Fletch Lives (1989)

Fletch Lives Poster

Fletch is a fish out of water in small-town Louisiana, where he's checking out a tumbledown mansion he's inherited. When a woman he flirts with turns up dead, he becomes a suspect and must find the killer and clear his name.

Introduction
"Fletch Lives" is a comedic crime movie launched in 1989, directed by Michael Ritchie and featuring Chevy Chase in the lead function as Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher. This motion picture is a follow up to the 1985 film "Fletch" and continues to follow the creative and quick-witted journalist as he starts yet another caper. While it did not receive the very same important acclaim as its predecessor, "Fletch Lives" stays a popular movie amongst fans of Chase and 1980s comedies.

Plot Overview
The story begins with Fletch, an investigative reporter for a Los Angeles newspaper, acquiring a Louisiana plantation from his just recently deceased aunt. Looking for an escape from his hectic life and curious about his unanticipated inheritance, Fletch takes a trip to Belle Isle, Louisiana. Upon arrival, he discovers that the plantation, called Belle Isle, remains in a worn out state, far from the luxurious estate he had visualized.

Fletch quickly realizes that things are not quite as they appear. His go to triggers a series of events including a local televangelist, Jimmy Lee Farnsworth, and his child Becky Culpepper, a sexy southern belle. They attempt to purchase the plantation from Fletch, hinting at concealed motives. Fletch's suspicions are verified when Amanda Ray Ross, his legal representative, turns up dead, leading him to believe that there is more at stake.

Investigation
Driven by his reporter instincts, Fletch chooses to investigate the situations surrounding Amanda's death and the mysterious interest in his auntie's property. His probing leads him through a web of intrigue involving corrupt property transactions, unscrupulous televangelists, and a contaminated river that could be main to the mystery.

Using a variety of disguises, a hallmark of his from the very first film, Fletch infiltrates different organizations and events to collect details. His comical alter-egos consist of a bug pest control operator, a faith therapist, and a Harley-riding bicycle rider. These disguises offer much of the movie's humor, enabling Chase to showcase his comedic skills as he outmaneuvers those around him.

Climax and Resolution
The investigation reveals a plot linked to the regional televangelist, who is exploiting the land for financial gain and contamination cover-ups. Fletch finds out that the motive for the purchase is related to a scandal including toxic waste discarding. This illegal activity is masked under the guise of religious piety, with the land predestined to become a rewarding televangelist theme park.

In a comical and action-packed climax, Fletch exposes the bad guys during a live broadcast at the televangelist's rally, exposing their strategy to a big audience. The film concludes with Fletch hindering the plot and choosing to go back to Los Angeles, but not without a last comical twist-- he winds up handing the plantation back to the original owners, a regional African American church parish, reversing years of deceit.

Conclusion
"Fletch Lives" blends elements of mystery and funny, relying heavily on Chevy Chase's charming performance, witty dialogue, and slapstick humor. While the film may not dig deeply into the social issues it discuss, it stays a lighthearted and entertaining sequel that continues the misadventures of its charming lead character. Despite combined reviews, it has actually secured its place as a staple of 1980s funny movies, appealing to those who value the era's brand of humor and Chase's special comical design.

Top Cast

  • Chevy Chase (small)
    Chevy Chase
    Irwin 'Fletch' Fletcher
  • Hal Holbrook (small)
    Hal Holbrook
    Hamilton "Ham" Johnson
  • Julianne Phillips (small)
    Julianne Phillips
    Becky Culpepper
  • R. Lee Ermey (small)
    R. Lee Ermey
    Jimmy Lee Farnsworth
  • Richard Libertini (small)
    Richard Libertini
    Frank Walker
  • Randall 'Tex' Cobb (small)
    Randall 'Tex' Cobb
    Ben Dover
  • Cleavon Little (small)
    Cleavon Little
    Calculus Entropy
  • George Wyner (small)
    George Wyner
    Marvin Gillet
  • Patricia Kalember (small)
    Patricia Kalember
    Amanda Ray Ross
  • Geoffrey Lewis (small)
    Geoffrey Lewis
    KKK Leader
  • Richard Belzer (small)
    Richard Belzer
    Phil