review by Mr. DuLac Pro
Fletch 1985
Rewatched Jul 14, 2012
Mr. DuLac’s review:
Why don't we go lay on the bed and I'll fill you in?
-Fletch
No one will ever accuse Fletch of being a timeless film. The score, hairstyles, dated jokes and pop culture references never let you forget what era this movie was made in, as if the fact that is stars Chevy Chase didn't already do that.
What you get here is basically Chevy Chase doing Chevy Chase, but it's what a lot of comedians did in films from the 70s and 80s. They pretty much just played caricatures of themselves in films and got away with it. With that said I think this is Chase's best film after some of the Vacation movies.
It works because the film is clearly built around Chevy Chase and what he could do on film. Clearly it left him lots of room for add-libs while keeping the dialogue fast and witty. The dialogue is also the films biggest star after Chevy. Almost every line in the film is quotable and witty.
The story itself is almost film-noir in spirit with it's main character knowing he's being used, but not knowing the why. Fletch even gives a voice over during the entire film. The tone of the film though is pure dry comedy. It's basically a showcase for Chevy Chase and shows you why he was once popular.
This is definitely Chevy Chase's best film in my mind.
I might change my tune after I eventually revisit the Vacation movies. I'll admit they have a bigger nostalgic connection to me and that could be effecting how I remember them.
@SilenJoe13: In agreement.
Let's pretend Fletch Lives doesn't exist however.
@Dulac Believe it or not, I did'nt like Vacation. I still have'nt seen the sequels, but I remember the first Vacation just not being that funny. It had a couple laughs for me, but it just did'nt appeal to me.
@Nick I still have'nt seen Fletch Lives.
@SilentJoe13: You're a better person for it.
Christmas Vacation is one of my all time Xmas movies. Vegas Vacation is complete garbage.
That was supposed to say "all time favorite Xmas movies" See I got all giddy as if it was Xmas morning.
Damn yes! Fletch is awesome!
Chevy Chase at his best! I do like the 3 first Vacation movies, but Fletch is his best.
Wasn't there going to be a Kevin Smith remake?
@Dirk If I remember correctly, Kevin Smith wanted to make a sequel called Son of Fletch where Chevy Chase would return to the role and his son would be played by Jason Lee.
I remember that! Jason Lee would have been great in this kind of comedy. Looks like it'll never happen now since Kevin Smith is supposedly retiring after he's done his hockey film.
If that hockey film is his last one I hope it's his greatest. It would be a shame for him to go out on a limp.
❤ Chevy in this. His best.