Fletch (Jon Hamm) is exploring the house he rented in Boston when he discovers a dead woman. Soon, detectives Monroe (Roy Wood Jr.) and "Griz" (Ayden Mayeri) are on scene to investigate. Monroe says it will be much easier if Fletch just confesses. Fletch counters by offering to assist since he was a somewhat famous investigative reporter. When asked why he is in Boston, he claims it is to research a book. In fact, Count Clementi Arbogastes De Grassi (Robert Picardo) hired him to locate several stolen paintings, two of which were resold by Mr. Horan (Kyle MacLachlan), a Boston art dealer. To further complicate matters, Countess De Grassi (Marcia Gay Hardin) arrives in Boston to demand a progress report on 'her' paintings. Additionally, Fletch is having an affair with the Count's daughter, Angela (Lorenza Izzo).
Though a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the novel, the most noteworthy change is the lack of Inspector Flynn. Flynn's appearance in the novel launched a series of Flynn mysteries and those rights were not available. Thus, Detective Monroe is his replacement. However, Monroe is overshadowed by his partner, Griz. Whereas Flynn's sidekick was mostly a mute notetaker, Monroe's is the brains of the operation while Monroe is literally asleep in many scenes. Though I was skeptical of Jon Hamm as Fletch, he is quite good in the role. In fact, he is much closer to the literary Fletch than Chevy Chase. He doesn't do goofy disguises and slapstick silliness. He's got the smart aleck comments and the clever social engineering to convince strangers to talk to him.
The movie ends with talk of Walter March, a character from Fletch's Fortune; clearly, there is a path to a sequel. Sadly, that looks unlikely. It only opened a week ago and yet is only playing in one theater here. The box office is unimpressive, and I've seen no ad campaign for it.
Good popcorn fun!
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