A wonderfully abrasive Christmas comedy - but funny viewing at any time of year - starring Denis Leary as Gus, a highly-strung burglar who, following a bungled robbery, takes two hostages (Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey) and holes up in their home. Gus realises his mistake when the couple - whose marriage is on the rocks - starts bickering about absolutely everything. And, with their loathsome relatives about to arrive for Christmas, Gus is trapped in a nightmare somewhere between the devil and the deep blue sea. Enormously entertaining, if you can take the film's constant verbal assault on your ears. The easily offended are advised to switch over. The original ending had Leary getting caught, but it was changed after a preview audience's disapproval. Director Ted Demme says he now regrets the change.

©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes