I saw this indie when it was released, and I managed to score a copy on DVD a few years later to my delight. I believe it's destined for cult status. 'Dick Richards' is a little gem that you can watch several times and still enjoy something you missed on the previous viewings. The story itself, beginning as a reporter's seemingly meandering investigation of a possible Hollywood scam, builds with deliciously dark wit to a jolting ending that manages to be at once chilling and hilarious. The pacing is perfection. The performers in both the starring and supporting roles are a riot. The script is a hoot. Julie, played with quirky poignancy by the then-unknown Ashley Judd, is fun -- and Mark Pelligrino as BoyToy is a kick (most recently starring as Dick Hickock in 'Capote').
After seeing this movie, I had nightmares about hand puppets and visiting the beach before breakfast for weeks. Well worth the time and money spent, which is really saying something these days.