My initial reaction to the news that Jon Hamm was taking on the role of Fletch, was one of surprise, bordering on shock. Although that may have had more to do with the idea of the tenacious but quirky investigative reporter, made famous by Chevy Chase back in the 80's, returning to the big screen, than Hamm's actual casting. Either way, it did seem strange to try to revive a character so synonymous with Chevy Chase and his whacky, improv style. It would almost be like recasting Indiana Jones or Jim Rockford! However, in reality this couldn't be further from the truth. Confess, Fletch is a very different Fletch movie, featuring a very different Fletch. It's a fun, almost light-hearted murder mystery, filled with bizarre characters - all brought to life by an amazing cast. Almost every one of them is a potential suspect, which should at the very least keep you guessing. It's far from Chevy Chase's level or style of goofy, but it's still silly fun.
Adding to the insanity - or mostly causing it - is the man himself; Irwin M. Fletcher. Jon Hamm is a delight as this lunatic who also happens to be a half-decent investigator. Like Chase's take on the character, you can see the brilliance behind his insanity. But that's pretty much where the similarities end, as Hamm more than puts his own mark on Fletch, bringing with him his signature roguish charm. Putting this Fletch about halfway between the character found on the pages of Gregory McDonald's books and the one played by Chevy Chase - a happy medium, you could say. Hamm's reunion with Mad Men co-star, John Slattery, is a particular highlight - although Slattery's reunion with his Spotlight co-star, Gene Amoroso, could be even more enjoyable, and certainly more surprising. But what would a Fletch movie be without newspaper editor Frank Jaffe? And Slattery gets to be a joyfully obnoxious, foul-mouthed version of the character. Something Slattery does very well!
What is clear from his performance is just how much Hamm loves this character. The same goes for writer/director Greg Mottola, who along with Hamm gave up a chunk of his salary to secure extra filming days. Somehow they have managed to make Fletch more real life(ish) person than comedy character, whilst maintaining his rather gonzo approach to everything. Watching Fletch insert himself into the investigation while also trying to avoid the police is hilarious. There are even times when - quite inexplicably - he seems to be both one step ahead and two steps behind. Given the impressive way in which Hamm and Mottola have breathed life into this almost forgotten character, it's a real shame that Miramax have allowed Confess, Fletch to slip through a small cinema release and a digital release with barely a whisper. In fact, seeing how well the pair have brought Fletch into the 21st century, and taking into account the many great books to draw inspiration from, Confess, Fletch could be the beginning of a really fun series of movies. The continuing adventures of Fletch, if you will. In which John Slattery yells at Jon Hamm a lot. Larry (Anna Osceola) would be there too! Who doesn't want to see that?
As it stands, Greg Mottola is working on a script for a sequel, but he doesn't think it will get made. I for one, hope it does!
Despite my early scepticism, Confess, Fletch is a triumph. Funny, chaotic, and at times utterly ridiculous. Also there's an intriguing murder mystery and some missing paintings. Jon Hamm is fantastically unhinged as the lunatic investigative reporter, and somehow rather down to Earth. Hopefully we will get to see him do it again very soon!
8/10
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