Fletch (1985)

Very disappointing...

The acting in this movie is really good.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Irwin Fletcher (Chevy Chase) is a smart-mouthed L.A. investigative reporter with pen name Jane Doe. He's infiltrating the drug trade at the beach when he's approached by Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson). He wants the supposed bum Fletch to shoot him because he has bone cancer. He's willing to pay $50k. Fletch's editor Frank Walker is hounding him for his drug story on Fat Sam selling drugs on the beach. Larry (Geena Davis) is his helpful sidekick. His investigation reveals that Alan isn't actually sick. He flirts with Alan's wife Gail. There's a land deal in Utah. Meanwhile his drug friend Gummy is kidnapped by the cops. Police Chief Jerry Karlin (Joe Don Baker) threatens him as the corrupt cops are after the reporter.The wise-cracking Chevy Chase is marginally funny. What is most surprising is that there are a couple suspenseful investigation going on in this movie. I'm more invested in the story than actually laugh at Chevy. I'm not quite as impressed with the way Fletch handled Alan in the climatic scene. He's basically explaining the story while being the only guy without a gun. The disguises and the quick dialog are generally fun. It kind of reminds me of 'Beverly Hills Cop' except not quite as good.

Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher (Chase) is the best journalist reporter around. He's got all the best disguises, all his passports up to date, and is just as good as any police detective in his comedic investigations. And little does Fletch know he would also make a great comedian - he's that funny. Yes the movie Fletch is a great mystery-crime comedy that is worth viewing. The movie has a feeling of being a comedic police film so if you like that type then give Fletch a viewing.If you liked movies like: "The Naked Gun", "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid", "Spies Like Us", "Turner and Hooch" or Chevy Chase's famous film "Vacation" then you will most likely enjoy the movie "Fletch".8.5/10

Watched this last weekend at home with family, where Chevy Chase plays an investigative journalist with a passion for clever disguises.We see Fletch going from place to place making up interesting characters with a great presence of mind to turn every situation into his favour and solving the mystery. The car chase, the hospital scenes as a kidney pain patient and subsequently as a doctor were absolutely hilarious.Chevy acts with absolute ease and is completely into this role keeping the audience laughing from beginning to end. Michael Ritchie is a good director supported by good screenplay from Andrew Bergman.

One of the best comedies of the 80's & quite possibly THE best one of them all. In fact I can't think of another comedy this good completely carried by a single main character, although Beverly Hills Cop is a close second. Chase's ability to assume numerous completely different identities is unrivaled. He's in a class by himself in that regard. I've read where Kevin Smith wants to do the standard prequel update w/ Jason Lee as Fletch. < That IMO will be as big a flop as Steve Martin's embarrassing attempt at Peter Seller's PINK PANTHER.I usually watch this movie over & over its that good.If you want to watch comedic perfection this is your movie. Add Vacation, The Three Amigos, and a few other 80's films and you've got one helluva movie collection.