The Ref 1994

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune: It's not a bad idea, but it's not a good movie, either. Read more

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: The Ref benefits from having actor's actors like Davis and Spacey in the leads. Read more

Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer: Whether it's a function of sloppy editing or sloppy writing, few of these supporting players and their accompanying subplots pay off. Read more

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times: It's miraculous casting, and the Australian Davis -- for my money the finest actress around, bar none -- is simply uncanny in her command of East Coast gentility combined with razor-sharp timing and comedic expression. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: What makes most of this work is the brio of the acting, though the direction by Ted Demme and the script by Richard LaGravenese and Marie Weiss certainly don't hurt. Read more

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: A foulmouthed sitcom of a film. Read more

Caryn James, New York Times: Staying clear of any mean-spirited attitudes, The Ref is a film to warm the hearts and touch the nerves of dysfunctional families everywhere. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: This is not a seamlessly constructed movie, but as long as you're not expecting great art, it's unlikely to disappoint. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Material like this is only as good as the acting and writing. The Ref is skillful in both areas. Read more

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: Demme brings out the comic ease in Leary. Read more

Geoff Andrew, Time Out: In his first starring role, comedian Leary makes his ranting career criminal strangely sympathetic. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: The Ref works virtually none of the miracles of [Richard LaGravenese's screenplay for The Fisher King,] his previous mix 'n' match effort. Read more

Hal Hinson, Washington Post: The Ref is one of those rare movies that seem to have everything going for it -- a promising director, terrific actors and an original, unapologetically grown-up script -- yet somehow still turns out to be a phenomenal drag. Read more

Desson Thomson, Washington Post: This is one holiday party you'll want to miss. Read more