I was three years old when Fletch came out. Subsequently, I’ve never watched it, but I’ve always heard people reference the film. Sometimes as an example of poor taste in movies. Others with pure affection like in Mallrats or on Supernatural. Fletch was on Starz so I decided it was time I saw what the film was even about. I give Fletch the Decent Watch rating.
Fletch is definitely a film I would watch again if it was on.
Irwin M. “Fletch” Fletcher (Chevy Chase) is an investigative reporter being offered a large sum of money to off Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson), a cancerous millionaire. Fletch does what does best and begins to investigate and finds a connection between drug dealers and the millionaire and a conspiracy all taking place in his city.
The film was directed by Michael Ritchie who also directed The Golden Child and the 1976 Bad News Bears. I’m most familiar with Chevy Chase from Community and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I saw the other Vacation films and Caddyshack when I was a kid, but really don’t remember much of them. He tends to play an asshole with a sense of humor, and that’s definitely Fletch. However, I found the character to be witty and resourceful. The film has some crazy moments, but I found Chase to be quite funny.
Chevy Chase is the man of many names
I love how quick Fletch is able to change his identities to stay out of trouble. The best scene is probably getting checked out by the doctor. The prostate exam and his questions are hilarious. “You using the whole fist, Doc?” made me laugh out loud. He has a lot of quick jokes delivered fairly deadpanned and they mainly work as a result. The film really showcases Chase, but includes Geena Davis, Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, M. Emmet Walsh, George Wendt, Tim Matheson, and Richard Libertini.
I didn’t give the film 100% of my attention, but it’s one I may revisit. Just thinking back through a lot of the dialogue made me laugh several times. Chevy Chase really delivers some great lines in this film. It’s one that I can see people being split on, but it’s a comedy that I think I can really enjoy. Not sure if I should check out the sequel or not, but it may creep onto the list.
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