Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Fletch

film

Fletch

1985

When investigative reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher goes undercover to write a piece on the drug trade at a local beach, he's approached by wealthy businessman Alan Stanwyk, who offers him $50,000 to murder him. With sarcastic wit and a knack for disguises, Fletch sets out to uncover Stanwyk's story.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains crude humor, strong language, themes of drug use, and some violence. It is best suited for teenagers who can appreciate the satire and understand the complex plot. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Features real-world brands like American Express as part of the narrative humor.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Stanwyk is shot and killed, and the plot repeatedly centers on planned murder and a faked death.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief, non-gory depictions of injury during the climax.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Profanity and insulting language recur throughout the fast-paced comedy, generally at mild to moderate strength rather than extreme levels.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist initiates a romantic relationship with a character met during his investigation.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some tense moments involving life-threatening situations for the protagonist.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Suggestive dialogue, flirtation and sexual innuendo occur, but there is no explicit sexual activity or sexual nudity.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Drug trafficking and heroin use or addiction are central to Fletch's undercover reporting and the criminal scheme.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Threats, chases, a fight over a gun, and a character being shot and killed; violence is brief and framed within a comic thriller.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Fletch continues investigating despite threats, police pursuit, and an attempted killing, showing considerable nerve and persistence.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Fletch uses disguises, improvisation, deduction, journalism, and inventive social manipulation to uncover the scheme.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited diversity within the primary cast.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Highlights the importance of investigative research.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is not a central theme, though the hero helps expose corrupt individuals.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The story favors investigative persistence and exposing corruption, while presenting fraud, infidelity, drug crime, and abuse of power as harmful or corrupt.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Fletch is a charismatic but unconventional investigator who often cuts corners.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in Fletch would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Fletch, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating