Confess, Fletch

rsanek 1/20/2023 4:03:17 PM 8.4

What an amazing film. Love the aesthetic.

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots 4/23/2023 6:43:49 AM 8.4

**By: Louisa Moore / www.ScreenZealots.com** I tend to be skeptical when it comes to a studio reboot of a film franchise, but “Confess, Fletch” breathes fresh, new life into the series. Based on the Gregory Mcdonald books, the movie sees Jon Hamm stepping into the role that was made famous in the mid-80s by Chevy Chase. The result is a sharp and clever elevated murder mystery for adults. Investigative journalist Irwin Fletcher (Jon Hamm) is always getting himself into trouble. This time, he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case while searching for the truth behind a stolen multi-million dollar art collection. In order to prove his innocence to a veteran police detective (Roy Wood Jr.), Fletch must eliminate the long list of suspects. He uses his skills to seek out and question a missing playboy (John Behlmann), a Countess (Marcia Gay Harden), an eccentric germophobe art dealer (Kyle MacLachlan), a wacky bohemian neighbor (Annie Mumolo), and even his own Italian girlfriend (Lorenza Izzo) on his quest to uncover the real culprit. Director Greg Mottola (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Zev Borrow) nails the tone of the original “Fletch” films without making his project feel like a cheap wannabe rip-off. Gone are the goofy disguises made so popular in the 80s films, and Hamm’s version of Fletch captures the charming arrogance of Mcdonald’s literary character. Fletch’s unorthodox methods are still in play, yet he’s not portrayed as a bumbling idiot. In peak laid back mode, Hamm reaches near perfection in the lead role as the resourceful and witty reporter. It’s a performance that I want to see more of in the future, and that bodes well for subsequent sequels. Hamm’s charisma serves him well in his flawless delivery of the script’s one-line zingers, and his comedic timing is precise yet natural. Those who have a low tolerance for snarky, smart humor will likely be more annoyed than entertained, however. I was surprised just how much I enjoyed “Confess, Fletch.” It’s so much better than anyone could have ever expected, the supporting cast is terrific, the mystery is entertaining (if ultimately predictable), and the humor is on point. In other words, it’s a lot of fun.

Peter McGinn 11/16/2023 8:53:35 AM 8.4

I really liked this movie. It went against my expectations right out of the gate. I don’t know if I would like the original Fletch film with ChevyChase as much as I did as a younger viewer, but I remember enough to say that it was all Fletch. Not so much here. Chevy’s Fletch dominated the story, perhaps every scene. I still remember his sarcastic Oh good, the police, when a corrupt cop showed up. This Fletch movie is more mature, with more depth. Wisecracking Fletch is still at the center of it, of course, but mostly I enjoyed the scene-stealing cops. There is the exhausted new father, “Slow Motion” Maurice, who talked like a tough cop who disbelieved Fletch and reminded him more than once that he was the main suspect, but who had the patience to wait before arresting him. Perhaps really knew someone was setting him up. And the accident-probe, clumsy Griz, who bumbled around but who ultimately proved to be the brains of the detective team. They played off each other and Fletch well, and I would gladly watch a spin-off show just with them. The plot is dense in a way, and a piece of critical information is hidden from us for most of the film, but it is all in fun so who really cares? What am I, reviewing for the New York Times or the like? No. Suffice to say that it was entertaining and I suspect I will watch it again someday.