Rent The Ref (1994)

Tinsel, Teeth, and a Family That Deserves Coal - The Ref review by griggs

Most Christmas films want to tuck you in with a mulled wine and a group hug before the credits. The Ref turns up with a burglar, a marriage in freefall, and a family dinner that should come with a warning label.

Denis Leary storms in and the whole ensemble stays right on his heels. Kevin Spacey and Judy Davies are brutally good as a couple who can’t stop taking bites out of each other. Christine Baranski adds fuel and Glynis Johns is wonderfully hard to stomach.

Richard LaGravenese and Marie Weiss write dialogue that snaps like a row in the next room, and Ted Demme keeps it brisk so it doesn’t sink into self-pity. It’s funny in a slightly nasty way — not festive comfort, mere a reminder of how hard people work to perform cheer. Under the sarcasm, there’s just enough warmth to make it sting.