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I will start by saying Tom Dicillo's "Box of Moonlight" was the very best film I have ever had the great pleasure in watching. It was a highly symbolic, magical experience that had almost a spiritual feel to it. I knew his 1998 release, probably an attempt to return to his "Living in Oblivion" themes, "The Real Blonde" wasn't going to be nearly as good, and I was right. It was a good film, don't get me wrong, but I just couldn't help but be disappointed.

His signature style is ever present here, and that is one of the delights about "The Real Blonde". There is a lot of clever, almost subliminal use of devices that require a second, third, (or sometimes more) viewing, great dialogue and dead on satire, and great acting and photography.

Matthew Modine (an actor I never did care for) wasn't bad as a man struggling to make it big, and fed up with the sickeningly fake and shallow people that make up the entertainment and fashion industry. His girlfriend (Catherine Keener, great as always) shares his pain, although she is the only true, genuine character in the entire movie.

Tom DiCillo is a wonderful director who should be seen more often. As he has demonstrated with his previous films, he is a man that brings a great dimension to the subjects he selects for his movies. Mr. DiCillo's strength lies in the magnificent performances he gets from his casts by making them underplay their roles and the irony behind his plots.

"The Real Blonde" was Mr. DiCillo's third film and he shows a firm hand in moving all the characters in so many interesting ways as they go about their lives in this complex city of New York. The film deals with the way young people are trying to cope with careers and relationships in this complicated city.

At the center of the action we find Joe, a good guy who works as a waiter in order to pursue his ambition of becoming an actor. Joe seems to be a bit confused about what he wants to do and doesn't have his feet planted on the ground. He doesn't have anyone pushing for him, no experience to speak of, yet he perceives himself into doing roles such as Biff in "The Death of a Salesman". Talk about reality!

Joe is living with a down to earth woman, Mary, who is a makeup artist and knows her way around the city and the people she has to deal with. Bob, who is Joe's best friend, and fellow waiter, lands himself in a soap opera that nets him a lot of money. Joe, the idealist, believes Bob is selling out, going too commercial.

Mr. DiCillo brings together the different worlds in which these characters are living into perspective with great style in a fun movie that is a lot of fun, at the same time.

Catherine Keener, who has worked with Mr. Dicillo in several films, comes out the best in her role of Mary. Ms. Keener is one of the best actresses working in films today and has a natural charm that graces everything she does. Matthew Modine gives a good performance as Joe. Daryl Hannah, Maxwell Caulfield, Elizabeth Berkley, Marlo Thomas, Bridgette Wilson, Buck Henry, Christopher Lloyd, Katheleen Turner and Denis Leary, are seen in supporting roles.

A charming film by one of America's best kept secret director: Tom DiCillo!

Set in the world of struggling actors and models, this is an intelligent comedy with just a hint of seriousness. It's well-written with good performances by its large, mostly younger cast. The humor is for adults, so if you're looking for big belly-laughs and gross-out situations, you'll be disappointed. The number of characters threatened to be a bit too many but that's not a major problem. I found 'The Real Blonde' funnier and more entertaining than lots of comedies that get far more publicity and have much more box-office success.

I checked some of the comments below and see there's quite a few people trashing this film. Perhaps those people were the type of audience expecting lots of action scenes and explosions. (Or maybe they're just too young to understand a character-driven plot!) This was a great satire on the Entertainment Industry, and what kept it all together were the characters. Joe Finnegen (Played by Matthew Modine) was not too bright, but there was a good cause in his character which made it sympathetic. The plot may be a little thin but it was more of a series of interwining characters and their everyday occurencies.

Forget the negative reviews about this movie and check it out, there's nothing to dislike about it. Another great gem from Tom DiCillo! (Living in Oblivion)

"The Real Blonde" is an easy going romantic comedy with the emphasis on comedy which sticks Modine and Keener in the midst of an ample cast of familiar faces as it spins its lukewarm but likeable story of sitcom type couple vicissitudes. Somewhat ill focused and lacking in coherence but always upbeat and busy, "TRB" makes a good couch potato flick for those in the mood for romantic comedy. (B-)