Film & Water #103 – Fletch

THE FILM & WATER PODCAST

Episode 103: FLETCH

Rob welcomes back Network All-Star Ryan Daly to discuss one of their favorite films, 1985's FLETCH starring Chevy Chase! This episode of THE FILM AND WATER PODCAST brought to you by Ted Underhill.

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10 responses to “Film & Water #103 – Fletch

  1. Put me down for that Animal House round table. Nothing is over!

    Man, it’s been years since I’ve seen Fletch. For whatever reason it didn’t quite reach the heavy rotation of a lot of similar movies of the time among me and my friends. But we did see it quite a bit. I think I would add Ferris Bueller to that same strange “floating above” category that Fletch and Venkmen inhabited in the 80s. With Bueller it’s more obvious because Broderick is actually breaking the fourth wall throughout the movie, but even within the movie, he seems to exist in a semi-heightened state of reality aside from the other characters in the film. Principal Rooney and his sister recognize this, and it’s one of the things about him that aggravates them so.

    I have a buddy who still likes to use the water buffalo line from this from time to time, so yeah, Fletch quotes endure. I recall Kevin Smith was keen on writing and directing a new Fletch movie a while back. Maybe that was the one with Jason Lee attached?

    Great show guys! Reminded me of the quote-fest Rob and I had on Blazing Saddles. More Cleavon Little!

    Chris

    1. Yes, it was Kevin Smith who wanted Jason Lee. At some point the studio ran cold on Lee and then I think that led to Smith bailing.

      And yes Animal House deserves a round table!

    2. Rob: And yes Animal House deserves a round table!

      Chris: Put me down for that Animal House round table. Nothing is over!

      Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?! NO!

      Wait, what?

  2. Man, when I saw the subject of this show, a feeling of trepidation came over me, as I thought that – as per usual – you would be panning this one. I’m so used to defending my enjoyment of this movie to others.
    But much to my pleasant surprise, I learned that we’re kindred spirits in this regard. I’ve loved Fletch since forever.
    The only place where I differ with Rob at least, is that I also like Fletch Lives. I’ll readily acknowledge that it’s nowhere near as good as Fletch, but it’s still very watchable. For me, both Fletches are perfect rainy Sunday afternoon movies, when the weather’s crappy, and you don’t really feel like doing anything but lazing around in front of the TV.

    By the way, I never even knew there were plans to do a remake of Fletch; I generally agree with you guys that it probably just shouldn’t be done. And of all the potential casting choices you mentioned, I think the only ones that would come close to working are Joel McHale and Tina Fey.

  3. I encountered the movie on cable TV when I first arrived in the ‘States, and I really was taken by Chevy Chase’s performance. It drove me to find the book, and I followed the series from there.

    There’s something in what you said — Fletch’s nonchalant, devil-may-care wisecracking striking a chord with the adolescents — that was certainly true for me. Wanting to be smarter than everyone around you, fast on your mental feet, thumbing your nose at authority in a witty manner… these are all things that appealed to me at that point in my life.

    I echo the sense that some of the humor in the movie was at odds with the overall tone; that delicate ‘above-it-all’ balance was wrecked by scenes that went overboard with the absurdity of certain scenes.

    Didn’t watch Fletch Lives, and for some reason I never really felt the need to. Should I still?

  4. I too have been surprised at FLETCH attaining the cult status it has; I thought I was only 14 year old boy who thought this was the greatest movie of all time (which, of course it is…). Having read all of the FLETCH series of books and endlessly watching the 2 movies (LIVES less so), I think the only way the character could be revived is as a TV series. With the advent of “peak TV”, they could potentially take a single book from the series and adapt it as a 8-10 episode season, much like “Happ and Leonard”. Also, as much as I love the films’ version of FLETCH, if they did go this route, I’d love to see them try to get closer to the tone of the books, which was less wacky and more dry comedy. Plus, this would differentiate it from the movies and avoid unwanted comparisons. As for casting, that’s the hard part. Joel McHale and Tina Fey are good choices, and I think early 2000’s Jason Lee COULD have pulled it off. Perhaps Oscar Isaac, I could kind of see him in the role. Anywhoo, another great Podcast! Enjoy the network, keep up the amazing work!

  5. Half audio presentation of the film/half movie review – one great show!

    I think I saw this one at the drive-in.

  6. I know he’s best known as a master of slapstick, but Chevy Chase is never better for me than when he plays smart. And that’s why Fletch is his only movie in my collection.

  7. Like many here, I first watched this movie when I was in Junior High. But I never had to defend my love of the film or hide it from others. I hung around with a group of people who also adored the film. When in college I hung out with another group of friends who loved the movie. We used to try to insert quotes from this movie (along with Animal House, Blues Brothers, Caddyshack, etc) into regular conversation with other people then watch and laugh at the look of bewilderment we we would see on the faces that didn’t know the movie. Ah, college age fun!

    By the way, I was glad you got Ryan Daly as a guest on this episode. I was worried you might try to get that petterass Hannerhan! 🙂

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