab her with a sword.
And watch the Charlie Brown special with your ashes heatin' my fuckin' house! Oh!
And watch the Charlie Brown special with your ashes heatin' my fuckin' house! Oh!
And why? Let's be honest
And why? Let's be honest
Aye aye aye aye aye aye! [Making Noises]
Aye aye aye aye aye aye! [Making Noises]
Back to you, Karen.
Back to you, Karen.
Because they're afraid the world will find out...
Because they're afraid the world will find out...
But don't eat the penis: it's just garnish.
But don't eat the penis: it's just garnish.
But I have had enough!
But I have had enough!
But there's just one little problem.
But there's just one little problem.
But, you see, everything always came so damn easy for you.
But, you see, everything always came so damn easy for you.
Cocksucker.
Cocksucker.
Don't you think it's gone on long enough?
Don't you think it's gone on long enough?
Every time you guys yell and scream at each other, it is my problem, Mom.
Every time you guys yell and scream at each other, it is my problem, Mom.
Excuse me, but I am not one of your patients
Excuse me, but I am not one of your patients
From running for ten hundred fuckin'miles because there was no fuckin'car waiting for me.!
From running for ten hundred fuckin'miles because there was no fuckin'car waiting for me.!
Fuck you, Lloyd. I work for a living, okay?
Fuck you, Lloyd. I work for a living, okay?
Fuckin'Christmas
Fuckin'Christmas
Gary, get my bags.
Gary, get my bags.
Get out.
Get out.
God knows what disaster your Aunt Caroline is making.
God knows what disaster your Aunt Caroline is making.
Good idea.
Good idea.
He does not have a weight problem.
He does not have a weight problem.
He should be. He's gonna die a horrible fuckin' death.
He should be. He's gonna die a horrible fuckin' death.
He's kind of a, uh, short... drunken loser.
He's kind of a, uh, short... drunken loser.
He's the world beyond our problems, which is now our problem.
He's the world beyond our problems, which is now our problem.
Hello?
Hello?
Hello. Uh, are you feeling better?
Hello. Uh, are you feeling better?
Her husband to be, thinking she was out ofher mind...
Her husband to be, thinking she was out ofher mind...
Hey, hey, kid. Kid, that's enough.
Hey, hey, kid. Kid, that's enough.
Hey, Lieutenant.
Hey, Lieutenant.
Hi.
Hi.
Home, George, home.
Home, George, home.
How could you tell him that so casually, like you were asking for water?
How could you tell him that so casually, like you were asking for water?
How did you get home again?
How did you get home again?
I assume that as you've built...
I assume that as you've built...
I cannot move my arm.
I cannot move my arm.
I don't believe it. You want to have sex with him.
I don't believe it. You want to have sex with him.
I don't believe you.
I don't believe you.
I don't smoke, and Caroline just quit
I don't smoke, and Caroline just quit
I don't think you have a brain in your fuckin' head.
I don't think you have a brain in your fuckin' head.
I got two years, four months left in military school.
I got two years, four months left in military school.
I have everything I need. I'm actually a very content person.
I have everything I need. I'm actually a very content person.
I received a call from Will Warren, the county prosecutor.
I received a call from Will Warren, the county prosecutor.
I think I had you pegged wrong.
I think I had you pegged wrong.
I usually end up in Jamaica with this friend of mine, Jimmy Marlo.
I usually end up in Jamaica with this friend of mine, Jimmy Marlo.
I wanna stop talking about it. Look, the truth is I want nothing.
I wanna stop talking about it. Look, the truth is I want nothing.
I'll take it in my office.
I'll take it in my office.
I'm gonna put two pounds of gunpowder in there, I'm gonna light it up...
I'm gonna put two pounds of gunpowder in there, I'm gonna light it up...
I'm not hungry now. I thought we were eating at Uncle Lloyd's.
I'm not hungry now. I thought we were eating at Uncle Lloyd's.
If you're so skilled, what are you doing stuck here?
If you're so skilled, what are you doing stuck here?
Is a traditional Scandinavian Christmas feast.
Is a traditional Scandinavian Christmas feast.
Is there something that we don't give you? What do you need all that money for?
Is there something that we don't give you? What do you need all that money for?
John, this is to you from me and Dad.
John, this is to you from me and Dad.
Just shut up and eat your goddamn dinners.
Just shut up and eat your goddamn dinners.
Just... stay right there.
Just... stay right there.
Lloyd, how do you feel about Caroline's affair?
Lloyd, how do you feel about Caroline's affair?
Lloyd, you animal.
Lloyd, you animal.
Maybe Santa won't come back next year.
Maybe Santa won't come back next year.
Men who are just scared little boys intimidating everyone with their aggressiveness...
Men who are just scared little boys intimidating everyone with their aggressiveness...
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Move it. Move it, I said.
Move it. Move it, I said.
My line of work, you meet some real wackos.
My line of work, you meet some real wackos.
My wife thinks it's because...
My wife thinks it's because...
No family, no house
No family, no house
No, no, no. Thank you so much, Gus. Finally somebody else sees
No, no, no. Thank you so much, Gus. Finally somebody else sees
No! No! Unh!
No! No! Unh!
No. We should unwrap them in the morning.
No. We should unwrap them in the morning.
Now, you listen to me!
Now, you listen to me!
Of your body, put 'em in a big plastic bag, bring it back to my house...
Of your body, put 'em in a big plastic bag, bring it back to my house...
Oh, thank you, Lloyd.
Oh, thank you, Lloyd.
Oh, that's right, Lloyd. We're having an affair.
Oh, that's right, Lloyd. We're having an affair.
Oh. All right.
Oh. All right.
One of you will speak while the other really just...
One of you will speak while the other really just...
Ow.!
Ow.!
Path through the woods!
Path through the woods!
She has money, and she holds it over all of us like a death sentence
She has money, and she holds it over all of us like a death sentence
Should I stop handing out the presents?
Should I stop handing out the presents?
Show me.
Show me.
Shut up! Christ.
Shut up! Christ.
Shut up.
Shut up.
So where you gonna go? Huh?
So where you gonna go? Huh?
So... what's the worst dive bar near here?
So... what's the worst dive bar near here?
So... where are they, Caroline?
So... where are they, Caroline?
Sounds great, Bob.
Sounds great, Bob.
Steve, Phil, merry Christmas.
Steve, Phil, merry Christmas.
Stop it.
Stop it.
Suspect left behind a face mask.
Suspect left behind a face mask.
Thank you very much. Merry Christmas.
Thank you very much. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Mother Rose. Kids, look what Mom got.
Thank you, Mother Rose. Kids, look what Mom got.
That is not the spirit of Christmas.
That is not the spirit of Christmas.
That she's a nasty, selfish woman who thinks only of herself.
That she's a nasty, selfish woman who thinks only of herself.
That's not true.
That's not true.
That's probably true.
That's probably true.
Then stop asking me fuckin' questions, okay? Got any rope, Lloyd?
Then stop asking me fuckin' questions, okay? Got any rope, Lloyd?
There are traces of blond hair and the faint odor of after shave mixed...
There are traces of blond hair and the faint odor of after shave mixed...
There's no better route than this with less snow?
There's no better route than this with less snow?
There's supposed to be a babyJesus in the manger...
There's supposed to be a babyJesus in the manger...
They can't stop for the holidays.
They can't stop for the holidays.
They might get stolen
They might get stolen
Things don't go your fuckin' way
Things don't go your fuckin' way
This is my lastjob.
This is my lastjob.
Thought we might say hi to Gary.
Thought we might say hi to Gary.
Tied up, with an armed man in the house?
Tied up, with an armed man in the house?
Turn it off. Turn it off.
Turn it off. Turn it off.
We can make it to the docks on foot. We can take a shortcut.
We can make it to the docks on foot. We can take a shortcut.
We'll fix it, honey. We'll give him the money, the photos, anything.
We'll fix it, honey. We'll give him the money, the photos, anything.
Well, I just don't think they should bother other people with them.
Well, I just don't think they should bother other people with them.
Well, while we're waiting...
Well, while we're waiting...
Well... [Clears Throat]
Well... [Clears Throat]
What do you do except take up fuckin' space?
What do you do except take up fuckin' space?
What is it, 20 minutes 'til curfew?
What is it, 20 minutes 'til curfew?
What?
What?
Where do I go?
Where do I go?
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down, slow down.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down, slow down.
Why don't you just give yourself up?
Why don't you just give yourself up?
Wondering if I'm gonna get busted or not and you've been fuckin' dating?
Wondering if I'm gonna get busted or not and you've been fuckin' dating?
Would someone like to go first?
Would someone like to go first?
Ya got a pen? Write this number down.
Ya got a pen? Write this number down.
Yeah, we walk around on tiptoes because...
Yeah, we walk around on tiptoes because...
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
You both think you have some right to life working out the way you want...
You both think you have some right to life working out the way you want...
You don't know what you want. You blame everybody else for it
You don't know what you want. You blame everybody else for it
You don't think patients should examine their dreams?
You don't think patients should examine their dreams?
You forget, buddy. I have been married to him for 15 years
You forget, buddy. I have been married to him for 15 years
You fucking mule. How's that?
You fucking mule. How's that?
You know something?
You know something?
You know something? You are a piece of work, pal.
You know something? You are a piece of work, pal.
You know, he doesn't... he doesn't see where he's responsible.
You know, he doesn't... he doesn't see where he's responsible.
You see, Lloyd...
You see, Lloyd...
You think my life turned out the way I wanted because I live in this house?
You think my life turned out the way I wanted because I live in this house?
You two were gone an awfully long time.
You two were gone an awfully long time.
You won't talk about it in therapy, but you'll discuss it behind my back...
You won't talk about it in therapy, but you'll discuss it behind my back...
You're the only one that can take him.
You're the only one that can take him.
[Bell Tolling] Merry Christmas.
[Bell Tolling] Merry Christmas.
[Caroline] No, no, it was not Vancouver. What's going on?
[Caroline] No, no, it was not Vancouver. What's going on?
[Door Opens, Closes] [Bell Rings]
[Door Opens, Closes] [Bell Rings]
[Horns Honking] Move up!
[Horns Honking] Move up!
[Santa Laughing] Oh? Great.
[Santa Laughing] Oh? Great.
[Sniffing] Gus? What?
[Sniffing] Gus? What?
Aah! Unh! Aah!
Aah! Unh! Aah!
And told me you want to stop arguing. Stop sign! Whoa!
And told me you want to stop arguing. Stop sign! Whoa!
At least I go after my dreams. To be what? Somebody who takes photographs...
At least I go after my dreams. To be what? Somebody who takes photographs...
Bob. Yes.
Bob. Yes.
Did ya hear the fuckin' phone ring? Look, what about our son?
Did ya hear the fuckin' phone ring? Look, what about our son?
Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me, excuse me! [Glass Shattering]
Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me, excuse me! [Glass Shattering]
Fine. How are you? Oh, fabulous, fabulous. Of course, I'm a little tired...
Fine. How are you? Oh, fabulous, fabulous. Of course, I'm a little tired...
Geez. 419, we're over at Seabury Court. Over.
Geez. 419, we're over at Seabury Court. Over.
Have some coffee. Go to hell, mama's boy!
Have some coffee. Go to hell, mama's boy!
How do you know he'll call? He'll call. He better fuckin' call.
How do you know he'll call? He'll call. He better fuckin' call.
I hate Connecticut. I grew up in Connecticut. Why don't we all...
I hate Connecticut. I grew up in Connecticut. Why don't we all...
I just heard it at the bar. Fuckin'..
I just heard it at the bar. Fuckin'..
I'm Murray. What do you want?
I'm Murray. What do you want?
I'm serious, George. Yeah?
I'm serious, George. Yeah?
I'm sure she's going to a lot of trouble. Gary.
I'm sure she's going to a lot of trouble. Gary.
If you don't mind, the corpse still has the foor. [Poker Hits Floor]
If you don't mind, the corpse still has the foor. [Poker Hits Floor]
It was the Restaurant Guidebook of New York. Oh, God.
It was the Restaurant Guidebook of New York. Oh, God.
Look who dropped by. [Both] Merry Christmas, Connie.
Look who dropped by. [Both] Merry Christmas, Connie.
Me? Yes, you did. You did.
Me? Yes, you did. You did.
Me. I had this crazy dream. Do we have to do dreams?
Me. I had this crazy dream. Do we have to do dreams?
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you very much.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you very much.
My men are searching the place now... No.
My men are searching the place now... No.
Now, put the presents under the tree. Connie, honey...
Now, put the presents under the tree. Connie, honey...
Oh, well... bye. Okay, bye
Oh, well... bye. Okay, bye
On Christmas Eve? I think it's very strange.
On Christmas Eve? I think it's very strange.
Roadblocks are being set up on Interstate... Fuck! Goddamn it!
Roadblocks are being set up on Interstate... Fuck! Goddamn it!
Shut up. Drive. My God, Carrie, are you all right?
Shut up. Drive. My God, Carrie, are you all right?
Station. At 8:00.
Station. At 8:00.
There's no one in the store to help me. Can't you make some? Make some? Are you nuts?
There's no one in the store to help me. Can't you make some? Make some? Are you nuts?
They all grew up together. Great.
They all grew up together. Great.
They date back to the fourth century. That's what it looks like.
They date back to the fourth century. That's what it looks like.
This man has been terrorizing the entire county. Look.
This man has been terrorizing the entire county. Look.
We have gifts in the car in back. Shut up!
We have gifts in the car in back. Shut up!
Well, I'll take it. No, no. I'll go, I'll go.
Well, I'll take it. No, no. I'll go, I'll go.
Well, my mother was Irish. And your father?
Well, my mother was Irish. And your father?
Yeah, merry Christmas. Where the hell are you two going? Stay here.
Yeah, merry Christmas. Where the hell are you two going? Stay here.
Yes, I did. Yes! So you, too, are a liar.
Yes, I did. Yes! So you, too, are a liar.
You ran the stop sign. I did not. There was no stop sign.
You ran the stop sign. I did not. There was no stop sign.
You will? I will.! I'll... I'll shoot you.!
You will? I will.! I'll... I'll shoot you.!
Yup. And to that son of yours. Uh...
Yup. And to that son of yours. Uh...
[All Arguing]
[All Arguing]
[Both] How do you know that?
[Both] How do you know that?
[Caroline] That was quite an outburst. I should tie you up more often.
[Caroline] That was quite an outburst. I should tie you up more often.
[Chiming Continues]
[Chiming Continues]
[Chuckles]
[Chuckles]
[Clears Throat To Disguise Spitting]
[Clears Throat To Disguise Spitting]
[Crunching]
[Crunching]
[Doorbell Continues Ringing]
[Doorbell Continues Ringing]
[Doorbell Rings]
[Doorbell Rings]
[Footsteps]
[Footsteps]
[Grunts]
[Grunts]
[Man #2] Why weren't there more police on the street?
[Man #2] Why weren't there more police on the street?
[Panting] Ugh.
[Panting] Ugh.
[Radio] Authorities have speculated that the thief may still be in the area.
[Radio] Authorities have speculated that the thief may still be in the area.
[Ringing Continues]
[Ringing Continues]
[Ringing]
[Ringing]
[Santa Laughing] Merry Christmas.!
[Santa Laughing] Merry Christmas.!
[Sighs]
[Sighs]
[Sighs] God.
[Sighs] God.
[Sighs] Shit. Who is that?
[Sighs] Shit. Who is that?
[Thumping Upstairs]
[Thumping Upstairs]
[Unzips Fly]
[Unzips Fly]
[Whistle Blowing]
[Whistle Blowing]
[Woman] You don't understand. I have 25 relatives coming in one hour...
[Woman] You don't understand. I have 25 relatives coming in one hour...
β™ͺ Believe it or not β™ͺ
β™ͺ Believe it or not β™ͺ
β™ͺ Bells will be ringing β™ͺ
β™ͺ Bells will be ringing β™ͺ
β™ͺ How β™ͺ
β™ͺ How β™ͺ
β™ͺ It's time for us to close this circle β™ͺ
β™ͺ It's time for us to close this circle β™ͺ
β™ͺ Loving you is killing me β™ͺ
β™ͺ Loving you is killing me β™ͺ
β™ͺ To have the blues β™ͺ
β™ͺ To have the blues β™ͺ
β™ͺ We all must sacrifiice β™ͺ
β™ͺ We all must sacrifiice β™ͺ