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Matthew Modine, Catherine Keener, Daryl Hannah, Maxwell Caulfield, Elizabeth Berkley ... see more see more... , Marlo Thomas , Bridgette Wilson , Buck Henry , Christopher Lloyd , Kathleen Turner , Denis Leary

This romantic comedy from writer and director Tom DiCillo follows some New York City pals seeking authenticity with the real blonde, a symbol of amorous perfection. Joe (Matthew Modine) is an out-of-w... read more read more...ork actor struggling for even bit parts in Madonna music videos by groveling in front of a high-powered agent (Kathleen Turner), while his makeup artist girlfriend Mary (Catherine Keener) pays the bills. After six years of cohabitation, Joe's lack of success is wearing on their relationship. In the meantime, Joe's friend and fellow actor Bob (Maxwell Caulfield) has finally hit the jackpot with a role on a soap opera opposite the beautiful Kelly (Daryl Hannah), who just might be the real blonde of his dreams. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Flixster Users

38% liked it

1,341 ratings

Critics

33% liked it

27 critics

R, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Tom DiCillo

Release Date: February 27, 1998

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DVD Release Date: January 26, 1999

Stats: 55 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (55)

  • dreamfaeries
    September 22, 2008
    dreamfaeries
    Eh...
  • Camus123
    July 17, 2007
    Camus123
    As happens so often with ensemble cast films it seems they try to supplement the lack of plot with the number of big names they can fit into the credits. At times this film can be fun to watch, but it tries so hard to deliver a message regarding the world being phony and pretenti... read moreous and obsessed with physical beauty that it becomes what it is trying to parody. It is also too obvious (to go as far as putting the word "facade" on a poster during a particularly 'poignant' scene). This movie misses the mark in so many ways. I adore so many of the actors in this movie (though this was really the worst performance I have ever seen Matthew Modine give...unless that was another point the film was trying to smash you over the head with) and some of the moments were very funny and really did hit home, but that only accounted for about 20% of the film. The rest of it was cliché and trite. It is watchable and there are some real gem scenes and messages, but it could have been done so much better. It was trying to be an art house film and so it arrived as a Hollywood flop. Rent it for a lark or to see some of your long lost movie pals, but don't put to much money down on it coming in first in your movie ranks.
  • nuheart
    January 6, 2007
    nuheart
    Disappointing, considering I enjoyed DiCillo's LIVING IN OBLIVION.
  • jimrin
    October 14, 2009
    jimrin
    The whole movie seemed as surreal as Joe's view of the world. Even though there were a lot of big name stars in the movie, I don't know why... I am not sure how we're supposed to care about a guy who whines all the time. I guess the low point of the movie is the end where neither... read more Joe or Mary do not improve themselves. Not that there's any problems with them having faults. Noone is perfect. Mary even went to have counseling, and yes, while he turned out to be creepy, she couldn't see that her frustration was with a guy who complained about paying rent each month, complained about having to have protected sex, was so conceited that he believed he was called by Madonna, etc., etc.. And the "happy" ending is that she lets Joe have unprotected sex with her?

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Critic Reviews

Kevin Carr
November 2, 2004
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures

Not as good as other DiCillo movies, but decent.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
March 2, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Vividly conveys how difficult it is to discern truth from treacle in industries built upon surface glamour, fantasy, and manufactured dreams. Full Review

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
February 28, 2002
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

Doesn't have a lot of narrative flow, but that is ok, since the segments are funny and smartly satirical. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A fine looking but extremely lightweight satire from Tom DiCillo... Full Review

Bob Satuloff
January 1, 2000
Bob Satuloff, Film Journal International

Strains to build up a head of comic steam, but there's nowhere very interesting to go. Full Review

Michael Dequina
January 1, 2000
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

A frustrating sit that lives up to the stereotypes of its title--it may be glossy on the surface, but there's nothing going on inside. Full Review

David N. Butterworth
January 1, 2000
David N. Butterworth, rec.arts.movies.reviews

Hard to believe this was made by the same person who brought us Living in Oblivion (with Steve Buscemi). Full Review

James Sanford
January 1, 2000
James Sanford, rec.arts.movies.reviews

starts to seem more like an extended episode of 'The Real World,' as we're asked to care deeply about the woes, jealousies, inhibitions and fantasies of some fairly shallow people. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Lisa Nesselson
December 1, 2008
Lisa Nesselson, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

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The Real Blonde Trivia

  • Which actor/actress played in Being John Malkovich, Death to Smoochy and The Real Blonde?   Answer »
  • In the Movie "Mischief" about the 1950's, what was the real name of the blonde girl named "Marilyn" on the show?  Answer »
  • Like totally, I'm a dumb, spoiled rich blonde and..even though I can't act I was in the movie House of Wax and in real life recently went to jail for too many DUI's...Oh and I say stupid comments like That's Hot. Who am I. (Ugh, gag me...she makes me sick)  Answer »
  • In the movie Sleepy Hollow, Christina Ricci played the good witch,she had blonde hair in the movie. What is her real hair color?  Answer »
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