In the 1980s, Chevy Chase starred in two Fletch movies about a retired investigative reporter. The movies were Fletch and Fletch Lives. The Fletch character is based on a book series by Gregory MacDonald in the 70s. Confess, Fletch is a light-hearted crime comedy about the same character, starring John Hamm. Hamm’s most notable roles have been on television; if you were a fan of the TV series, Mad Men, you may remember him as Don Draper. Confess, Fletch also stars Marcia Gay Harden, Kyle Maclachlan, Lorenza Izzo and Roy Wood, Jr.
The plot is very simple. Fletch returns to America to locate a stolen Picasso painting that is needed as a ransom for Fletch’s Italian girlfriend’s millionaire father, who has been kidnapped. When he arrives at the townhome of his girlfriend’s friend, he finds a dead woman in the living room. Fletch is accused of the woman’s murder, but not arrested immediately. Fletch pursues the painting and the murderer to clear his name. A twist at the end makes the entire plot more interesting.
The film was directed by Greg Mottola and filmed in the Boston area. While reading up on the movie’s behind-the-scenes background, the crew only had 30 days to film the movie. That’s a really short filming schedule! I found the movie to be mildly entertaining. If you go to see the movie thinking that it might be similar to the movies starring Chevy Chase, you will be disappointed. John Hamm does a good job with his role, but he is not as funny as Chevy Chase, but there are some good lines and funny scenes sprinkled throughout the movie. Marcia Gay Hardin plays the most memorable character in the film. The movie will only be in theaters for a short time, and then it will head to Showtime at the end of October.
I found Confess, Fletch to be mildly entertaining and had a little surprise at the end. I am surprised that it was as good as it was, considering the very short length of time allowed for filming. I will give this one 3 out of 5 stars.
