Tag: the ref

directed by Ted Demme

Ho, ho, ho, time for Christmas films! Or films that are about something that is happening on Christmas. You know, as long as there’s snow on the screen and “have a holly jolly Christmas” coming from speakers, it’s what we need now. Recently, one of my friends told me about this film and I’m totally surprised I’d never seen it. It’s from the 90s, it’s Christmassy and there’s Kevin Spacey – how did I not know about the existence of this production?! Anyway, I’m glad I’ve seen it now and I can recommend it, either it’s just a reminder for you or you’ve been living in a cinematographic cave, like me. We get to meet Caroline and Lloyd (Judy Davis & Kevin Spacey), who are a typical married couple – meaning, they argue a lot and believe that marriage counselling will change the fact that they are from two different worlds. On the way home from such session, they get hijacked by a burglar Gus (Denis Leary), who’s just tried robbing some house and ended up setting off the alarm. Now the police is searching for him so he decides to go with the couple and stay at their place. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal and Gus could just wait for the police to disappear from the neighbourhood, but the problem is that it’s all happening on Christmas Eve and the potential-future-divorced lovebirds are hosting a dinner, so soon there will be people coming and it would be quite difficult to keep Caroline and Lloyd tied up without arousing suspicion. I’m sure you’ve heard of such plots many times, but what I personally liked the most was the fact that Caroline and Lloyd don’t give a damn about this whole situation – they’re so focused on their own failing marriage that even a guy with a gun can’t stop them from arguing with each other. Plus, there are numerous lines that made me laugh a lot, so if you’re a fan of the 80/90s kind of humour, this one will do the work. Besides, if you’re tired of rewatching “Home Alone” or crying to “Love Actually”, maybe “The Ref” will be a nice change this year? I mean, you can still rewatch your favourite classics, I will for sure, but why not getting back to the 90s for a moment? Those were such good times… Merry whatever you’re celebrating, may you have lots of rest and favourite snacks right beside you. Or a loved one – depends on your priorities.

My rating: 7/10
S.