Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Fletch is a wonderfully stupid movie that is packed full of laughs. I’m a huge fan of Chevy Chase and I think this is probably his second best film (Caddyshack being first). If you are not used to Chase’s style of humor then this film is probably not for you. But, if you enjoy his sarcastic and goofy style then you will completely enjoy this film.

Most films like this usually are farce type films that don’t have a plot or even a point. However, Fletch is a little bit different. There is actually a pretty in depth story that takes a while to develop and surprises you with its complexity. Chevy Chase plays Irwin Fletcher, aka Fletch. He’s an investigative newspaper reporter in Los Angeles and writes a column under the name Jane Doe (cause that’s the kind of gal he is). His current investigation involves drug trafficking on the cities beaches.

While undercover on the beach, he receives a peculiar proposition. Alan Stanwyk (played by Tim Matheson) wants Fletch to murder because he is dying from cancer. By being murdered, his wife can receive a sizable insurance package. Stanwyk thinks Fletch is a drifter and that nobody will notice if he just disappears after the murder. Fletch agrees to listen and then after hearing what’s in it for him, he agrees to murder Stanwyk. This is where the fun begins.

Fletch simultaneously investigates the drug trafficking as well as Stanwyk. Amazingly they start to intertwine. Along the investigation Fletch meets Stanwyk’s wife played by Dana Wheeler-Nicholson whom he develops a personal relationship with. He also meets and has an interesting run in with the Los Angeles Police Chief played by the always great Joe Don Baker.

Needless to say, Fletch figures out the motives of both Stanwyk and Carlan and is prepared to expose them. However, neither one of them is prepared to go down for the crime nor a tense scene involving Fletch, Stanwyk, Carlan and Mrs. Stanwyk results. While the sense seems a little too intense for a film like this, Fletch is still able to save the day while throwing out several funny quips along the way.

The film has so many funny scenes that it’s hard to even do them justice. Some of the best are the scenes when Fletch interacts with the “help” at the club and his relationship with Mr. Underhill. Both Fletch’s hospital visit, as a disguised doctor, and his physical are hilarious scenes. My personal favorite scene is when Fletch dresses up as an airplane repairman and goofs his way around an airplane hanger. While the scene is just hysterical, it also serves as the “last piece of the puzzle” for both investigations.

Chevy Chase is great as Fletch. He plays the hero goofy but with a certain intelligence that would be needed by an investigative reporter. This is the role that he was born to play. Tim Matheson tones down his Animal House zaniness to play Stanwyk straight. He serves up pitches and Chase hits them out of the ballpark. Joe Don Baker is great as the evil Chief Carlan. Don’t miss the scene when The Chief first meets Fletch after his bogus arrest. Dana Wheeler-Nicholson is passable as Mrs. Stanwyk. She never really has too much to say and usually just sets up Chase for the joke.

When the DVD was finally released I was very excited. I had worn about my VHS tape as well as an audiotape that I made for road trips. Unfortunately, the DVD doesn’t really offer very much in the way of extras. The picture and sound are dramatically improved, but that’s basically all. The one good thing is the film is shown in widescreen. There is also a theatrical trailer and a recommendations list included, but that’s no reason to purchase the disc. However, it’s still worth the cost of the disc if you enjoy the film as much as I do.

Overall, I would highly recommend Fletch. If you are a Chase fan, you will definitely enjoy the film. Even if you are not the biggest Chase fan I think you will still enjoy the film. The plot is quite in-depth and many of the jokes are just too funny not to enjoy.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older