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Fletch
1985 98 min United States of America PG 18+
★7.1
Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Director: Michael Ritchie
🎭 Based on
«Fletch»
byGregory Mcdonald
Trailers
Description
When investigative reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher goes undercover to write a piece on the drug trade at a local beach, he's approached by wealthy businessman Alan Stanwyk, who offers him $50,000 to murder him. With sarcastic wit and a knack for disguises, Fletch sets out to uncover Stanwyk's story.
Budget:
$8M
US Gross:
$50.61M
Worldwide:
$59.61M
Starring
Chevy Chase
Actor
Joe Don Baker
Actor
Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Fletch is widely regarded as a quintessential 80s comedy that serves as the definitive vehicle for Chevy Chase’s sarcastic screen persona. While fans praise its iconic lead performance and nostalgic synth-heavy atmosphere, critics of the film point to its loose, at times illogical narrative structure that prioritizes gag-driven humor over coherent detective work.
| Acting | Chevy Chase’s charismatic and sarcastic performance acts as the primary anchor, effectively carrying the film's comedic weight. | |
| Score | Harold Faltermeyer’s electronic, synth-pop score successfully captures and immerses viewers in the distinctive neon-soaked aesthetic of the 1980s. | |
| Screenplay | The film succeeds as a witty, character-driven comedy, though it lacks the narrative gravitas and structural discipline of a serious detective story. | |
| Screenplay | The reliance on wild coincidences, abrupt editing, and absurd luck leads some viewers to feel the film lacks logical internal consistency. | |
| Adaptation | Adapting the novel for Chase’s persona requires a significant shift in tone, leaving fans divided on whether the film captures the true essence of the original source material. |