Fletch

Fletch
1985 - Universal Pictures
Directed By Michael Ritchie



SYNOPSIS

Investigative reporter Fletch (Chevy Chase) is working undercover as a junky on a story that will uncover major drug ring involving cops. Meanwhile, a businessman (Tim Matheson) hires this 'junky' to kill him. Fletch begins investigating the man as well and realizes this might all be related!



MY THOUGHTS

Chevy Chase's finest hour!

For years I'd thought I had seen this film, but it turns out it was its far inferior sequel Fletch Lives. I've never been a huge fan of Chase's and enjoyed his other SNL cast member's film so much more. I'm so glad I finally saw this film.

However, Chevy Chase did make several great films prior to this (Foul Play, Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation) but Fletch seems like the perfect showcase for his ambivalent, bizarre one-liner filled comic persona.

Fletch (an 'expert' in disguises) assumes many other characters while investigating. He's Harry S. Truman, Igor Stravinsky, G. Gordon Liddy, Don Corleone, and Ted Nugent. Each is funnier than the last... yet is barely different from the man himself.

The plot is based on the book by Gregory McDonald, yet it seems like it's straight out of the noir stylings of Raymond Chandler, combined with a major head injury! The always-entertaining story transforms intrigue into hilariousity. The one liners and humorous situations rarely miss and have oodles of laugh-out-loud moments and memorable quotes.

The only fault with the film is the obnoxious score by Beverly Hills Cop's Harold Faltermeyer. Any spare minute of dialogue is crammed with his dated and annoying music.

The music never drags down the film and Fletch remains a hilarious film 25 years later. There's been many problems in adapting a third Fletch adventure in the years since, but lets hope those problems can be ironed out and a new adventure can live on the big screen.