80sfilms

In 1985, the handsome and hilarious Chevy Chase stole my heart in Fletch. Yes, I was young, but even then I could recognize comedic genius when I saw it.

The film, based on the same-named Gregory McDonald mystery novel, was about an undercover newspaper reporter cracking a police drug ring.

Chase played I.M. “Fletch” Fletcher, said reporter who dished out the cynicism as much as the stories.

Fletch costarred Tim Mattheson, George Wendt and Genna Davis, and was directed by Michael Ritchie, who also helmed Fletch Lives (1989), The Couch Trip (1988), The Golden Child (1986) and Wildcats (1986).

In Fletch, Chase is at his best as Fletch, where he spouts off so many funny lines that the film is literally packed with one-liners from beginning to end. According to those behind the scenes, Chase ad-libbed the majority of his lines in the film, which only goes to show his genius.

Chase enjoyed a successful run in other 80s comedies, including Christmas Vacation (1989), Fletch Lives (1989), Caddyshack II (1988), Funny Farm (1988), ¡Three Amigos! (1986), Spies Like Us (1985), European Vacation (1985), Deal of the Century (1983), Vacation (1983), Modern Problems (1981), Seems Like Old Times (1980) and Caddyshack (1980).

Fans of Chase (or, along those same lines, Steve Martin, or the younger set that includes Adam Sandler and Dane Cook) are sure to enjoy Fletch, one of the comedic gems from the 80s. 

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