I.M. Fletcher, Los Angeles investigative journalist, is the entertaining creation of author Gregory McDonald. As played by Chevy Chase, he is also a master of terrible disguises, snappy one-liners, and deadpan humor. If you like Chevy Chase's utter lack of sincerity, you'll love this movie. If you don't, it will wear thin quickly, despite the clever mystery plot.

Two Mysteries Converge

Fletch has been investigating drug dealing at the beach, but his story is long overdue. He suspects the LAPD is involved, but can't get the proof he needs. One day he's approached by a man who claims to be headed for a lingering, painful death from cancer. He wants Fletch to shoot him, so that his wife can collect the insurance.

Fletch's warning bells go off, and investigation proves the man's story to be false. The police, led by Joe Don Baker as the creepy Chief Karlin, want him to stop investigating the drug ring, claiming that he's messing up their own investigation. When he persists, the police become very, very unfriendly. Both cases come together in an ingenious climax.

Since this was an early release, there aren't a lot of extras on the DVD. There are production notes, audio commentary, and the theatrical trailer. That really isn't much of a drawback, since Fletch isn't the kind of film you'll want to study carefully. It is, however, exactly the kind of film you'll want to have on hand when you need a good giggle.