Fletch (1985)

Driector: Michael Ritchie

Writers: Gregory McDonald, Andrew Bergman

Composer: Harold Faltermeyer

Starring: Chevy Chase, Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Richard Libertini, Tim Matheson, M. Emmet Walsh, George Wendt, Kenneth Mars, Geena Davis, Bill Henderson, William Taylor, Burton Gilliam, James Avery, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, William Sanderson

More info: IMDb

Tagline: Meet the only guy who changes his identity more often than his underwear.

Plot: Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, Los Angeles journalist, really lives for his profession. As Jane Doe, he publishes articles that have caused several heads to roll in the past. Now, Fletch is at it again: In disguise as a bum, he lives at the beach, researching drugs and their dealing. One day, Fletch is addressed by Alan Stanwyk, a rich man, who asks him, the bum, a favour. For the sum of $50,000, Fletch should kill poor cancer-ridden Mr. Stanwyk with a gun, so that his wife will get the insurance money. What the guy didn't think of was Fletch's real profession. Returning into normal life, Fletch instantly takes up research not only to find out that Mr. Stanwyk is healthy as life itself but he also runs into certain connections between drug dealing at the beach, Alan Stanwyk, his private jet, the police and a very expensive piece of Land in Utah.

My rating? 8/10

Will I watch it again? Yes.

Man, I haven't seen this since the late 80s and it's held up beautifully.  Chase is ideal in the titular role.  His throwaway lines are often hilarious and you'll miss them if you aren't listening.  The supporting cast is great too.  I'd never miss an opportunity to see Burton Gilliam.  That cat is a scream. Harold Faltermeyer's score and theme are wonderful, too.  His tunes are infectiously catchy.  Tim Matheson?  He's so fun he should be in everything.  On top of all of that, it's scripted by one of my all time favorites, Andrew Bergman.  This is one of those films that could probably qualify for a remake with some sequels every fifteen years if this original film wasn't so intimidating.  There was talk a few years ago about reviving it with Jason Lee.  He could have filled those shoes but it really needs a pro to write and direct it to make anywhere close as special as this one.  I'll have to give the sequel, FLETCH LIVES (1989), another spin now.