59
Metascore
27 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderThe Davis-Spacey-Leary triangle and their unmanageable contempt is something to see and hear. Which is another way of saying this is the funniest comedy so far this year.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertMaterial like this is only as good as the acting and writing. The Ref is skillful in both areas. Dennis Leary, who has a tendency, like many standup comics, to start shouting and try to make points with overkill, here creates an entertaining character.
- 75The Seattle TimesJeff ShannonThe Seattle TimesJeff ShannonBetween Leary, Davis, Spacey and Johns, director Ted Demme (nephew of Jonathan, and director of Leary's MTV spots) has captured lightning in a bottle, and The Ref has enough subtle and not-so-subtle interplay to make a repeat viewing worthwhile.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranThough it doesn’t manage to hold its edge all the way to the end--that darn Disney influence finally proves too strong--its comic venom is refreshing for as long as it lasts.
- 70The New York TimesCaryn JamesThe New York TimesCaryn JamesDon't be misled by commercials that make The Ref look like slapstick silliness. This is a grown-up film that delights in undermining Christmas cliches.
- 67Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovLeary rehashes his Bill Hicks persona for the umpteenth time, but if you can get past the blatant rip-off of his shtick, you'll find an inspired, virulent, often hilarious film that apparently was just too much for old Saint Nick.
- 63ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliThe dramatic scenes aren't generally effective, but the comic bits more than make up for most of the deficiencies. Those searching for something that examines a crumbling marriage with greater depth and sensitivity would do better watching Judy Davis in Husbands and Wives.
- 50Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonSome of LaGravenese's dialogue crackles, but it's a dry crackle, a hollow cough. And that's despite Leary-and in spite of Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey, two of the best actors around these days.
- 40Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonUnless you're a junkie for mediocre rejoinders and insults ("I know loan sharks that are more forgiving than you," Leary tells Johns), this is one holiday party you'll want to miss.
- 37Washington PostHal HinsonWashington PostHal HinsonAs it unreels, The Ref keeps getting dumber, and, unfortunately, it simply wasn't that brilliant to begin with.