6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
After becoming the prime suspect in multiple murders, Fletch strives to prove his innocence while simultaneously searching for his fiancé's stolen art collection.
Starring: Jon Hamm, Roy Wood Jr., Annie Mumolo, Ayden Mayeri, Lorenza IzzoCrime | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Can we just take a second and appreciate the gift to mankind that is Jon Hamm? Can't put my finger on precisely what it is, but somewhere between the charm, snark, humor, eye-twinkle, brow-steeling and gravitas, which co-exist in Hamm through some weird cosmic equilibrium, the Mad Men scene stealer is a gravitational well that draws in anyone who watches. Confess, Fletch -- the long gestating revival of a classic PI that hasn't appeared on screen since 1989's Fletch Lives, Chevy Chase's second and final portrayal of the character -- has gone through development hell for decades. Kevin Smith and Jason Lee were attached at one point, however promising or problematic that might have turned out, as were plenty of others. But it was finally Hamm and director/co-writer Greg Mottola who cracked the code with a psuedo-sequel/relaunch/reboot based on Gregory Mcdonald's 1976 novel of the same name. And yet... something feels off. Hamm is terrific, pitch perfect, now the quintessential Fletch in my mind. But the rest of the cast is often... sleepy. Almost checked out. Matching Hamm's performance, which suits Fletch to a T, but doesn't exactly make for a swirling comedy noir around his baseball-capped head. No one is bad, or phoning it in. It all just plays small, like a filler episode of a TV series, and the lack of real stakes holds the film back. Oh, there's a lot of fun to be had. Just don't expect a Fletch revival that'll pull the PI out of permanent cinematic retirement. This is a one-off at best, and by credits end, I was sad to realize Confess probably represents the detective's return to screen retirement.
Paramount's 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation certainly looks the part. Stylized, gold-toned hues flank convincing skintones and occasionally poppy hues to create a warm and inviting, suitably playful image full of throwback-genre verve and moxie. Black levels aren't exactly bottomless but are dark and brooding, perfect for the neo-noir overtones of the comedy. Likewise, detail doesn't come on too strong but is clearly as sharp and revealing as it was meant to be. Fine textures are crisp, edges are nicely defined, and delineation is quite good, particularly when Fletch finds himself sneaking around in the shadows of naturally lit nighttime apartments and other crime scenes. There also isn't any banding or other issues of note. Grain is a bit heavy at times but hails from the original photography. Altogether, it's a strong, deceptively effortless presentation that captures its filmmakers' intentions without much, if anything, to complain about.
Deceit is the name of the game with Paramount's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, which is so subtle and subdued at times that casual listeners might not even notice how good the film's sound design actually is. Voices are crystal clear, nicely weighty and grounded, and well prioritized within the soundscape, never overwhelmed by the film's effects or music. But its the rear channels that'll catch your attention. Pans are silky smooth, sure. Listen closer, though, and you'll notice how full and believable the soundfield is, whether it's the distant, muffled street noise through townhouse windows, the hustle and bustle just out of sight at a news office, the rustle of wind and leaves in a yard as Fletch slips past police tasked with watching him, or the lapping of waves during a meeting-gone-wrong on a yacht. Again, you couldn't be faulted for shrugging your shoulders, but there's soundfield art at work here. Add to that equally stealthy but no less notable LFE support and pinpoint directionality and you have a lossless experience that earns its keep.
No special features? With an iconic slacker PI like Fletch? Come on, Paramount. Show some love!
Confess, Fletch is somehow everything I wanted and not enough. I love Fletch. I love the Chevy Chase movies. I've even read a book or two of his misadventures. And I love Jon Hamm in the title role. But the movie at his back doesn't propel him nearly as far as his performance pulls up the rest of his surroundings. Hamm is brilliant casting for Fletch. The PI with a heart of meh, though, deserves better than the small stakes case he's given here. Thankfully, Paramount delivers an excellent AV presentation that doesn't miss a beat. Until, that is, you search for special features and find none. Fans will be pleased. Newcomers will be split.
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