#10: Fletch

Release Date: May 31st, 1985

Format: Streaming (Netflix)

Written by: Andrew Bergman

Directed by: Michael Ritchie

2 Stars

I would like to confess that my experience with Chevy Chase’s filmography consists of six movies: Vacation, Caddyshack, Fletch, Three Amigos, Christmas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation, and Fletch I saw one time in college and didn’t remember very well. What I do remember thinking was, meh.

I liked it more this time. I’m getting more nostalgic with mid-to-late ‘80s movies lately. The color scheme, clothes, hair, and analog-ness of the era reminds me of early childhood pictures. Seeing Chevy wearing mid-thigh shorts with floppy, thinning hair reminds me of my dad. 

I’ve never reflected on the reasons why I haven’t done a deep dive on the Chevy Chase filmography. I like Chevy Chase enough. I wore out the Three Amigos VHS growing up and it’s pretty much burned into my psyche. Then I saw Vacation and Caddyshack in my early teens and realized how tall and handsome he was in his earlier career. He looked like a real movie star. 

These were all “mom movies” by the way. Growing up there was a collection of VHS movies at my mom’s house and a collection at my dad’s house. There was virtually no overlap in the collections. Dad’s collection was 3-4 times larger probably, but the only Chevy Chase title was Christmas Vacation. I should ask my dad why he didn’t have much Chevy Chase stuff.  

Anyway, Fletch is fine. It’s a vehicle for Chevy. I didn’t laugh much, but it was enjoyable. There’s this strange thing with Chevy’s on-screen persona where he is simultaneously the smartest guy in every scene, but doing the dumbest things. Watching his movies you aren’t surprised that he’s difficult to work with. He’s comedy’s Steven Seagal, but rather than Seagal’s insistence of never taking a punch to the face in a fight scene, Chevy must never get punched by a supporting actor’s punchline.