Irwin Fletcher (Chevy Chase) is a smart-mouthed L.A. investigative reporter with pen name Jane Doe. He's infiltrating the drug trade at the beach when he's approached by Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson). He wants the supposed bum Fletch to shoot him because he has bone cancer. He's willing to pay $50k. Fletch's editor Frank Walker is hounding him for his drug story on Fat Sam selling drugs on the beach. Larry (Geena Davis) is his helpful sidekick. His investigation reveals that Alan isn't actually sick. He flirts with Alan's wife Gail. There's a land deal in Utah. Meanwhile his drug friend Gummy is kidnapped by the cops. Police Chief Jerry Karlin (Joe Don Baker) threatens him as the corrupt cops are after the reporter.
The wise-cracking Chevy Chase is marginally funny. What is most surprising is that there are a couple suspenseful investigation going on in this movie. I'm more invested in the story than actually laugh at Chevy. I'm not quite as impressed with the way Fletch handled Alan in the climatic scene. He's basically explaining the story while being the only guy without a gun. The disguises and the quick dialog are generally fun. It kind of reminds me of 'Beverly Hills Cop' except not quite as good.
The wise-cracking Chevy Chase is marginally funny. What is most surprising is that there are a couple suspenseful investigation going on in this movie. I'm more invested in the story than actually laugh at Chevy. I'm not quite as impressed with the way Fletch handled Alan in the climatic scene. He's basically explaining the story while being the only guy without a gun. The disguises and the quick dialog are generally fun. It kind of reminds me of 'Beverly Hills Cop' except not quite as good.