Fletch - Der Troublemaker

"Fletch" is a reasonably entertaining thriller parody. It's cleverly scripted, containing some truly hilarious moments and colourful supporting characters. Chevy Chase and the other cast suit their roles perfectly and the various disguises provides the film's most delicious laughs as the licentious conductor. Unfortunately, the fun gets a bit tamer towards the end. Good amusement, nevertheless.

They don't make films this light any more unfortunately. We need more feel good movies and less in your face ones that are made for 18 year olds.

Writing is the key.

Chevy Chase plays investigative reporter Irwin M. Fletcher, nicknamed Fletch, who's disguising himself as a junkie on the beach to uncover a smuggling ring. He gets spotted by Tim Matheson, a real estate millionaire, who asks Fletch to kill him so his wife can receive the inherit. Fletch goes snooping around and finds out that his smuggling ring investigation might somehow be tied to the millionaire.

With a different leading man this film could very well have been a full blown thriller. Imagine John Frankenheimer directing and Robert De Niro starring. But, in dealing with what's at hand, Fletch is a good comedy where Chase can showcase his range of disguises and delivery of good one-liners. Chase absolutely smothers the film with wisecracks and the overall very well constructed mystery is nearly overlooked. With repeated viewings I've actually come to appreciate the film more for it's genuinely gripping detective story elements, it really does boast a solid mystery that unfolds well.

There's one thing for sure here; you have to be a fan of Chevy Chase for this film to work for you. Since I'm a fan the film is in high regard. Chase's wisecracks aren't all brilliant but they're mostly very good and here he's at the top of his game.

Fletch and Clark Griswold are the two characters Chevy Chase will most be remembered for.

I don't particularly care for Chase. I simply usually don't really find him funny. But I did like this. I have not read any of the books. It happened somewhat gradually, but long before this was over, I was enjoying myself. In the long run, the thing's just difficult to resist. Some of the comedy is from sexual matters, but it's never explicit. There is also a little bit of gross-out material. Most of the jokes and gags are based on Fletch's way of handling situations, and his personality as well as in general how he relates to his surroundings. Chevy(the man, I... wouldn't know about the car) carries it rather well, and I found myself quite interested in the whole thing. The plot is good, and keeps developing nicely throughout. Pacing is great, it never gets boring. The music is another quality area. The script is, as well, I wouldn't claim any of this to be predictable, at least not enough to bother. Funny, charming, not at all without tension and may very well keep you guessing until the end. I recommend this to fans of Chevy Chase and possibly(inquire elsewhere would be my suggestion) the title character. 7/10

"Fletch" (circa 1985), the original "Fletch" flick, features Chevy Chase at his prime who, in his own inimitable way, plays a straight-faced, bemused, fast-double-talking investigative reporter who solves a major drug smuggling operation. "Fletch" is currently on the cable merry-go-round and makes for a fun and entertaining watch for Chase fans or Chase fans to be.

I might be blinded by nostalgia, but Fletch is such a fun 80s movie, with so many great jokes, so much charm and a well crafted cast. Chevy Chase was perfect for playing Irving Fletcher and he worked not just in the slapstick scenes, but was also believable as a journalist. The plot is exciting with some twist and some of the funny lines are among the the best of 80s (action)comedies. And last but not least, Harold Faltermayers Fletch-Theme is amazing and a great follow up to Axel F. Taking my personal nostalgia into account (which probably increased the rating by 2-3 stars) Fletch is a fun and entertaining 80s movie, that doesn't fail.