Fletch At Forty: Still Funny or Just Old?

Released in 1985, Fletch is one of those movies people love to quote, recommend, and defend with an almost unreasonable level of passion. Starring Chevy Chase at the height of his powers, the film became a cult classic thanks to its rapid-fire humor, endless disguises, and a lead character who refuses to take anything seriously—even when people are actively trying to kill him.

I honestly don’t remember the first time I watched Fletch. It definitely wasn’t in a theater. More likely, I stumbled onto it on HBO or Cinemax and wondered what Clark Griswold was doing wandering around in a Lakers jersey. That jersey hooked me immediately. I wanted that look badly—though even then I knew I couldn’t pull it off the way Chevy Chase could.

What started as a random stumble quickly turned into one of my favorite movies growing up. Ever since being introduced to Fletch, I’ve referenced my car hitting a water buffalo, explained that it’s all about ball bearings, and confidently put things on the Underhill tab. Most of the time those quotes land with a thud, but when someone actually gets the reference, I immediately feel better about them—and humanity as a whole. Is there a better scene than when Fletch is getting examined by the doctor? I think not.

But nearly 40 years later, the question remains: is Fletch still worth watching? Or is it one of those comedies best left in the past?

What Fletch Is About (Without Spoilers)

Chevy Chase plays Irwin M. Fletcher, an investigative reporter who stumbles into a murder plot while working undercover. Instead of reacting like a normal human being, Fletch responds by lying constantly, adopting ridiculous fake identities, and irritating nearly everyone he meets—all while casually unraveling the mystery.

The plot itself isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t need to be. Fletch isn’t really about the story; it’s about the character. The movie lives or dies on Chevy Chase’s ability to carry every scene, and for the most part, he does exactly that.

The Supporting Cast Matters More Than You Remember

While Fletch is clearly Chevy Chase’s show, the supporting cast plays a bigger role in why the movie still works.

Geena Davis, in an early film role, brings warmth and charm as Larry’s girlfriend. She’s grounded, likable, and provides the perfect counterbalance to Fletch’s nonstop sarcasm. It’s fun seeing her here just a few years before she became a major star in The Fly and Thelma & Louise.

And then there’s George Wendt. Norm. How many times had I watched him stroll into Cheers before realizing he was also Fat Sam in Fletch? His appearance is brief but memorable, adding to the movie’s distinctly ’80s sitcom energy and giving Chase another ideal straight man. Honestly, it feels like Wendt just traded his barstool for a lawn chair on the beach and stopped shaving.

Neither role is huge, but both help flesh out the world around Fletch and add to the film’s rewatchability.

Why Fletch Works

The biggest reason Fletch still holds up is Chevy Chase. This is peak Chase: confident, sarcastic, effortlessly smug, and clearly having fun. Fletch’s disguises, fake names, and nonstop wordplay are the engine of the movie, and they still hit more often than not.

The humor is fast, dry, and smart—especially if you enjoy jokes that don’t pause to explain themselves. Many of the best laughs come from quick reactions or throwaway lines that reward paying attention. It’s a comedy that trusts its audience.

There’s also something refreshing about how relaxed the movie feels. It isn’t loud, overproduced, or desperate to land a joke every few seconds. Fletch moves at its own pace and lets the humor breathe.

During my rewatch, I kept asking myself: where are movies like this today? Why don’t we get simple, funny, entertaining films that leave you feeling better afterward—and give you forty years of quotable material? Is it a lack of someone like Chevy Chase at his peak, or has society just moved away from uncomplicated fun in favor of louder, more divisive humor?

Where It Shows Its Age

Fletch is undeniably an ’80s movie—and if you don’t like ’80s movies, we probably can’t be friends. While this may not be peak Chevy Chase for everyone, it’s very close and absolutely worth a rewatch.

That said, it does stumble in one spot. The car crash scene, where Fletch borrows a convertible from a kid trying to steal it, feels unnecessary—or at least unnecessarily long. The dialogue is hard to hear and the humor doesn’t land at the same level as the rest of the film. For me, this moment knocks Fletch down just a notch among Chevy Chase’s best work.

So, Is Fletch Still Worth Watching?

Yes—especially if you liked it the first time.

If you enjoy character-driven comedies, dry sarcasm, and movies built around personality rather than spectacle, Fletch is absolutely worth your time. It’s an easy watch that rewards wit, timing, and charm over big set pieces.

Final Verdict

Still worth watching? Absolutely.

Watch it for the attitude, the one-liners, the early appearance of Geena Davis, the familiar comfort of George Wendt, and a version of Chevy Chase operating at the absolute peak of his comedic powers.

You may not laugh at every joke—but you’ll definitely understand why Fletch has lasted this long.